SAN DIEGO WAVE VS NORTH CAROLINA COURAGE | 2024 NWSL SEASON | FULL MATCH 08.09.24 #AM13

[Music] I'm going to get to the point quickly um I'm retiring my name is Alex Gorgan and I'm number one and I play left forward soccer has been a part of me for 30 years Morgan what we find there it is Morgan was one of the first things that I ever loved and I gave everything to this Sport and what I got in return was more than I could have ever dreamed of success for me is defined by never giving up and giving your all or I'm giving my all every single day on the field giving my all in the Relentless push for Global investment in women's sports because we deserve that Charlie came up to me the day and said that when she grows up she wants to be a soccer player it just made me immensely proud not because I wish for her to become a soccer player when she grows up but because a pathway exists that even a 4-year-old can see now I just want to thank the fans for always supporting us being there showing up day in and day out teammates coaches staff everyone who has played a part in my career has played some part that has made me who I am today an artist in her canvas Alex Morgan r a shot 50 go for still looking for a winner Go Alex Morgan so shaped into me because of you because of soccer and I am forever grateful it's been a ride thank you [Music] going away a match for Alex Morgan and now as we look at the starting lineup for S Diego brought to you by Ally here is how they will line up tonight yeah and this is very much a possession oriented team under interim head coach L and Donovan that means it starts with GMA Wesley they'll be looking to build out of the back being the ones who set the tempo doniac van Eggman they'll will be the anchors in the threat in 1 V one situations meanwhile there is another team tonight I know we haven't Ted about the North Carolina courage yet they're here to spoil the party here's how they'll start yeah and row in that left back Position will come into back into the starting lineup at times she'll push into the Midfield creating uh a box or a numerical advantage that's where they'll look to dominate but there is a wrinkle to this team not only about possession it is about trying to stretch the game in behind Lucy can win on the road that's their challenge tonight just one win away from home on the season for the courage let's love the game one last time with Alex Morgan tonight from San Diego Snapdragon Stadium hosting this historic match the 150th regular season nwsl match for Alex Morgan it will be her last San Diego in the white tops blue shorts and then North Carolina in the darker blue on the road tonight courage coming in with a record of 98 and one but as I mentioned just one of those wins coming on the road and their last Road match they had to play through a lot of emotion too it was the Jersey retirement ceremony for Megan rapino that North Carolina really had right up until the very end and then Seattle scoring in stoppage time technically ruled an own goal but either way they got the rapino celebration after the goal they got the win San Diego on the attack you have to imagine Lori that everybody in white right now is thinking I'm going to try to find number 13 ball in the Box not too close to Morgan well absolutely we know that she's going to be unlimited minutes we don't know exactly how many minutes that's going to be but looking to be direct that is one thing that we've heard from Lon Donovan the inter term head coach for San Diego is yes they want to dominate possession possession they want to dominate the ball see if they can control majority of the game but at the same time they need to have a bit more of a vertical threat even pointed out Alex Morgan and her ability to do that inside the Box how dangerous she can still be and and so finding her early on is going to be key seeing if they can put North Carolina under pressure and then on the other side for North Carolina as we mentioned just managing these emotions as well because it is exciting for them all of the players in one way or another would have been impacted from the presence and the work that Alex Morgan has put on the field and off the field and so they'll be feeling this celebration as well but it is professional sport so it's about putting that behind you and getting and taking care of business here away from home for a team that's in the playoff hunt but going to be trying to put themselves in a HomeField advantage in the playoffs Ashley Sanchez touching it for a moment for North Carolina now the courage coming down that far side ball bouncing out of play it will be a North Carolina corner so some good pressure being applied here early on by the courage first meeting of the season for these two teams they'll play again not too long from now October 5th in North Carolina well one of the additions that we actually thought it was being Courtney Vine the Australian that was getting the start in this game but it does look like Bianca St George on that right side F some Pace ability to get in behind milia Berkeley with the service aheer goal North Carolina has come to spoil the party my goodness North Carolina just taking care of business Haley Hopkins getting on the end of the corner kick and scoring here in the opening minutes for the courage it's a fantastic start for North Carolina and you can see Haley Hopkins just starts on this near side no one sees her and then makes a great run just to be able to meet the ball it's whipped in with Pace all she has to do is make good contact redirect it you can see the push off the extension from kayin Sheridan trying to get something on it just placed perfectly from Hopkins to put the away team up one Z and a dream start for North Carolina in the celebration game of Alex Morgan here at snapjack snapd Dragon stadium and what an encouraging start for a team that as we said has struggled on the road and by the way thank you for that Bianca St George point out because I was just looking down at my notes quizzically wondering the exact same thing we certainly did expect to see Courtney Vine out there but instead it's the Canadian International Bianca St George in her spot Alex Morgan in the Box Tak Mak a shot Casey Murphy saying not this time oh that may have been the moment well it's whether HT to gives the ball away unnecessarily deep in North Carolina's own half trying to do a little bit of a back heel to try to keep possession lands right to Alex Morgan typically doesn't miss from that angle always wanted to get on her left foot trying to whip it into that far Corner good save from Murphy sends it out for a corner kick let's see if San Diego can follow suit North Carolina scoring on their first corner now it's the waves turn Morgan still hovering around in the area but the ball right back to Murphy in goal and we'll see if Courtney Vine is available to come off the bench in this game he said we we thought the Australian International was going to be the starter on that right wing for North Carolina Bianca St George similar profile to Courtney Vine but they do both do give this North Carolina team a little bit of nuance a different Wrinkle in the attack we mentioned one of the most possession oriented teams in this league they become become known as that team but without carolene with some injuries haven't really been able to stretch teams now with St George Lucy In the Mix as well carolene on her way back hopefully for the courage all of a sudden the dynamic of this team changes considerably we'll see how they use utilize that against San [Music] Diego Alex Morgan a Golden Boot winner in 2022 in this league a shield winner last season with the wave you could list off any number of championships that she's been a part of for club and Country just an incredible career on and off the field for Alex Morgan over the last 15 years remember when she was nicknamed baby horse that's about the same time Lor right you guys were making those No Angels out in Utah she was starting her career yeah just lights out in terms of goal scoring her left foot my goodness so consistent there's Bianca yeah making things happen again St George San Diego under some durest here in the opening moment Sanchez's shot is now safely in the gloves of kayin Sheridan well I like the approach from North Carolina to start this game because they are looking to see if they can press a little bit higher but also be a bit more direct and we've already mentioned it but that's what St George will give you on that right hand side the ability to take on 1 V one she'll be dynamic decisive with her movements able to keep that ball alive and cause a little bit more chaos an 18 Yard Box defensively for San Diego that I'm sure they want to start this game Naomi GMA certainly one of the top defenders in the world Abby doll keer traded away so Kennedy Wesley that Center back pairing now for San Diego along with GMA deline cascarino one of the newer additions that's a shot that looked like a handball you bet it was you know who's going to take this penalty oh my Alex Morgan perhaps with the opportunity to add one more goal to her resume well this is one of the things that Landon Donovan wants from the San Diego team is GMA Wesley the two center backs to drive forward gain some territory that's where this starts because then they're able to find cascarino the DC is allowed to be able to join in and then it's that shot that creates the handball and here it is Alex Morgan at the spot inner final game hoping to put this one away and tie this game at ones if you don't have Goosebumps running up and down your arms right now I just don't think you're human her family you can see her husband up there watching in the Box shim is there as well crowd realizing what's about to happen and Alex one of the best all time from the spot in this league she's made 10 penalties in her career now she had one saved earlier this season it's been pretty well documented this was not the season Alex hoped to go out on right no goals yet this could be number one and it could also be the last one [Applause] a deep breath from Alex Morgan in her final [Applause] match one more time no Murphy how could she doing her job but spoiling the moment oh my goodness Alex all she can do is laugh you can see the the deep breath here from Alex just trying to compose herself knows it and just almost comes through it a little bit too much because she usually tucks those away in the far post just comes around it makes it a bit easier for Casey Murphy Casey Murphy playing the role of villain tonight in San Diego but doing what she's supposed to do making a big save in gou and you just wonder when will be the last minute for Alex Morgan will it be minute number 13 that