The NC Courage fall 2-1 at home to San Diego Wave and sit ninth with two games left, but they still control their fate! Trevor and Katie preview the playoff picture, break down the match, and look ahead to a must-win trip to Portland. We also chat with Courage forward Gianna Paul.

In short, it all comes down to Portland 🤮. A win on Friday is a six-point swing that puts the Courage in the driver's seat. We walk through the best and worst-case scenarios.

Another early goal, another home loss. We talk giveaways in bad spots, a rotating back line, and a Courage goal built from the back with an Ashley Sanchez assist that finished with Vilde Bøe Risa. Plus, Ella Haste's debut and whether Mak Lind is waiting too long to make subs.

The Courage have never posted a losing home record, and only one Golden Boot winner has ever missed the playoffs. We run through the odd numbers behind a 13-3-12 season and what the Courage still have to play for.

Portland will be without Sophia Wilson. We break down why this West Coast match matters and why we need the win.

The new Courage forward talks about going from bookworm to pro, her time in Kansas City, why North Carolina feels like home, and her first professional goal.

Saturday was the fourth sellout of the season and the third highest crowd in club history!

Orlando is out, the Shield race is down to three teams, and a new cup competition is coming in 2028.

Welcome to The Lion’s Pitch, your go-to podcast for everything North Carolina Courage. Every week, Trevor and Katie break down the latest matches, preview upcoming opponents, discuss NC Courage news, and take a look around the NWSL. Plus, we’ll bring you bonus episodes with interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and some fun surprises along the way.

New episode drops every Thursday.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and find us online at lionspitch.com, follow us on Bluesky @lionspitch.bsky.social, or on Instagram @thelionspitch

• Hosted by Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
• Produced by Mary Pruter
• Edited by Danielle Russell

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.