After the North Carolina Courage kicked off their season with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Racing Louisville, head coach Sean Nahas made an insightful remark: “We play a certain brand, and it’s not going to be perfect all the time.” This sentiment captures the essence of a team navigating its identity amid the pressures of a new season.
When Nahas refers to the “certain brand,” he’s highlighting the possession-based game the Courage embraced last year. This strategic style helped them control games, as evidenced by their impressive stats from 2024, where they boasted an average possession of 57%—an even more encouraging 66% against Louisville. But possessing the ball doesn’t always equate to wins, and the Courage learned that lesson the hard way last season.
During their opener, the Courage put together 15 total shots, with six hitting the target, resulting in an expected goal count of 1.3 against Racing. While those numbers might seem decent on paper, they feel painfully familiar, echoing the struggles of an offense that managed only 1.23 goals per game in the previous regular season. Despite returning key players who accounted for a staggering 91.7% of their playing time and adding a star like Jaedyn Shaw from the San Diego Wave, many fans hoped for a more potent attack from the Courage.
Focusing on the Courage’s offensive strategy, it became clear that predictability plagued their initial gameplay. Throughout much of the match, they leaned heavily on fullback Ryan Williams to drive the action, creating a pattern that quickly became apparent to both the players and spectators. In fact, Williams notched the most touches among Courage players and was influential in their advances down the right flank. However, as the game progressed, it became increasingly obvious that North Carolina’s methods weren’t as dynamic as hoped.
It often seemed that every attack followed a similar groundwork: starting from their defensive three-back formation, progressing through Williams, executing a give-and-go with the deep-lying midfielders, then arriving unceremoniously in the attacking third. A staggering 55% of their passes into the box originated from the right side, illustrating an over-reliance on a single approach.
While Williams enjoyed a standout performance, contributing nearly 30 more touches than his fellow fullback Feli Rauch, it raised concerns about the team’s offensive creativity. If all their attacking endeavors began to feel repetitive, that predictability may limit their effectiveness against stronger opponents.
On the flip side, once the ball reached the offensive territory, it was second-year player Manaka Matsubuko who emerged as a bright light, showcasing her skills excellently. She received the most progressive passes among Courage players, made significant strides in the attacking third, and even occupied spaces within the Louisville 18-yard box. Lining up as a hybrid No. 9/10, Manaka maneuvered creatively, finding openings that Jaedyn Shaw frequently left behind.
Nahas praised the fluid connection between Manaka and Shaw, emphasizing Shaw’s capability to spread the field—something he wanted her to do to create space and opportunities. However, the ideal scenario didn’t fully translate into reality. According to Nahas, while Shaw did show glimpses of her playmaking ability, the lack of supporting runs from her teammates hindered their overall offensive flow. The numbers certainly reflected those struggles, as Shaw recorded the lowest passing and carrying stats compared to other players on the field.
For fans of the Courage, it’s crucial to keep the panic at bay. Shaw, despite a quiet opener, is undeniably a remarkable talent. Last season, she impressed many, leading all attacking midfielders in “passing goals added” metrics—her subpar initial outing likely rings hollow in the grand scheme of a long season ahead.
It’s important to remember that one match shouldn’t set the tone for the entire season, especially considering Nahas pointed out the team had only a short three weeks to gel together during preseason due to an international break. The starting lineup against Louisville had played together only once before the match, which certainly could impact how well they executed their game plan.
So, while North Carolina has exciting potential, fans can only hope the strategy evolves past the predictable “drive up the right side and play into the box” approach. The season stretches ahead, and like any good narrative, it’s bound to twist and turn as the Courage further develop their identity and find their rhythm. The come-from-behind excitement and potential for growth are what make sports worth watching, aren’t they?
Image Source: National Women’s Soccer League @ YouTube