would be poetic yeah you can see she just opens up closes her hips just at the last second almost comes around it too much so it's curling towards Casey Murphy instead of trying to tuck it into the far post great opportunity and just going back to that this is one of the things that L Donovan is looking for and he's encouraging from GMA Wesley as I was mentioning the two center backs to drive forward gain some territory that allows for more players to get forward and we will see that throughout this match from doniac at times in this moment right here danak van Eggman they'll play next to each other but it will be daniac the one that will step forward into the attack she was able to get forward because of GMA taking that space created that [Applause] handball North Carolina into the corner on the [Music] attack I don't think Casey Murphy was given a copy of the script to that moment no she was not you know I think that is the biggest thing and one of the biggest things about this career of Alex Morgan is she has felt the weight of the world on her shoulders just knowing how important she's been right the voice that she's had they're able to wiggle their way out of a tight pressure there defensively the San Diego team always willing to step up take the take the moments when needed not shying away from the big moments she said I never stopped betting on myself even with the year she's had the disappointment of not making the Olympic team the way this season has gone just three wins for San Diego no goals for Alex couple of PKS now save she said of course I would still bet on myself when she was asked that question earlier this week said that's that's the only way you succeed is if you try I've given it my all does she stay on side yes she does corner kick coming for the W well just to go off that point that you were just saying I felt that from day one as her teammate coming in as a young college kid just proving that she deserved to be on the national team and she absolutely did lethal left foot consistently scoring goals throughout her career good press to set them up for another corner kick good bending ball in yes San Diego equalizes and that one is for Alex Morgan corner for Corner North Carolina gets it done and then it is Kennedy Wesley the rookie out of Stanford who comes up and puts this away well you felt it coming because they had energy they were working depressed try to turn this North Carolina team over and just the slightest of movement ability to tuck that one in and it's Berkeley in the right position exactly where you want your Center back just tucked up against the the goal post but lets it sneak sneak in through traffic almost doesn't see it as it's coming with Pace do you know what minute that goal occurred in Lori Lindsay 13th minute now that might have pushed Alex's departure back to the 14th minute but I think she'll take the goal that's the way she has always been team before self and now some final hugs as this moment will be one she will remember and all of these fans will remember for a long long time hands that Captain's armband over and a big hug to her goalkeeper kayn [Applause] Sheridan just going to take the boots off right there hang them up oh incredible emotion as Alex Morgan lets it all sink in appears to certainly be trying to hold it together but look this is a a woman who has been open honest vulnerable she's been an athlete an ally an advocate and as someone for so long who has been the f of this sport perhaps more importantly she has also been its voice We join the rest of the crowd as Alex walks off and we say thank you Alex for all you've done [Applause] the dreams that Alex has provided for her daughter Charlie and every little girl watching Every Woman watching if they Wonder can I come back and compete at the highest level as a mom you better believe you can [Applause] you wonder just how much Charlie understands it's happening I remember thinking that too Lori when you and I were both there in Washington DC when that historic moment happened that equal pay was finally brought to the US Women's National Team Alex stood on the field with daughter Charlie in her arms and you thought what better sign could there be for the work that these women have put in to change things for the Next Generation than that right there yeah such a powerful moment right now you hear the the crowd say cheering Alex's name and deserved celebrations all around and what a goal for her team to be able to to get a goal in the 13th minute to tie this game what a response and what a moment for this entire San Diego wave team first professional goal by the way for Wesley one she will no doubt never forget nor will we chance of Alex Morgan continuing to ring out at Snapdragon Stadium finishes her career with 60 goals in the nwsl that's fourth all time nearly had 61 but her team got it done for her instead here they come again the wave Amir Ali by the way the player who came in for Morgan already some good touches from Ali to be able to get herself into this game certainly be the player that's going to look to try to stretch in but she's also good stretch it behind but she's also good with back to her go back to goal so can help link play and that's where doniac in the Midfield can start to join in as well Ali holding up play allow for donak to to get into advanced positions Ashley Sanchez new to the courage this year started every match for goals three assists but it's dispossessed donak playing like a woman possessed for San Diego remember she earned the penalty kick with the pressure she was putting on the North Carolina defense well and there's good movement from San Diego right now they're doing the work to be able to win The Possession turn the ball over and then you get players higher up and it's about sharing the load because you just see Sanchez working back dispossessing Ashley Sanchez and then you have danc in a really good position to be able to get faced up try to go One V one you know this is going to be the difficult part of the game for both of these teams the celebration but then you have to right immediately get back to business and start to execute the game plan yeah because look there are eight matches left in the regular season including tonight for these two teams North Carolina as we've said comes in in the playoff hunt they're currently in fifth they're above that line San Diego with some work to do down in 12 and Wesley by the way I mentioned first career goal in the regular season did have a goal as well in the summer [Music] cup scoring has been tough to come by for the San Diego team it's just the first time they've scored in the first half since June 15th they come in windless in their last 11 and they haven't even LED at home since the last time they managed to get a win that was May 8th on their home field when you wonder how much that game versus Washington the tie last week 1-1 allows them to to build in momentum because not only goals but wins any points have been tough to come by and you just need something to give you a little glimmer of hope Landon Donovan spoke about the team progressing in terms of possession the things that he's looking for you can see that throughout it's just about putting that together for 90 minutes a great response to tie this game but against the North Carolina team that's going to want to have majority of the possession they have to lock things down defensively and then pick their moments when they can go you better be on the edge of your seat every time there's a corner kick in this match there we go again North Carolina strikes again on the set piece FY putting it home aah Berkeley already has a couple of assists in this match oh this is a wonderful ball Just Whipped in because there's so much or so many bodies around kin Sheridan she's not able to come out and make the play make the punch you see that she loses her footage through the traffic but just look at Ral just takes a step backwards gets in front of Naomi GMA and then just rises above and from a defensive standpoint the San Diego wave will be disappointed in conceding two corner kick goals early on in this match but what a header that is through traffic the positioning from Ral but also just the positioning of others to block Sheridan not allowed her to come out and make the play I think the lesson here is a yes pay attention on Corner kicks and B I don't think anybody knows what is going to happen in the rest of this match that is the first NWS goal nwsl goal for hero who is in her first year in the league German international coming off a bronze medal at the Olympics this summer Shan deas in charge of the courage third year as head coach looking on as we wait just to make sure this is official that there wasn't any extra just look at that just look at the positioning there on the the replay of Danny weatherholt she's the one that really allows for roow to be able to get up because she's boxing out shared in making it difficult and that's the key because it's difficult to get up and get a header through traffic but when you have somebody blocking doing some work bodying up not allowing your goalkeeper to come in and be forceful in those moments little details difficult to defend that's a tough spill there for McNab yeah and you're talking about one of the top goalkeepers in the world I mean Kaylin Sheridan nwsl goalkeeper of the year A couple of years ago for San Diego obviously she's gotten a lot of Praise internationally winning gold with Canada at the Olympics in 2021 in Tokyo Alex Morgan now knows her time on the field is done perhaps can take a few deep breaths I saw she was drinking some sort of recovery drink I mean I feel like somebody should probably bring a bottle bu that's what I'm saying who's got it might be in a bottle but it's a cocktail what's your well actually she's pregnant so actually probably not maybe just a a virgin drink Alex yeah there we go oh we haven't had it I promise [Music] so a little bit of chaos through the first 21 minutes in this match to be expected and it's gone both ways Corner kicks at the center of the chaos accounting for all three goals on the scoreboard how good has Malia Berkeley been too well the partnership between her and Kurt have been excellent and it's something that sha nahas has spoke about a ton just the ution of both of them particularly Kurt's and how she almost retired if she wasn't going to make this North Carolina team then sat on the bench and then it wasn't until sha nahas took over as the head coach that she was inserted as a starter as a center back and hasn't looked back such a Mainstay forced to be reckoned with on that back line and really why they're able to play they way they're able to play and build out of