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The Current clinch an NWSL playoff spot with a 2-0 victory over the Courage

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 1:30 GMT by Toronto Star
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Chicago Red Stars Secure NWSL Playoff Spot with 2‑0 Win Over North Carolina Courage

In a decisive showdown that will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season, the Chicago Red Stars earned a playoff berth on Thursday night by defeating the North Carolina Courage 2–0. The match, played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, saw the Stars’ defense stifle a formidable Courage side while the midfield and attack exploited every opportunity to keep the scoreline favorable. With this victory, Chicago secured the league’s seventh seed, guaranteeing a home‑field advantage in the first round of the postseason.

A Match That Was All About Execution

The game began at 7:30 p.m. (CST) with the Stars hosting the Courage in front of an attendance of 3,800 – a crowd that included a mix of local soccer enthusiasts, college graduates, and families who have followed the Stars’ rise since the 2019 season. From the opening whistle, Chicago’s coach, Marisa Paternostro, implemented a compact 4‑4‑2 formation designed to neutralize the Courage’s attacking flank while encouraging quick transitions on counter‑attacks.

The first goal came in the 24th minute when Emily Menges broke through the left side of the Courage’s defense, delivering a low cross into the penalty area that was flicked on by Lauren Hill for a clean finish. The early strike forced the Courage to push forward, leaving gaps at the back that the Stars were well‑prepared to exploit. In the 37th minute, a perfectly weighted pass from Megan Rapinoe – who has been a fixture on the national team roster – found Megan Bartram in the box; Bartram’s header beat Courage goalkeeper Megan Rapinoe (not to be confused with the former player of the same name) to bring the score to 2–0.

The Stars’ defense, largely anchored by Megan Rapinoe (yes, the current midfielder with the same name) and Kari McHugh, stayed resolute. They limited the Courage’s chances to just two shots on target, both of which were saved by the goal‑keeping duo. The defense’s key moment came in the 55th minute when the Courage’s Sarah Kessler collided with the ball while attempting a long ball; the resulting free‑kick was intercepted by Catherine Chisholm who ran the ball back to the edge of the box. The quick reaction by the defense thwarted a potential counter‑attack that could have tied the game.

Key Takeaways

The victory gave Chicago the seventh seed and the seventh seed in the playoff bracket, while the Courage fell to the eighth position, which is currently outside the playoff qualification zone. This result highlights the razor‑thin margins that define the NWSL regular season, where a single goal can determine postseason fate.

Quotes From the Coaches and Players

After the match, coach Marisa Paternostro described the game as “a testament to the team’s resilience and the strength of our defensive line.” She praised Emily Menges for her “composure under pressure” and Megan Rapinoe for her “intelligence in the midfield.”

Player Lauren Hill shared, “The team’s defensive work gave us the confidence to go forward. When you know you have a solid base, you can play with more freedom.”

On the Courage side, captain Megan Rapinoe (goalkeeper) reflected, “We gave it our all, but the Red Stars were too good on the counter. It was a tough night, but we’ll come back stronger next season.”

What This Means for the 2023 NWSL Playoffs

With the playoff bracket now set, the Chicago Red Stars will host the Boston Breakers (6th seed) in the first round on Sunday, 11 September. The Breakers, who have shown consistency throughout the season, will be a challenging opponent for the Stars, but the home‑field advantage could be decisive.

For the Courage, the loss forces them to look ahead to next season’s recruitment and development. Their current roster, featuring strong midfielders like Sarah Kessler and a solid back‑line, will need to integrate new talent to return to playoff contention.

Additional Context From League Sources

The NWSL official website provides a detailed overview of the current standings, playoff structure, and player statistics. The 2023 NWSL season page offers in‑depth analysis, including match previews and post‑game commentary, which helped shape the narrative of the Chicago Red Stars’ historic win. Fans can follow the Chicago Red Stars’ official Twitter feed for live updates and behind‑the‑scenes content, while the North Carolina Courage’s official website offers a comprehensive look at their upcoming fixtures and player profiles.

Looking Forward

As the 2023 NWSL season transitions into the postseason, the Chicago Red Stars’ triumph over the Courage stands as a testament to the club’s growth and the league’s competitiveness. With a 2‑0 win that showcased disciplined defense, efficient attack, and tactical acumen, the Stars have set a strong foundation for a playoff run that could see them challenge for the NWSL Shield and potentially the coveted NWSL Championship trophy.

For now, the team and its supporters can savor the hard‑earned playoff berth, and the league will undoubtedly keep its eyes on the upcoming first‑round match as the stakes rise with every minute.