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Head to Head — 5 matches
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Pre-Match Preview
The shadow of past encounters looms large over WakeMed Soccer Park as North Carolina Courage prepare to host Chicago Stars on Saturday, 2026-05-16. For the Stars, this NWSL fixture represents more than just another game on the calendar; it is a chance to rewrite a frustrating chapter in their history against one of the league’s most consistent sides.
The Courage have held a firm grip over this matchup, securing three victories and a single draw in their four previous meetings. Chicago Stars W have yet to find a way to overcome the North Carolina Courage, a statistic that undoubtedly fuels both their determination and the hosts’ confidence. Each encounter between these two teams carries its own weight, but the regular season context for North Carolina Courage vs Chicago Stars W offers a clear narrative arc for the visitors.
At WakeMed Soccer Park, the North Carolina Courage will look to their established squad for another dominant display. Players like defender Kimberly Reid and midfield engine Sophia Hayes consistently anchor the home side, providing the platform for their assertive play. The hosts have built a formidable reputation within the NWSL, a standard they aim to uphold every time they step onto the pitch in Cary.
For the Chicago Stars, overcoming this historical hurdle demands a collective effort. Key figures such as forward Maya Johnson will need to be at their incisive best, while goalkeeper Chloe Miller faces the task of marshalling the defense against a formidable NWSL opponent. The Stars arrive knowing the challenge ahead, but also with the knowledge that every game offers a fresh opportunity to forge a new path.
As the two sides step out under the lights, the stage is set for a compelling North Carolina Courage vs Chicago Stars contest where history meets ambition.
Match Report
Evelyn Ijeh broke the deadlock just after halftime, sparking a relentless second-half surge that saw North Carolina Courage dismantle Chicago Stars 4-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park. The home side, buoyed by Ijeh's 47th-minute opener, found another gear, with Ashley Nicole Sanchez and Allison Mariana Schlegel adding quick-fire goals in the 61st and 65th minutes, respectively. Manaka Matsukubo then capped a dominant performance with a late strike in the 86th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Courage. Chicago struggled to create meaningful chances throughout, managing only three shots on target as the Courage defense held firm and their attack proved clinical.
North Carolina Courage W
Bench
Chicago Stars W
Bench
| North Carolina Courage W | Stat | Chicago Stars W |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Wins | 0 |
| 15 | Goals scored | 5 |
| 2/5 | Clean sheets | 0/5 |
| 4/5 | Over 2.5 goals | 4/5 |
North Carolina Courage W
Chicago Stars W
North Carolina Courage W
Chicago Stars W
North Carolina Courage W