the back and keep possession yeah you forget that sometimes out kayy Curts because she rarely leaves the field now for North Carolina that's a good Ball but in the end M goes out of play I think this is going to be the biggest challenge for San Diego in this game because North Carolina and we've seen it for several years now under Sha nahas but they do like to create a box in the Midfield good look at Alex Morgan they're going to see her throughout this game but they do like to create that box in the Midfield so it does give them a numerical advantage and how teams deal with that defensively is the big question because right now San Diego is just pressing with one Ali everyone else is dropping trying to converge but then that allows either Berkeley or Curts to be able to step in the Midfield so they always have a numerical advantage and that's goes back to my point that I was talking about is it's not about trying to outp possess North Carolina when you play them it's about how good you can be defensively and then once you win it how are you solving that pressure how are you solving to be able to get players forward that's where casarino will be a main part in this attack getting her 1 V one in those wide channels particularly on that left hand side as you can imagine we'll have a camera on Alex Morgan quite a bit tonight doesn't matter that she has stepped off the field subbed out in the 14th minute this is her night there's no doubt about that as to whether I will belong to San Diego well that is yet to be determined the wave do score again I'm going to need a little cup of tea celebration though I think in Alex's honor just going to put that into the air another Corner another good look but it's a goal kick at least in the eyes of our referee Brad Jensen God bless him for the job he's going to have to do in this emotional atmosphere tonight well the delivery from both sides has been exceptional to start this game off of corner kicks whipped in right into the mix and both teams a lot of numbers you just have to get something on the body even if you can't win the ball the initial service then just body up your play or don't allow them to get a good look on it Ali intercepting the ball and then just trying to play it off of the defender to earn the corner which she does player who came on for Alex Morgan in this match third-year player with the wave originally drafted by the Portland Thorns and traded to San Diego four time All-American at Ruckers Amir Ali there's deline cascarino so used to seeing her suit up with the French national team and a longtime member of Olympic [Music] Leon cascarino's corner there for the taking and the goal scorer Kennedy Wesley perhaps looking for the brace I'll just bring on the corner kicks in this game cuz every every service looks like it's going to be dangerous Defenders have got to be eating this up and there's the delivery and this time it it's a longer ball to that far post once again is the one that's making contact she scored the game time goal in the 13th minute in the celebration of Alex Morgan almost gets another one there tie this game back up by the way I don't think anybody is enjoying defending the corner kicks I just think the Defenders might be enjoying their offensive opportunities that are coming on the corners phy R for North Carolina then Kennedy Wesley for San Diego Haley Hopkins too scored one but she's an attacking player so a little more than Norm vanman Under Pressure Ashley Sanchez that's got to be a card yeah depending on if we're calling this a foul first on Sanchez which it looks like that's what Jensen's doing but it's an aggressive apprach from Ashley Sanchez and it's good work because she sees that van Eggman takes a bit of a heavy touch a little bit lacks aicle deep in her own half and this is exactly what Shawn nahas wants from Sanchez is her ability to defend even more she has all the tools in the attack can play the final pass excellent in 1v1 situations can combine so crafty but it's the defensive work that he wants to see more of she reads this play tremendously well steps at the right time fortunately for her just gets caught on the foul and now you wonder if an Eggman will think twice the next time she's going to get faced up a little bit quicker or lay that one off first time well that's the idea right that ran Nas was talking to you about last time you saw him we need those players that are going to threaten defenses and and make them dictate a little bit allow North Carolina to dictate a little bit yes we know this is a team that can keep possession but can they be dangerous yeah they have to have a goal threat consistently and they know that starts with their Collective on the defensive side of the game and Sanchez particularly of those players in those Central areas at times we we'll step up next to Hopkins the center forward to then push a team to one side but if she can win it they want her to go and be aggressive he'll be happy with that start defensively from Sanchez Denise o salivan long time North Carolina courage Captain two-time nwsl champion in her career for the Irish international number 10 in the middle in blue usually running things in the Midfield the courage is having their [Music] Way Berkeley Hopkins still there for Sanchez one Hopkins is one of those players that started out wide on that front line last game against Kansas City and then in the second half they moved her into the center forward switched her with Courtney Vine and was much more effective because Hopkins back to goal as we just saw in that previous play on this near side can keep possession allows for others to join into the attack and that was key because Vine was getting beat to a lot of those balls but Hopkins can hold up play user body well Tyler Lucy on the [Applause] Move throw in coming for North [Music] Carolina hydration break happening now so both teams will get a little respit we all need it after those first 30 minutes so much going into this on this night where we say goodbye and see the closing of Alex Morgan's career on the soccer fields and just so impressive Lori this just for the most part she's a New York Times bestselling author as well but looking what she has done on the field so impressive yeah it's exceptional and throughout all of those we see that in 2022 she was Golden Boot in inds but throughout this entire time 123 International goals just exceptional the amount that she found the back of the net from start to finish in her career always finding ways to reinvent herself as she was growing and evolving in her career Just Smiles all around Charlie Always by side love it talked to Alex earlier this year she calls Charlie her little mini me and she is and she's been ever present and you think about you know what the life of a professional athlete is like Lori how busy you are how little time to yourself you have and Alex would talk about you know we'd be on the road and I might want to go take a nap or something after training but Charlie wants to go out and go to the park or go to the museum so that's what we do well I think it was Nami germa that asked the question in the press conference if Charlie can continue to travel with him as a team so listen there might be some times she's like Yes actually would be great one tough mother Alex Morgan we appreciate all the times we've been able to watch her throughout her career and we appreciate the joy of seeing Charlie there as well it's a little bit of a Charlie cam Happening Here I'm I'm not sad about it oh I'm into it let get her in the booth that's next we'll work on it okay I think as long as we provide candy which if anybody knows us that typically is a staple that we have in the booth I think we got a shot [Applause] yeah we appreciate those of you watching with us tonight look we know it's a lot we know there is a match happening as well but I think when the news of Alex Morgan's retirement broke which just 3 days ago on Thursday you also knew this match was going to be about something more and typically we always follow the the game is the most important and and we understand that for these players it is but there was also a big story happening in San Diego tonight that I think we're all aware of back in Action now after that hydration break 2-1 our score twice North Carolina going in front all three goals coming via the corner kick in this match Alex Morgan with a penalty kick that was saved and she would probably tell you you know what it's about how this year's gone it just hasn't been the way she thought it would go but nonetheless her team found a way to get it done came back and tied it couple of minutes later and North Carolina going up again and this is a North Carolina team you mentioned it earlier Lori without carolene the reigning nwsl MVP the Brazilian International did appear with Brazil in their silver medal run at the Olympics this summer but we've yet to see her back in the nwsl since then just picked up a bit of an injury that she's close on we're being told similarly Jaden Shaw very close to coming back for San Diego and Landon Donovan in Rim head coach who you just saw well and that's the big the biggest challenge for both of these teams is having a full Squad of their players North Carolina carolene for one some other injuries as well that Sydney Collins who's been out significantly they expected her to play uh and important part this season Canadian International so having to adjust pieces having to move players around same with San Diego important players that have been out or have moved on from the team so it's a constant in some ways more more specifically to San Diego than North Carolina but constant rotation of players makes it challenging karino coming back to defend as Sanchez is trying to make something happen for North Carolina Ben Eggman now Australian International [Applause] Kristen Westfall only change for the wave in the backline to start tonight from their last match one-1 draw against Washington good ball across [Applause] GMA ball taken [Applause] away there's a lot of room in the Midfield both teams quite stretched that's a good ball though from Sanchez just to find Lucy in the wide channels Lucy will get it back in the box with the left foot off the [Applause] post safe to say this is as dangerous as North Carolina has looked on the road at any point this season we've seen them they've been excellent at home coming off a really impressive win I know you called Lori with some bad weather they but 2-1 over the Kansas City current well they've been a a bit more Dynamic than we typically see them there is space as I was just mentioning in the Midfield both teams getting quite stretched but because of that it's allowing this North