Six and Shining

Trevor is back! Just in time to see the NC Courage set the NWSL record for the largest margin of victory with a 6-0 demolition of Chicago Stars. Ashley Sanchez becomes the league's all-time leading American goal scorer. Katie and Trevor break down a historic weekend before looking ahead to a huge road test against San Diego Wave. In This Episode What We Learned This Week: NC Courage vs. Chicago Stars Six different things went right in this one. Ashley Sanchez's hat trick pushed her past Crystal Dunn and Alex Morgan as the league's all-time leading American goal scorer. First career goals from Chioma Okafor and Ryan Williams, plus a goal from Shinomi Koyama, meant five different scorers contributed to the drubbing. We break down how the buildup has shifted to the left side with Feli Rauch and Sanchez, and why the goals are finally coming from all over the field instead of just two players. Standout Stats This was the largest shutout win and biggest margin of victory in NWSL history. Ashley Sanchez's 18 goals make her the league's all-time leading American scorer, with a couple more to catch up with Temwa Chawinga's all-time record. The Courage also outperformed a 5.28 expected goals mark, a rare feat that speaks to how clinical this team was in front of goal. Looking Ahead: San Diego Wave The Courage hit the road against a San Diego side they're now tied with in points. We break down Trinity Byars' breakout season, Kennedy Wesley's passing ability out of the back, and why this game could come down to whether the Courage can keep building through the middle instead of relying purely on the wings. Courage News Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh both named to the NWSL's August Best XI. Sanchez wins Player of the Month, and Mak Lind wins Coach of the Month. The Courage sign Brazilian forward Bia Gomes through the 2027 season and acquire an additional international roster spot from Seattle. Around the League Vlatko Andonovski departs Kansas City. Jameese Joseph leaves Chicago for Utah, adding more firepower to an already dangerous playoff contender. About The Lion’s Pitch Podcast 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 & Follow 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.