The Lion's Pitch

Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SPORTS NEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A WoSo podcast for North Carolina Courage soccer fans with the latest news, game analysis, match previews, and updates from around the league. The NC Courage play in the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League). The Lion's Pitch is an independent media company and not affiliated with the North Carolina Courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Slow Starts & Hard Lessons

    3D AGO

    Slow Starts & Hard Lessons

    The NC Courage picked up a draw in Boston and dropped 3 points at home to Kansas City. Trevor and Katie break down both results and look ahead to a road trip to Orlando. In This EpisodeLooking Back: NC Courage vs Boston Legacy & KC CurrentTwo games, two slow starts, and too many goals conceded inside the first ten minutes. We break down the goals against Boston and Kansas City, what they reveal about the Courage's consistency challenges, the Feli Rauch red card that nobody in the stadium saw coming, and a few bright spots, including Chioma Okafor's growing impact, Lauren Thompson's electric cameo, and Manaka Matsukubo's knack for being in exactly the right place. Standout StatsKansas City won the defensive battle in the first half with the Courage stabilizing in the second. We dig into what the numbers mean. Looking Ahead: Orlando PrideOrlando is hovering mid-table but don't let that fool you. With Barbara Banda, Marta, and Summer Yates all capable of scoring, they have threats everywhere on the pitch. We break down what the Courage need to watch out for and what a road win could do for their table position. Courage NewsAshley Sanchez wins NWSL Player of the Month for April. Riley Jackson hits 50 consecutive caps, becoming the youngest Courage player and fourth youngest in league history to reach the mark. Avenue Capital Group investment clears, bringing serious new financing to the club. Around the LeagueAshley Sanchez wins NWSL Player of the Month for April. Riley Jackson hits 50 consecutive caps, becoming the youngest Courage player and fourth youngest in league history to reach the mark. Avenue Capital Group investment clears, bringing serious new financing to the club. About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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 & FollowSubscribe 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  2. Down a Player, Up Three Points

    APR 30

    Down a Player, Up Three Points

    The NC Courage grind out a 1-0 win away at Houston Dash, playing more than 20 minutes a player down after Ally Schlegel's red card. Trevor and Katie break down the win at Houston and look ahead to Kansas City at home. In This EpisodeLooking Back: NC Courage vs Houston DashAshley Sanchez is inevitable, Manaka Matsukubo delivers another moment of magic, and the back four put in one of their best collective performances of the season. We break down how the Courage ground out three points away from home with ten players. Standout StatsEqual shots at 16 each, but Houston managed just two on target versus our eight. We dig into what that gap tells us about how the match was really won. Looking Ahead: KC CurrentKansas City has the most goals allowed in the league and no clean sheets, but they have the offensive firepower to hurt anyone with Temwa Chawinga, Croix Bethune, and Lo’eau LaBonta leading the way. We break down how the Courage can exploit their defensive struggles and share our picks for the starting XI. Courage NewsA packed international break with Manaka Matsukubo, Riley Jackson, Evelyn Ijeh, Kailen Sheridan, Carly Wickenheiser, and Lauren Thompson all in action. We run through the results, the highlights, and what stood out. Plus, Chioma Okafor shares her thoughts on her NWSL debut. Around the LeagueJess Fishlock goes down with an injury after announcing her final season and we're hoping for the best for her. Columbus and Atlanta join the NWSL as the next expansion teams in 2028. And the debate over switching to a European calendar is heating up, so we share our takes. About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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 & FollowSubscribe 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  3. Far From Done

    APR 9

    Far From Done

    The NC Courage bounce back with a fun-to-watch 2-2 draw against our bitter rivals, the Portland Thorns. Katie and Trevor break down the match before looking far into the future to the Houston road match after the international break. In This EpisodeLooking Back: NC Courage vs Portland ThornsWe break down Manaka Matsukubo's magic and Ashley Sanchez's stunning strike. The Courage's defensive work kept Portland's dangerous front line largely in check. This performance felt like a step forward despite the draw. Standout StatsThe Courage generated 1.8 xG on just 12 shots while holding Portland to 1.48 xG on 16, including just 0.36 xG in the second half despite a heavy press. We dig into what the numbers say about where this team is heading. Looking Ahead: Houston DashHouston has 3 wins and 1 loss after a wild penalty-driven comeback win over Racing Louisville, but can they sustain it? We break down midfielder Kiki Van Zanten, the center-back pairing featuring a familiar face in Malia Berkely, to watch, and what the possession battle might look like when two teams who want to play the same style go head-to-head. Courage NewsA busy international window with Manaka Matsukubo, Evelyn Ijeh, Kailen Sheridan, Carly Wickenheiser, Lauren Thompson, and Riley Jackson all heading off on international duty. We run through the call-ups and what we're looking forward to watching. Around the LeagueAngel City fall, San Diego climb, and Denver quietly put together three clean sheets. We look at the early movers on the table and share our cautious takes on who can actually sustain it. About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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 & FollowSubscribe 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  4. Growing Pains

    APR 2

    Growing Pains

    The NC Courage suffered their first loss, 1-3 to Bay FC. Trevor and Katie break down what went wrong and what gave them hope. Then they look to bounce back at home against our bitter rivals, the Portland Thorns. In This EpisodeLooking Back: NC Courage vs Gotham FCA frustrating result, but there are things to build on. We break down the defensive shape, midfield control issues, and offensive questions still needing answers, alongside the bright spots from Mak Lind, Ally Schlegel, and Ryan Williams. Standout StatsPossession was nearly even, making the scoreline even more concerning. We dive in to see what it all means. Looking Ahead: Bay FCPortland currently sits fourth in 2026 and has averaged just 37% possession across their opening matches, which could play right into the Courage's hands or set a trap. We break down their forward line and debate the back four versus back five question. Courage NewsThe international break is coming after Portland. We catch up on what that means for Manaka Matsukubo and the Courage heading into the next stretch of the season. Around the LeagueA record-breaking attendance milestone and a follow-up on the red card conversation from last week. About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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 & FollowSubscribe 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    39 min
  5. A Draw to Build On