Carolina team that's a bit of a heavy ball from Hopkins trying to find St George but it's allowing for North Carolina just to play to the strengths of that front line especially in the wide areas so they're able to go a bit more direct and it starts right here with Lucy just getting in the position I initially thought she narrowed her positioning a bit too much and too early on but then she takes the strike really well nearly tucks it into that far post gets all of that ball unfortunate for the left Winger four goals on the season for [Music] Lucy San Diego the other way over the top for cascarino Sanchez in the middle barcz the teenager calling for it and was open right around the penalty spot perhaps not the best decision there from cascarino on the shot well this is why Lena Donovan says that she is their biggest goal threat on that front line especially when she gets in wide areas can get faced up the France team sometimes plays as an outside back but obviously can play higher up as well but the key is getting her in those 1 V one situations where she gets isolated a and then can go herself cut inside or go in line difficult to defend when you have a player like her quality of her quality running at you there is Barcena she is a magician with the ball at her feet gets the shot off takes a deflection out of bounds corner kick on the way for the wave well I love this from Barson is because it's direct she knows that she has all the moves to be able to beat a player but then can you have that final product with it and she gets a shot off earns the corner kick forces Berkeley just have to keep her arm tucked in so she's not called for a handball in that situation but this is what you want to see out of this young player taking players on creating chances moments and earning set pieces ball bent in bouncing around barcus remember just 16 years old one of the youngest players in the nwsl one of the players Alex Morgan was known no doubt referring to at her press conference when she said you know I realize that there are some players on this team that are closer in age to my daughter and to me that's what you know that's how I knew that's when you were yeah maybe you need to be retiring but it's also a credit to the pathway being there for young players I didn't have a kid but I think my coach was younger younger than me and I'd been playing soccer longer than he'd been alive so I wasn't going to rip on you out time Fair we just got a lot of time left to this game yeah don't worry I'll get to it I know a lot really had to happen for all the broadcasts to come together for this match was originally scheduled to be on nwsl plus which obviously if you're hearing this and you're still watching it here so thanks for hanging out with us but but a lot of credit goes to NWS heal commissioner Jessica Burman who understood this historic moment of Alex's retirement and it's really a historic way that the league and all of its broadcast Partners came together to cover this moment when you think about CBS Sports Prime video ESPN all simoc casting this event that's the first time ever yeah that something like that has happened for a women's professional sport I mean it really speaks to a the hard work that has gone on in a very short amount of time behind the scenes for which we are so appreciative of all of our people working to make this happen and it also speaks to the Legacy that Alex Morgan has [Music] left Billy rope Lucy went for the volley well there's a great example of row just tuck inside as an extra Midfield from that left hand or left back position and just floats that ball in Lucy does have more time she can actually bring that ball down and try to hitting it first time give herself a bit more credit to be able to bring that ball down and then go herself right in front of goal some awkward touches there defensively for San Diego will conc the corner third of the match for North Carolina wave have already had six attempts from the corner and well get ready the first two from North Carolina wound up in the back of the net this is corner kick number three and Berkeley not taking this time instead it will be [Applause] hero and a different look and now here comes Berkeley she wants another assist a hattick of assists perhaps his Hopkins trying to get on the end of it as well just glances off her head maybe a bit too much Pace drive on that ball for her to be able to redirect it should be a name for that by the way when you get three assists in a game what do you think we should we come up with one well I can't wait to hear what you come up with let's hope I get the opportunity maybe I'll have some time to think about it a heavy TI trunk doniac but able to recover at least somewhat with the help of her teammates you know I was going to put together an Alex Morgan bingo card for our broadcast I've been waiting for you to bring that out I know I'm sorry I didn't that you were thinking about it it was at lunch you got the Bing card yeah but I didn't actually put the the words in the spaces yet and I didn't share it but I can promise you this pretty much everybody would have a bingo by now I think we got it covered but you know how you play like sometimes you have to cover the whole board maybe we could go for that in the second [Music] half Kaylin Sheridan and San Diego three three and three at home on the season but winless in their last five home matches winless in their last 11 overall it's been a rough go of it this season for San Diego obviously Casey Stony was let go a year after leading this team to the nwsl shield ouch and Landon Donovan at the moment in the interim role and there is commissioner Jessica Burman of course on hand for this match tonight helping to really push this league forward in every way we had the recent collective bargaining agreement which was massive terms of the rights for players Julie had it next to her chief marketing officer as well for the nwsl both soaking in this moment integral part and putting this together and really understanding the importance of this moment the impact it could have as well and just again to reiterate everyone behind the scenes in such a short amount of time to pull this off I mean the amount that goes in just these individual games but then when you have all of these Sim cast going on at once tremendous amount of work behind the scenes Berkeley with some space and we know she loves to take that space she's been that way since her days of Florida State the marauding center back which Finds Its way up to St George North Carolina makes it three [Applause] Bianca St George has been active and dangerous since we realized she was in this game in the opening minutes wasn't originally supposed to be in the starting 11 but she is and she gives North Carolina a two goal lead well it's great recognition from Berkeley no one steps to her so she takes the space but what a all that is to be able to curl it in behind McNab and St George with her positioning keeps herself wide and still has so much work to do takes that down perfectly cuz there's been there's Pace on it right there first touch to be able to set herself up does get a little deflection off mnap might be considered an own goal that would be her second in the in as many games be unfortunate for the left back but what a first touch for St George to be able to get off a quick second touch to execute that find the back of the net create even more separation in this score line against San Diego w just going to wait to see if that is officially official cuz Lori you know who had the assist right I thought I'd at least have tell halftime to come up with a good name for the Triple assist well listen oh one of the things too here on this goal and taking nothing away from Berkeley recognizing where the space is but when a team wants to keep possession when we talk about the overloads and a player like roow being able to pinch in creating the box in the Midfield then you have to get compact defensively this San Diego team look at the amount of space that this North Carolina team has to operate to get in between the lines it's just way too easy defensively from a San Diego perspective have to get more condensed and now this is a North Carolina team that will be happy just to keep possession get more numbers forward Ashley Sanchez he'll put it into play but yeah this is a Juiced North Carolina team right now they're feeling it match has settled down and we've all realized it is a match and it's one that's really important to North Carolina in particular well and specifically I think when you look at at San Diego yes there's one aspect if you want to keep possession you want to build you want to control the game with the ball but that only comes when you do the work on the other side to to earn the ability to keep possession you dispossess the team you make it difficult make it uncomfortable for them and Berkeley goes on a 20 yard run just splits lines to be able to find St George in a wonderful position ooh this ball gets past everybody including Murphy but in the end it will trickle harmlessly out of bounds as you may have noticed we're into nine minutes of stoppage time but these you understand most of those coming when Alex Morgan said her goodbyes and the referees understandably allowing her the time as she came off [Music] and just the second time this season San Diego typically pretty stingy defensively so the second time on the season they've given up three goals and that's an entire match we haven't even made it to halftime yet Shan nahas you can't tell cuz he keeps that poker face on all the time Lori but you think he is pleased with what he's seen from his team so far I think he'll be delighted with the score line given everything that's gone on in this first half there's been water break obviously the celebration and rightfully so for Alex Morgan and then conceding that goal after going ahead so and with all those scenarios and everything that's happening I think it'll be extreme happy with the separation and getting that third goal they can keep it this way going into halftime but I think he'll be wanting this team to tidy things up in possession can they pick better moments continue to recycle the ball went on but varying their attack is it on to go are they playing High Line San Diego so can they exploit that space in behind if not start to move it around use the ball to your advantage and don't allow San Diego to get themselves back into this game hey I was totally paying attention you just them but also also I was also repeat what I said n you covered it uh here's what I came up with you ready okay so first of all Berkeley is just the second ever North Carolina player to have three assists in one game how about