North Carolina Courage name starting XI vs Kansas City Current
The North Carolina Courage have named their starting XI for Saturday's NWSL clash with the Kansas City Current at CPKC Stadium. Vilde Bøe Risa earns her first Courage start, while Uno Shiragaki replaces the injured Maycee Bell in a 4-3-3 lineup led by captain Kailen Sheridan.
The north carolina courage current fixture kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET on ION, with fifth-place North Carolina (11-7-3, 36 points) chasing playoff momentum against a Kansas City side (9-8-4, 31 points) that has not lost a regular-season home match to the Courage at CPKC Stadium.
Key Takeaways
- Vilde Bøe Risa makes her first NWSL start for the Courage, coming in for Chioma Okafor in midfield.
- Uno Shiragaki starts at center back with Maycee Bell ruled out with a shoulder injury.
- Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh have combined for 25 goals and are one shy of the NWSL duo record of 26.
- Ryan Williams could pass 10,000 NWSL regular-season minutes in the 39th minute on Saturday.
- Kansas City enters on a 27-match unbeaten home run at CPKC Stadium, an NWSL record.
Who is in the North Carolina Courage starting XI?
Head coach Mak Lind's lineup features Kailen Sheridan in goal wearing the captain's armband, with Feli Rauch and Ryan Williams at full back flanking center backs Uno Shiragaki and Natalia Staude. Shinomi Koyama, Carly Wickenheiser, and Bøe Risa form the midfield trio.
Up front, NWSL leading scorer Ashley Sanchez and Evelyn Ijeh lead the attack, with Erica Meg Parkinson operating from the wide right — a role she moved into late in the midweek victory. The bench includes Madi White, Cameron Brooks, Ivy Younce, Lauryn Thompson, Chioma Okafor, Olivia Wingate, Riley Jackson, Dani Weatherholt, and Hannah Betfort.
Why does Vilde Bøe Risa's start matter?
Bøe Risa's selection marks her first start since joining the Courage in a midseason move to the NWSL. The Norwegian national team midfielder will also wear a black armband during the match in remembrance of King Harald V of Norway, who passed away yesterday.
Her inclusion alongside Koyama and Wickenheiser gives Lind a refreshed midfield against a Kansas City team coming off a draw with Seattle Reign FC — its third game without a win in four outings. Bell, who was substituted in the Angel City win due to injury, remains unavailable.
What is at stake for both clubs?
North Carolina arrives off a 2-0 win over Angel City on August 27, their third victory in five league games. A road result would strengthen their fifth-place standing and widen the gap over Kansas City in the playoff picture.
The Current need points at home after that 1-1 draw on August 22 extended their winless stretch. Chris Armas's side leads the all-time regular-season series 6-4-2 and has never lost at CPKC Stadium to the Courage, posting clean sheets in all four home wins since the venue opened in 2024. Kansas City will be without Alana Cook, Clare Gagne, Mary Long, Ellie Bravo-Young, and Kolo Suliafu.
Where can fans watch the match?
The match broadcasts nationally on ION, with JP Dellacamera and Jill Loyden on the call. Fans can also stream via Fubo and Tubi, according to Goal.com. Kansas City viewers can catch a simulcast on The Spot – Kansas City 38, with radio coverage on 90.9 The Bridge.
For more sports updates, visit our Celebrity Breaking News hub. Full lineup details are available from the NC Courage official site.