Courage Clash with Stars for Star Wars Night at Home

CARY, N.C. (May 16, 2025) — The North Carolina Courage are set to host the Chicago Stars for Star Wars Night on Saturday, May 17. The match will kick off at 5 p.m. ET at First Horizon Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park. Fans can watch the game on CBS’ Golazo Network, Paramount+, and NWSL+.

The Courage enter the match unbeaten in their last three games, having won against the Kansas City Current and Utah Royals, as well as drawing 1-1 with the Orlando Pride last weekend. During that match, Feli Rauch scored for the Courage, but the Pride managed to equalize with a stoppage-time goal from a corner kick.

This matchup marks the fourth sellout in club history, attracting 9,366 fans—the fourth highest standalone regular season attendance. The Courage reached this milestone earlier in the season than ever before, surpassing previous sellouts that occurred in late fall.

Rauch is one of seven players who have scored for the Courage this season, with Ashley Sanchez being the only player with multiple goals. Midfielder Denise O’Sullivan continues to impress, winning five of seven tackles and completing 87.1% of her passes. Defenders Maycee Bell and Kaleigh Kurtz successfully limited the Stars’ Barbra Banda to just one shot on target last week.

“I thought Maycee and KK were unbelievable tonight,” said Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas after the match.

The Chicago Stars are struggling this season, currently sitting at the bottom of the NWSL standings with a record of 1 win, 6 losses, and 1 draw. Their only victory came against Bay FC, and they have conceded a league-high 17 goals, including a 6-0 loss to Orlando in their opening game.

Despite their struggles, former USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher has kept the Stars competitive, as seen in a recent close loss to Washington and a goalless draw with Gotham FC. The Stars have attacking potential with former N.C. State forward Jameese Joseph and Brazilian forward Ludmila.

The Courage and Stars have faced off evenly in their recent meetings, with a record of 6 wins, 6 losses, and 5 draws in regular season play.

This weekend’s game will feature the Courage in their blue home kits while the Stars will wear black. The Courage look to build on their recent successes as they face off against the struggling Stars.