the hat rack cuz that's what you hang the hats on the hat rack you can't have a hat trick yeah I actually like it I don't really want to admit it but I'm actually a big fan yay all right let's make it work everybody somebody send that out in a hashtag or whatever you young kids do I you're pretty good at coming these things band wagon the 2020/2021 Olympics thank you for remembering my bandwagon we're all on it now no doubt well we were all on it then too but we need to get a good one for Tima shinga who just can't stop scoring for Kansas City an incredible League record eight straight games that the Golden Boot leader has scored in she has 15 now on the season for the Kansas City current who sitting in third place at the moment in the table Orlando at the top they won again earlier today Marta scoring for the pride Washington Kansas City Gotham and then North Carolina in fifth and with an opportunity to make up some ground on those teams above them now I have no idea what I I would call it if she gets to four but Berkeley's going for it you can bet as we set up another Corner ball from Berkeley won initially by San Diego can see it halftime we'll be looking back at all of the magical moments on this historic night where we say goodbye to Alex Morgan also have our first half highlights [Applause] [Music] [Applause] row let it through Berkeley and CTS holding things down in the back for the courage of Sullivan just in front of them see Ro really pinches in too from her starting spot outside [Music] back can I just give Lor Lindsay's mom a shout out right now because Lori you had four assists in one game I think it's a lie I think it's Li I don't remember that I do not what did you call it I even had that I trust your mom my mom is also the one at TST that thinks I still have it the hello you won thank you you did you're a valuable part of that Winning Side look we are we are an open book here if you hear something that you want on the broadcast you know how to reach us hit us up especially our moms San Diego looking to finish the half strong Ali was calling for it in the middle cascarino can create Sanchez L and Donovan really liking her at that attacking Midfield spot ideally would like to have Jaden Shaw next to her trying to get Shaw fully health he said we potentially could see Shaw tonight obviously wants to be really careful make sure she's fully ready to go coming back from injury barcus put it right into the feet of [Music] Sanchez from one young Prodigy to another remember Ashley Sanchez was really one of the first to leave college early when she left UCLA and then barcus of course part of this new crop that didn't even go to college has a pathway now to come straight into the nwsl Wesley had her first nwsl regular season goal in the 13th minute on this night where San Diego and the rest of the soccer World honoring celebrating number 13 Alex Morgan but this North Carolina team is not about to fall prey to the script that's been written big penalty kick save from Casey Murphy against Alex Morgan in this first half and then three goals from the courage giving them really a boost of confidence on the road of breaking records Alex Morgan just breaking barriers through throughout her career especially fighting for the rights of women that has certainly been a part of her Legacy that she leaves as she plays her final match tonight off we go for the second half North Carolina as strong as they have looked all year on the road Berkeley for the first time in nwsl history three assists the old hat rack in one half that's never happened in the league before never the league has the word hasn't happened either that's right but now it's a [Music] thing Ryan Williams North Carolina bit short-handed as well couple players away at the u20 World Cup Riley Jackson with the US and Monica matubo with Japan and some injuries you mentioned still no carolene narumi also questionable for this match and Collins out one change for the second half Danny colapro good to see her back she's been questionable and dealing with some injuries as well her second year was Sand Diego after eight years with Chicago We're placing Dak in the Midfield that's your change at halftime there is colapro on the ball for the wave yeah will certainly add continuity connectivity between the line for San Diego really is one of those Main Stays before getting injured and a glue to the team because she likes to get on the ball she likes to move it side to side they need that and that will allow for Van Eggman then at times she'll be the one that gets forward now as Co kpro will be more of the anchor one to help screen the back line when they are in [Music] possession Sanchez having to really come deep to collect for North Carolina GMA keeping it in play gold medalist who played every minute of the Olympics for the US on their run to gold in Paris this summer Kennedy Wesley scoring her first nwsl regular season goal off corner kick earlier tonight that one just Out Of Reach of barcus [Music] FIA Ro also a goal scorer tonight for North Carolina her first career nwsl goal and this her debut season in the league she's really such a delightful personality too had a chance to talk with her a couple of weeks ago FY row and just talked about she's the word privileged as how she felt to be able to play here in the nwsl said she's she's a she's a journaler so she's really trying to notee her time be aware of just all of these experiences and how they can help her grow as a player and she's fit in so nicely to this team and how they want to play and it speaks volumes to this courage team under sha nahas and just what he's attracted in terms of players because they do have a a unique but also a very specific style of play a and you can see that it separates them it's a team that rarely gets out possess asked but it's not just about keeping possession it's about finding ways to create chances and how can you use that even when you don't have some of the talent that you're so used to having of a carolene up top then how do you change that and shift that around a little bit to get even more players to join into attack that still be dangerous and they certainly have done that kept themselves in playoff contention despite some of those injuries rotation of players and what a credit to shanas and his coaching staff Ali had it just taken right off her foot by weather hole but now it is back BARC quick to shoot her shot but it's [Applause] blocked the only thing that San Diego needs to just be mindful of because they're doing such a good job particularly starting with Sanchez as that attacking midfielder number 10 position pressing trying to keep North Carolina pinned in but then they narrow themselves so much barcz on that right hand side comes in cascarino is really the only one that's providing width and look at the numbers North Carolina wants you to go around them they want you to play wide they're happy to clog the central areas and right now at times this Indo team is playing right into that pressure Hopkins under some pressure from Wesley [Music] it's been a lot of player turnover really over the last three years under sha nahas at North Carolina big reboot for this club which had had some success nwsl Champions and shield winners in 2019 North Carolina [Music] [Applause] but look they had to go through really one of the more tumultuous times in this league Paul Riley had been the head coach at North Carolina and he was removed from his position abuse was brought forth and let's not forget that Alex Morgan played a big part in being an ally as helping players be brave enough to step forward and speak their truth and tell their stories and it really has made such a lasting impact yep 100% also chenade Farley one those players for Gotham they're looking at Jenny Chu interviewing commissioner Burman but chenade Farley one of those players that getting her flowers tonight lots of love to chenade FY for all that she's done one of those great players to to come forward speak out as well manim that we saw on the stands here celebrating the retirement of Alex Morgan M lenan now with the athletic really wrote that article that broke it all open so huge credit to her as well I mentioned chenade Farley she was honored tonight Gotham honoring her the postmatch ceremony and I just I loved what she said where she had a really awful time and left the game for a while but then when she saw change happening she saw being people people being held accountable she came back after 8 years away from the game and she was able to find some Joy she was a part of the nwsl championship winning team for Gotham last year and she got to compete at the 2023 World Cup with Ireland making her debut yep was on call for their first game against Australia in Australia witnessing that what a tremendous player and I don't know if she gets enough credit for for that as well I mean just such a smooth midfielder played at the University of Virginia obviously Maya alma mater as well uh but yeah tremendous tremendous person and player deserved retirement and celebration for her as well so a lot of celebrations tonight Ali gets it to barcus the crowd behind the teenager vanen Eggman West ball on that right side making just her seventh start of the Season [Applause] tonight germa stepping through has cascarino [Applause] cascarino such a threat it really hasn't been able to be Unleashed yet in this league but Landon Donovan talking this week about what she can add to that front line when you saw a little Glimpse right there because she does draw two Defenders and Williams doing a good job of flying the pressure this is a tricky player though with cascarino and she continues to grow into the lead grow into this team with San Diego tremendous Talent has the ability to to pull teams apart individually but wise enough as well to to go in combination score goals play on either side of the field so a lot of upside huge ceiling San Diego being caught here a little bit Lori out of position and fortunate really not to have paid for it just really pulled apart tons of space for the courage to work with well we started to see this in the second part of the first half just them getting stretched they're trying to send numbers forward but just not collectively being able to to retreat get numbers behind and it's leaving all kinds of space for North Carolina to not even just pass through them but players to take space that's what led to the third goal in the first half Berkeley just recognizing from that backline no one's going to step and apply pressure so so she'll go herself almost identical in that last attempt just a bit too heavy for St George and then I think she gets caught between whether she's going to take that