North Carolina Courage top Chicago Red Stars 3-1

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Meredith Speck scores North Carolina's 3rd goal of the game

Meredith Speck scores North Carolina's 3rd goal of the game.

Updated: Jul 18, 2024, 01:27 am

The North Carolina Courage defeated the Chicago Red Stars 3-1 at WakeMed Soccer Park on Sunday.

Mallory Swanson opened the scoring for Chicago in the 12th minute with a left-footed shot from the center of the box that found its way into the bottom right corner. However, North Carolina quickly responded four minutes later when Tyler Lussi netted a right-footed shot from close range, assisted by Brianna Pinto.

Injuries forced an early substitution for Chicago as Jameese Joseph was replaced Ally Schlegel in the first half. The teams went into halftime tied at 1-1.

Ashley Sanchez put North Carolina ahead in the second half with a right-footed strike from outside the box in the 51st minute. 

Meredith Speck sealed victory for North Carolina with an impressive left-footed finish from inside the box after receiving a cross from Bianca St-Georges in minute 81.

A late header attempt by Chicago's Ally Cook was saved comfortably by Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy.

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