In the 2022 season, the Courage had a tough start, ending up in last position after winning just two out of their first 12 matches, losing six, and drawing four. Although they made a comeback in the second half of the season with seven wins, two losses, and one draw in their final ten matches, it wasn’t enough to secure a playoff spot. Ultimately, the Courage finished in 7th place, falling one point behind the Chicago Red Stars and missing the playoffs for the first time in their history.
Mistakes were made last term, but the comeback in 2023 has been real!
Build Back Better
The Courage’s last playoff match occurred in 2019, coinciding with their victory in the NWSL Championship. Since then, significant changes have taken place within the club.
Following the outbreak of COVID-19, a sexual misconduct scandal involving former coach Paul Riley unfolded, resulting in his termination in 2021 and subsequent banishment from the NWSL. This prompted the club to undergo a cultural transformation. Although the Courage encouraged those who remained, numerous notable players had already departed through free agency or trades.
Key figures from the team’s championship-winning squads, such as Lynn Williams and Sam Mewis, were no longer part of the roster. As the team…