first touch or just go first time and it slices away from her Sheridan coming well out of her goal Landon Donovan saying we ask our goalkeeper to do things that most other teams don't do he he's tried to really impart confidence in his players in his time a couple of weeks that he's had as the inim coach to be brave to take chances to make mistakes when it happens within the structure of what they're setting up but he wants them to try and he said I I understand it look he gets it you talk about someone who understands what it means to be the face of US soccer Alex Morgan has been that for the women Landon Donovan has certainly been that on the men's side and he gets it as a player wants his players to take chances he needs his goalkeeper too to be brave and come out and assist that backline well sure and certainly will and that's what she's accustomed to playing higher up almost as a 11th player at time GMA my goodness best in the world as a center back and her ability to read the game Wesley's growing into a partnership with her yes they're familiar with one another from Stanford University but still growing into the the professional ranks Wesley getting that earlier goal to tie this game in the 13th minute in celebration of Alex Morgan but these moments right here this is where they're going to have to improve because it's one thing to be really Brave take risks ooh that's a chance and that's when they had to get right Lori those are the moments that you risk enduring and there seemed to be a little bit of miscommunication there between germa and Sheridan they were caught well there certainly was a miscommunication but it also just starts because look how much space there is you get now colapro anytime there's too much space players is going to be diving in looks like Hopkins is still down but here's that miscommunication St George this is what she's on the field to do just be a pest do whatever she can be aggressive to get something on it Sheridan's coming off her line germa is trying to wiggle her way out of the pressure and then just a little toe pooke from St George they get lucky they don't can see a fourth but it starts above that it starts with no one just dropping in getting compact shutting down those Central channels it's too too easy in terms of getting played through Haley Hopkins down now for North [Music] Carolina and St George and Sheridan have no doubt spent some time together both have obviously Sheridan still a part of the Canadian national team and St George has been a part of Team Canada as well former West Virginia [Applause] Mountaineer and so just going back to that previous points one thing yes you I do believe that San Diego team wants to be even more Electric in the attack right we have always known this San Diego team in since their existence has been stingy defensively they were so difficult to break down and conceed goals here's the moments early on in the game when Alex Morgan was subbed off for the last time as a professional soccer player and moments after missing but that penalty kick but then all smiles once Kennedy Wesley at the Ty goal back here's the thing Laura we just need to be ready tonight it can turn into an Alex Morgan moment at any time making a point then no I'm not well what I loved was we we cut that shot of Alex on the bench where like the rest of the team was out there and she was sitting there that look on her face like think I should go out there nah she's already enjoyed her TI as it should be and of course she understands all eyes on her tonight even more so than usual look the Alex Morgan effect is real we used to talk about it in this league the Boost that she would give when her team came to visit other teams the attendance boost the ratings boost well you and leam were talking about it on the previous call in Gotham uh versus whoever they earlier I got myself into a bit of trouble there Houston too and and you were speaking about it well let's see what happened here denying of an obvious goal scoring opportunity what was potentially being looked at it's a red card oh my goodness that was indeed what our referee Brad Jensen deemed to have happened so kayn Sharon is going out of this [Applause] match and San Diego is going to have to find somebody else to step in goal [Applause] wow oh I need another look at this [Applause] one listen I think that's a tough call and youai didn't even any point in time in live play think that this would been a red card to K and shered and because you have Naomi GMA right there yes she comes through but at the same time I don't believe St George is getting to that ball and putting herself in a position in terms of dogo a denial of goal scoring opportunity they're going to have to make a goalkeeping change lot ofage yeah I mean it was the touch from germa that threw off Sheridan who was clearly coming to try to clear the ball and then she has nowhere else to go when you're charging Out full speed like that you know I I appreciate all the communications that we have with the referees Pro referees has done a tremendous job communicating with us as broadcasters I'm going to make a note right now I I want to hear the explanation for that one cuz I do agree that it it feels really harsh in the [Applause] moment Olivia Windgate looks like set to come on for North Carolina and take the place of Hopkins up top couple of other changes also coming here while the goalkeeper change will be made so sure your understanding of how this works obviously San Diego can replace their goalkeeper but they will have to then take off a field player to play the man or the woman in this case down for the rest of the match Hillary Beal is the player called upon to fill the rather sizable shoes of kayin Sheridan for the remainder of this match on her first appearance of the Season as well so it's going to immediately need to get into this game have to get her some touches to build some confidence quickly and it'll be cascarino the one that makes her her way [Music] off NE just joining this San Diego Club this year as lus comes on another Defender to replace van egund Beal came over in a trade from racing Louisville in January she does have I'll get confirmation on that looks like one appearance across all competitions for San Diego but in the regular season this is how she'll start things having to face this free kick from North Carolina Sanchez couldn't test her it is the regular season debut for Hillary Beal and now San Diego down two goals down a player's just really going downhill fast for Landon Donovan and [Applause] [Music] Company interestingly actually the third straight season that kaln Sheridan has earned a red card in the regular season the goalkeepers they're often going to be that last defender back which would bring Dogo into play so if you're aggressive and you cover a lot of ground the way Sheridan does you're going to sometimes put yourselves in difficult situations of course North Carolina could try to be aggressive here but really why would you I mean a two- goal lead you're a really good team at keeping possession not saying you take your foot completely off the gas but now typically you think about a team going a player down they lose their starting goalkeeper the other team starts salivating a little bit says let's go let's try to test this keeper but North Carolina in a really good position right now well it's about balance it's about finding those moments right now as we're seeing them just move it side to side a force San Diego have to chase but then don't put yourself in any sort of position to allow for San Diego to be able to try to sneak one back so just finding their moments picking the the right moments to be able to attack correct decisions on when to be a bit more direct and wi just to take the sting out of the [Applause] game oh Sullivan goes out wide to Ryan Williams North Carolina is having success finding space even when they were even 11v 11 all kinds of timing the Box headed back across but nobody there to get on the end of it well there's a few times with Lucy because she puts herself in such good positions and create some width for herself we've seen this a few times I think she can take this down whether it's off of her chest little good little floated ball in behind instead just tries to power it with her head across frame no Runners there and some of it has to do with the anticipation of Runners just understanding maybe that's her only option but if it's not on can she potentially bring that down with her [Applause] chest and then the second touch be a shot on goal an attempt on [Applause] goal can see Olivia Windgate charging after the ball there up top top player I know shaas thinks really highly of just had to be patient with her was out for really much of the preseason this is just her third appearance of the Season she made her season debut July 7th as a sub scored a goal in that match and she was pretty open about admitting she was just having some mental health struggles actually Sullivan in some pain now and down on the ground for North Carolina gosh that just hurts to watch seeing her in so much pain obviously on the field and what a key player O Sullivan has been in the midfield for this North Carolina Club this her eighth year with either North Carolina or Western New York Western New York Flash a lot of those players moving to North Carolina when this franchise started in 2017 well this is interesting cuz I actually don't think Sanchez Sanchez even touches her yeah there's no [Applause] contact clearly seems to be in considerable pain so I actually initially thought it was a late Challenge and then you could see the replay in some additional monitors that we have no [Applause] contact looks like this will prompt another change for North Carolina not something you typically see O Sullivan coming off she has ever present on the field for this courage Club Carina [Applause] it has been such an emotional atmosphere from the very beginning with all of the pp and Circumstance surrounding Alex Morgan's retirement and then we had just a bevy of goals which always gets the crowd excited three of them in the first 21 minutes of this match North Carolina attacking on another one at the stroke of the halftime where it should have ended 45th minute still had some stoppage time after that in the first half and now just some some moments you don't quite know how to react to goalkeeper being sent off for a red card for the home team and now nobody likes to see a player in pain and that is clearly the situation good to see at least O Sullivan back up at the moment [Applause] sounds like the wave is going around just a guess based on the crowd Acoustics as I said they don't really know what to do with themselves