    MAR 26

    A Draw to Build On

    The NC Courage draw Gotham FC on the road, remaining unbeaten in their first two matches of the season. Trevor and Katie break down the match, look ahead to a struggling Bay FC, and dig into an encouraging culture shift within the Courage. In This EpisodeLooking Back: NC Courage vs Gotham FCDebuts from Evelyn Ijeh, Sydney Schmidt, and Uno Shiragaki injected new energy into the match. We break down Mak Lind's surprise back five and the growing Carly Wickhenheiser and Riley Jackson partnership. Standout StatsGotham had 59% possession and twice as many passes in the Courage's half, so why didn't it feel that way? We dig into what the numbers actually tell us. Looking Ahead: Bay FCBay comes to WakeMed missing key defenders and with questions up front. We break down what to expect from Saturday's home match and make our picks for the starting XI. Courage NewsLind and Ryan Williams both spoke this week about celebrating small wins and building a culture of positive reinforcement. Around the LeagueSix red cards through two match days compared to 11 in all of 2025. We look at what's driving the surge. Plus, congratulations to Manaka Matsukubo and Japan on winning the AFC Women's Asian Cup. About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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 & FollowSubscribe 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  6. Sanchez, Sheridan, and Three Points

    MAR 19

    Sanchez, Sheridan, and Three Points

    The NC Courage kicked off the 2026 NWSL season with a 2-1 win over Racing Louisville. Trevor and Katie are joined by special guest Bill Nottingham, stats analyst and writer at splat.cc, to break down the win. We also look ahead to a tough road match against defending champions Gotham FC, and catch up on the latest Courage news. Follow Bill on bsky @notting.bsky.social. In This Episode⚽ Looking Back: NC Courage vs Racing LouisvilleThe season started with an Ashley Sanchez brace and a debut to remember for Kailen Sheridan. We break down everything that went right, what still needs work, and why we are feeling good about where this team is headed. 📊 Standout StatsThe numbers from the Louisville match tell a surprisingly confusing story. We dig into what the stats actually mean and what we can and cannot take away from week one. 🔮 Looking Ahead: Gotham FCDefending champions, a dangerous new attacking core, and an away match in week two. We break down what the Courage need to do differently against Gotham and why getting Evelyn Ijeh back could be a difference maker. 📰 Courage NewsIt was a big week off the pitch for the Courage. We catch up on the latest roster and leadership news coming out of the club. 🌎 Around the LeagueOpening weekend delivered across the board. We look at the biggest storylines from around the league and what they might mean for the 2026 NWSL season. About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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 & FollowSubscribe 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min
  7. Kits & Kickoff

    MAR 12

    Kits & Kickoff

    SummaryThe NC Courage are back. A potential $40 million investment, a brand new kit, and a season opener against Racing Louisville, this is the episode to get you ready for the 2026 NWSL season. In This Episode📰 Courage NewsKick off the new NWSL season with big news for NC Courage fans, including a potential $40 million investment that could reshape the club's future and a fresh new Venus flytrap-inspired third kit that everyone seems to love. 📋Predicted LineupWe break down their predicted starting eleven for our NWSL opener against Louisville, debating midfield choices between Carly Wickenheiser and Shinomi Koyama, as well as a potential attacking four. 🔮 Looking Ahead: Racing LouisvilleWe preview the NWSL season opener against Racing Louisville, breaking down what makes the Courage's first opponent so tricky to play against and why, despite the challenge, they both like NC Courage's chances on Saturday. 🌎 Around the LeagueTrevor and Katie wrap up with a look around the league, reflecting on a promising She Believes Cup run for the US Women's National Team and what it could mean heading into the road to the 2027 World Cup. About The Lion’s Pitch PodcastWelcome 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 & FollowSubscribe 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    40 min
  8. NC Courage: Great Expectations

    FEB 26

    NC Courage: Great Expectations

    Summary The Courage are gearing up for 2026 with new faces like Evelyn Ijeh, Ally Schlegel, Carly Wickenheiser, and Kailen Sheridan, while returning leaders Riley Jackson, Manaka, and Feli Rauch are ready to make an impact. We preview early-season challenges, bold goals for the team, and exciting updates on stadium plans and international call-ups. In This Episode 🔮 Looking Ahead: 2026 NWSL Season The Courage kick off a new era with a revamped roster and a coach focused on scoring and cohesion. Early wins, goal distribution, and navigating tough travel and expansion matchups will set the tone for the season. 📰 Courage News We cover some big updates for the Courage this week, including updates on a new stadium development and international call-ups. 🌎 Around the League We touch on some key league news, including Croix Bethune moving to Kansas City, Claire Hutton joining Bay FC, and Savy King being cleared to return to Angel City. 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 ClearyProduced by Mary PruterEdited by Danielle Russell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min
See All (68)

Trailer

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

A WoSo podcast for North Carolina Courage soccer fans with the latest news, game analysis, match previews, and updates from around the league. The NC Courage play in the NWSL (National Women's Soccer League). The Lion's Pitch is an independent media company and not affiliated with the North Carolina Courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Trevor Knoblich and Katie Cleary
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Lion's Pitch
  • Show Website
    The Lion's Pitch

You Might Also Like