North Carolina Courage Host Angel City FC in Midweek NWSL Match

The North Carolina Courage host Angel City FC on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026, at WakeMed Soccer Park in regular season NWSL action. The sixth-place Courage enter the match with 33 points, while ninth-place Angel City seeks to break a four-match drawing streak.

North Carolina enters the contest following a 2-1 victory over the Boston Legacy on Aug. 22. Midfielder Ashley Sanchez scored both goals, including a penalty kick in stoppage time, bringing her season total to 13 goals to lead the NWSL Golden Boot race.

Angel City FC played to a scoreless draw against Gotham on Aug. 23, extending its unbeaten run. Goalkeeper Angelina Anderson saved a penalty kick in the 87th minute to secure the point for the Los Angeles side.

"The biggest thing for me is that locking-in piece. In those moments, my mentality and mindset are so strong and confident. It's almost like… I will save this no matter what," said Anderson, Angel City FC Goalkeeper.

Anderson added that she made key adjustments throughout the year that continue to yield strong defensive results.

"I’ve made a lot of changes [this season], and it really seems like it’s paying off for me," said Anderson, Angel City FC Goalkeeper.

Angel City's defense has surrendered only 20 goals through 19 matches this season. Interim Head Coach Leif Smerud expressed confidence in the team's ongoing form.

"We are difficult to beat [right now]," said Leif Smerud, Interim Head Coach of Angel City FC.

Smerud emphasized that continued solid performances will translate into victories for the squad.

"We will win games, I’m sure, if we keep performing and keep playing," said Leif Smerud, Interim Head Coach of Angel City FC.

The club also welcomed back defender Savy King, who made consecutive substitute appearances after missing four months due to injury.

"We have looked forward to getting more players back. It increases competition in training, and competition for the Starting 11, which is a good thing," said Leif Smerud, Interim Head Coach of Angel City FC.

Smerud highlighted the flexibility of the roster as players return to full health.

"We have some versatile players that can play several positions, and then it’s about trying to put the puzzle together in the best possible way," said Leif Smerud, Interim Head Coach of Angel City FC.

Wednesday's fixture marks the second meeting between the teams this year. North Carolina claimed a 2-1 road win over Angel City at BMO Stadium on May 31.