This is the final regular-season match before the NWSL’s midseason international break, and both clubs are eager to climb the standings. The Courage, currently tied for 11th with 15 points, could leap into playoff contention with a win. The Dash, sitting 12th with 11 points, are looking to snap a two-match losing streak and head into the break with momentum.
North Carolina Courage: Homecoming with Pride
Record: 4–5–3 (15 points, 11th place)
Last Match: 2–1 win at Angel City FC
Goals Scored: 16 (1.33 per match)
Goals Conceded: 19 (1.58 per match)
Strengths:
Manaka Matsukubo’s Midfield Magic: Leads the team with 4 goals and 3 assists, contributing in each of the last four matches.
Cortnee Vine’s Speed: Scored the fastest goal in the NWSL this season (42 seconds vs Angel City).
Defensive Milestone: Kaleigh Kurtz made her 100th consecutive start, the first player to do so for a single club in NWSL history.
Concerns:
Inconsistent Form: Just 2 wins in their last 6 matches.
Defensive Gaps: Conceded multiple goals in 5 of 12 matches.
Houston Dash: Familiar Faces Return to Cary
Record: 3–7–2 (11 points, 12th place)
Last Match: 3–2 loss vs San Diego Wave
Goals Scored: 12 (1.00 per match)
Goals Conceded: 20 (1.67 per match)
Strengths:
Emerging Attack: Maggie Graham (3 goals, 1 assist) and Bárbara Olivieri (2 goals, 2 assists) lead a young, dynamic frontline.
Creative Spark: Yazmeen Ryan has created a team-high 14 chances and added a goal and assist.
Coaching Connection: Head coach Fabrice Gautrat returns to face his former club, where he served as an assistant for two seasons.
Concerns:
Defensive Fragility: Conceded 9 goals in their last 4 matches.
Goalkeeping Rotation: Abby Smith has started the last five matches, but consistency remains a question.
Head-to-Head & Recent Trends
| Category | North Carolina Courage | Houston Dash |
| Last 5 Matches | W–L–L–W–D | L–L–D–L–W |
| Home Record | 2–2–2 | — |
| Away Record | — | 2–3–1 |
| All-Time Series | Courage lead 10–4–2 | — |
| Last Meeting | Houston 3–0 Courage (May 2024) | — |
Courage are 6–2–1 all-time at home vs Houston
Dash have scored in 4 of their last 5 away matches
Over 2.5 goals has hit in 5 of the last 6 Courage matches
Players to Watch
North Carolina Courage:
Manaka Matsukubo: The Japanese international is the team’s creative heartbeat.
Cortnee Vine: Brings pace and directness to the Courage’s front line.
Brianna Pinto: Versatile midfielder with strong defensive instincts and late runs into the box.
Houston Dash:
Maggie Graham: Former Duke standout with a nose for goal.
Bárbara Olivieri: Venezuelan international with flair and vision.
Yazmeen Ryan: Key playmaker with the ability to unlock defenses.
Projected Score:
North Carolina Courage 2, Houston Dash 1
MATCH ODDS
North Carolina Courage – 125 Draw + 310 Houston Dash + 280
Over 2.5 + 105 Under 2.5 – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 20, 2025