here expect a pretty good number when we do get that final number on the league also in just never before seen territory in terms of overall attendance this year the number 1.5 million that I think we reached across the league number that had never been met before and here we are still with seven matches to go after this weekend boy deniso Sullivan is absolutely as tough as they come whatever was bothering her she's going to try to play through it and carry on [Applause] at the moment it's 10 V10 San Diego playing down a player after kayin sharid and shown red V deeming was a dogo denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity situation so she came off she was replaced by Hillary Beal and go cascarino coming off to account for the player down looks like o salivan back on now to give North Carolina the advantage back on and back on the ball [Music] [Music] getting where there are some changes coming Rihanna Pinto the hero against Kansas City getting the game winner in stoppage time after a weather delay and Bianca St George her impact has certainly been filled tonight scored a goal was a part of that Collision that took kayin Sheridan out of the game so she'll make way and the 19 yold out of Brazil Alini Gomez goes by Alini he'll take her place here's St George's goal 45th minute what a wonderful touch that that first touch was for St George cuz that ball was whipped in with some Pace some curl on it so to take it at speed to collect herself then for the second touch a goal that is Pinto replacing Lucy up top for North Carolina Kurds trying to see this one out pick up what would just must be their second win on the road this season North Carolina has an incredible stretch of 18 straight unbeaten on their home field at wake bed soccer park and Cary North Carolina 80 and one this season but on the road different story and they know it 1 18 and0 on the road for the courage johanos telling us they've tried everything they tried do we go for walks do we talk about this and he said eventually just comes down to we just need to get the job done be competitive and and no more talk about it actually think is the the final decision let's just get it done get the points and the result we need and then get back to business and with those two substitutes of Alini and Pinto coming on it is going to shift some players around Alini will go to that left- hand side Windgate will shift out wide right and then Pinto will essentially occupy that Center forward role but at times and more often than not she will drop in as we're seeing on the ball right now into the Midfield as kind of that deep Ling attacking forward if you will I think I just made that up that position up she will drop into the Midfield as the center forward oh well Lori it's getting a little late but it's not that late we've had nwsl after dark go a lot later than this so it's it's too soon for you to be making stuff up all right I think we understood where you were going Amir Ali came into this match replacing Alex Morgan in the 14th minute Brianna Pinto is a number three overall pick by the courge in 2021 excuse me by Gotham Gotham that year [Applause] little reminder that the nwsl summer Cup Championship still to come the tournament that took place over the summer not done yet you can catch the championship tickets are on sale for that match it'll be played on Friday October 25th at San Antonio's Toyota Field it's Gotham FC and the Kansas City current you can go to nwslsoccer.com suum cup to purchase your tickets [Applause] final 15 to go from Snapdragon Stadium plus stoppage time we know we'll have quite a bit that Denise o salivan injury and sanchz at an opening took the shot and gets Hillary Beal to make her first save well that's where Sanchez is at her best and we just don't see that often enough from her whether it's just there's not much time and space typically this is a team that has a lot of possession higher up the field so she's working within tighter spaces but once the game opens up give the ball to Sanchez have a run at that back line this is going to be tough Collision right there in the middle of the field with Ali and Curts we just don't want to see any more players getting hurt no we do not you mentioned earlier Curts just how valuable she's been I mean every minute played the last two seasons she broke the nwsl record for consecutive minutes played earlier this year she's up over 7,000 now consecutive minutes on the field and I I love that you brought back up the story of the fact that she really had to wait her time Kaye Curts was a trialist meaning she was not not drafted so in 2018 she joined North Carolina after a preseason try out made the team had to spend some time not really getting a lot of opportunities 2021 was her first year really as a regular starter and now they they can't get her off the field [Applause] well it's been quiet from a scoring standpoint since halftime all four goals coming in the first half of this match and for North Carolina first time since June of 2023 that the courage have scored multiple goals on the road getting all three of theirs as I said in the first half two of them off Corner kicks Lori from a bigger picture perspective for for San Diego clearly there are some things that this club is trying to iron out they need to figure out what they're going to do with their head coaching position Landon Donovan filling that role on an interim basis at the moment they need to figure out what they're going to do replacing the likes of Alex Morgan what should be in your mind and we'll see what Sanchez does here the first step that San Diego really needs to focus on Courage going through Ryan Williams it's poked out well answer that question after this corner kick because we know how the corner kicks we are not taking chances on Corner kicks this is actually the first one of the second half for either team now Hillary Beal has not been in there this her regular season debut tonight when she had to come on in this half for kayn Sheridan and North Carolina merely scoring on two of their four corner kicks in the first half we'll see what they do with this first attempt in half number two Berkeley at it again she delivers a beautiful ball this one winds up bouncing gets past everybody and now out of play well yeah just looking at the San Diego side we know that cascarino another French International as well that come additions to this team those are more Winger players so I'm thinking you have to find players down the spine of your team germa Wesley two players that can anchor the center back but then how are you building in front of that so going and getting another really kind of like two-way midfielder that can help you direct traffic uh build into the attack but then also cover a lot of ground because you can see there is times when this team does want to be brave they want to be a more attacking oriented team so that's going to require to cover a lot of ground in those Central areas so midfielder and then even more of a threatening Striker up top Center forward if you have the Wingers you have the ability to be able to exploit the space in the wide areas then you've got to be get somebody that's active inside the 18 Yard Box can be a vertical threat but then get on the end of service as well so I think two players in the attack Midfield forward will do the San Diego team really well if they can pick those players up in the offseason I mean it's a club that just started off flying with their first year in the league making the playoffs in their first year in 2022 winning the shield in 2023 so they've been accustomed to early success this really the first season of adversity in their young existence that they've had to face and to me it's really just about looking at the profile of player that you have for San Diego and adding additions look different to that right because you need versatility you need players that are going to compliment sometimes that looks the same but then also there are completely different styles of play and if you have Jaden Shaw in one of those attacking Midfield roles who can play off of her what does that look like cuz she's going to be a central point I would imagine in this team for years to come here is the free kick from the [Music] [Applause] wave slices through traffic and eventually out of play was McNab trying to get on the end of it had a goal last week to tie it against the Washington spirit and this time she's trying to get on the end into this well we know about this service from Sanchez that's a good looking ball the right height floated in with enough whip on it mcnab's trying to meet it just can't time it well enough to get something on it now McNab mentioned that goal she unfortunately gave up an own goal earlier and then was able to come back and score cut back from Windgate a couple of times oh GMA you Wy Defender said you can't fool me you saw the wind up and a lot of Defenders will take that bait from Windgate big touch wants to come back across their body and that trailing leg so smooth from the GMA just collects it and then keeps possession for a team McNab one of three Defenders to score in each of the last four seasons Along With Sam Zab and sfia Huerta North Carolina into the attack once again no rush no hurry here for the courage As Time ticks away with their two goal lead Windgate a flick Pinto the header unless of sh pendo knew it was going to come that quickly off a little flick header got a bit or got caught flat-footed there's Windgate and then they're right here the trailing leg so smooth from NE NOA I mean just stalls and then you can see Windgate with a momentum just goes the ground and like nothing ever happened kpro getting back on the field for San Diego tonight Sanchez will play it back to GMA verat up to Ali really had a rough go of it after receiving that ball eventually draws the foul more changes on the way for CN Diego Maya Jones will replace Sanchez then Maya Jones 23y old 23y old rookie played at Memphis also Canadian youth national teams Alex Morgan taking this one in from the bench promis not to be too far away from the sport she said she really thinks she's found her place investing in women's sports she's not planning to stop that anytime soon of course she has a media company that she helped found together and also the Alex Morgan Foundation both of those be very female focused [Music] [Applause] sounds like over 26,000 the announced attendance if I'm hearing the public address announcer correctly those tickets started going fast they opened the upper deck at Snapdragon Stadium once Alex Morgan released her video made that announcement if you haven't had a chance really enjoyed the feature that we ran earlier and Morgan's video by itself was just really powerful go back and find that she put that on all of her social media platforms San Diego looking to muster a little more fight here toward the end of the match I think Maya Jones has some fresh legs can see that burst of energy as she was chasing after the ball up top [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Westfall lost it Pinto has Windgate to her right that's where she goes and Windgate typically quite Adept at just exactly that kind of ball she can turn she's got the speed to get in behind the line but can receive it at her feet too just her first touch a bit strong yeah that ball has to go to her right foot though the front foot to be able to take that in stride instead played behind her so she has to take it with her left the way that this team plays in North Carolina just the smallest little details allow them to go with numbers or to be able to break out quickly [Music] 11 this game has not exactly gone the way that San Diego or Alex Morgan might have hoped that it would tonight and as we said when she had that penalty kick save that that's kind of been the story of her and of San Diego season North Carolina couple of changes including m AC Bell a recent Edition who was just traded to the courage former North Carolina Tar Hill and ACC freshman of the Year rookie traded from Gotham Sanchez coming off and Merida spec the other sub coming on as well veteran player in this league ninth year with either North Carolina or the Western New York Flash before then a member of the best 11 in July had a couple of assists during the summer cup and Macy Bell making her debut now for the courage [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] we'll wait to see we expect there to be a pretty hefty number of minutes added in stoppage time although I suppose that's subjective and what you think Hefty is we've seen a lot of big numbers in stoppage time you know I pose this question to Le Sanderson we were talking over Tech Lori I I genuinely wondered this and maybe this is crazy in the international and professional Soccer World would never allow it but you know college soccer stops the clock so if you have a long stoppage they just stop the clock they don't even have Savage time why couldn't we do that I mean I'm serious what was Leanne's answer well she didn't really address it I'm not going to adjust it either come on instead of just call it a um hat rack okay I should stick with hat rack and take that home and not push it all right I'm just saying we're getting all these ridiculous amounts of stoppage time and you would still have those minutes if you just stopped the clock and people wouldn't be confused as to how much time is left come on college soccer look I have Golden Goal too now in college game I mean I'm just excited about what college soccer is doing these days 90th minute in San Diego courage looking for more wind gates shot goes into the gloves of Beal just as we had in the first half nine minutes of stoppage time added on now toward the end of the match nine more minutes for Alex Morgan to watch her final soccer match of her career Amir Ali player who came on for Morgan in the 14th minute has her shop blocked parenes go at them landed Donovan says make them defend you she does that here oh Murphy that gave up an own goal in that Seattle match bounced off the post a tough one to take in stoppage time of that Megan rapino Jersey retirement night Seattle able to pick up the victory there feel good about it Murphy hanging on this time and making a big save not going to let Morgan have her night not on her watch well it's just a a quick release because once she just finds a little window to be able to execute and get the shot off almost catches Casey Murphy little bit of a bobble handles it well in the end but you could see all the trickery and the ability from barcz and we addressed this and talked about in the first half I mean this is a 16-year-old with a huge ceiling and now according to Lena Donovan as you just mentioned it is about what do you do with that skill set because you can be even more dangerous you have all of the talent showing off like her ability to wrong foot Defenders now can she add more goals to that and that takes time she's a young player growing into the minutes that she's getting started getting more and more minutes during the summer cup hence the name during the summer and apply named yeah and now she just has to be continuing to grow with confidence with the more minutes that she's getting and different profile this is what we're talking about for the San Diego team giving her more minutes because she has a a different profile than other players who ability to take on 1 V one quick step to to be able to bypass the Defenders so excited to see her growth these years to come it's going to be some fun watching this league down the stretch seeing how things finish up does Orlando cap off their special season with the shield finish on top it it's theirs to lose you feel like at the moment right Lor I mean 47 points now the pride but that being said you just never know in this league and all the battles that we'll see I'm sure to be in those top eight spots are play play offs expanded in the nwsl to eight for the first time ever we'll see how that all plays out well I think that's why the focus has to be on getting in the top four yes the top eight make the playoffs but top four provides you with HomeField advantage and within that we know how difficult look at North Carolina how difficult it has been for them to get a road win this could be their second of the season and they're in the top five of this league so here comes Windgate now Windgate making the most of her minutes North Carolina for good measure but wait this one I think is going to be called back mered spec well either at home yeah it's either spec or it's originally Windgate and oo that is a tough one because it's actually Alini I think Windgate does keep herself on looks like it's Westfall that kept her on [Applause] [Music] right decision in the end yeah offside the call so Windgate and spec denied in their attempt to add a fourth goal for the courage but just to finish that previous point it is about getting in the top four because HomeField advantage in this league is huge with the amount of travel I if we just look at North Carolina this could be their second win as we were mentioning they're tough to come by and so if you can get yourself into the top four that is a huge huge Advantage especially with the amount of games that these players are going to have played late in this season playoff time yeah great Point all right we look again and this appears to be the moment they're looking [Applause] [Music] at spec wondering are they saying I was off well they're going to go look at it I I I think that's exactly what that clap from wind gate will tell you and Brad Jensen being recommended by the V to take a look to see if that offside call was correct well and you can see where the lines are from the football field still it does look like well it's tough to tell could potentially be on side [Applause] it's tight it's closed it was offside I initially thought they were making I thought Wing gate in a run of play yeah I thought it was the initial run and then as we saw all cheers her there this spe and Windgate who created that and what a run this is though from Windgate they recognize where the space is they've been forcing San Diego to have to chase all game long you get the freshness of legs spec joining in everybody trying to keep up with the play and certainly an additional Insurance goal to really put this game Out Of Reach but that's been the difference they haven't really had to utilize their possession in the way that we think of this North Carolina team in terms of buildup getting numbers forward because the lines between San Diego have been so stretched once North Carolina has broken that first line the game has opened up there's been so much space between the lines defensively let's put GMA Sheridan who is sent off Wesley in such positions that are so difficult to defend on their own North Carolina sending players forward throughout this match [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Alex Morgan so proud to call this San Diego Club home since the franchise began ending her career on this field tonight that's been the big story of course coming in but North Carolina writing their own story not to be deterred Casey Murphy's going to have to go find herself a villain costume for Halloween she certainly played that early denying Alex Morgan from the penalty spot but look this courage team had their own agenda tonight all the respect of course for what Alex Morgan has done for the game but they needed to come in and prove they could win away from home and they've done it in really impressive fashion tonight yeah they certainly have and one of the talking points coming into this game for us was how are they going to manage their emotions in terms of the the start and stop of this game obviously it's just all about celebrations continuously rebounding after stoppages in play and they've done that tremendously it's just about executing keeping a levelhead and that Ali yeah but that win against Kansas City last weekend I think had to provide them a lot of confidence we've had some important wins throughout this season but to come back from behind against the third place team at the time whove scored a ton of goals limited shinga limited deia for a majority of that game got the tieing goal and then the game winner after the 2hour long weather delay so those moments those specific things this game getting that win after the weather delay all of those things build character for a team late in the season not very many games to play and points are at a premium in this North Carolina team especially with given their record will be one of those teams wanting and looking to hunt for that HomeField advantage in the [Music] playoffs you didn't feel the need to mention the hat rack there in the accomplishment actually forgot about the word and we're moving on well I'm glad I'm reminding you look Malia Berkeley that's a heck of a performance oh absolutely not taking anything away from the the actual assist hatrick just from the term hat rack oh understood imagine a couple of extra minutes here after the goal in stoppage that we're working with and then we'll call it a night then San Diego will call it a night Alex Morgan calling it a career tonight at Snapdragon Stadium [Music] final whistle blows and North Carolina coming in and making a statement on a night that belongs still to Alex Morgan but the courage coming away with an important three points oh [Music]