Kerolin scores after returning from ACL tear, NC Courage take down Chicago Red Stars 3-1

Kerolin scored her first goal since returning from an ACL injury, helping the North Carolina Courage beat the Chicago Red Stars 3-1 on Sunday night.

It was just the second game back for Kerolin, who was named MVP of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season.

In the 15th minute at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois, the Courage (11-9-2) jumped into the lead when Ashley Sanchez crossed to Brianna Pinto, who forced an own goal while battling for the ball. Pinto was injured on the play and had to sub out a few minutes later.

Just before halftime, Tyler Lussi passed back to Denise O’Sullivan at the top of the 18-yard box, and O’Sullivan fired a shot into the upper right corner with her first touch to double North Carolina’s lead.

Kerolin got on Olivia Wingate’s cutback pass to make it 3-0 in the 65th.

Ludmilla responded for Chicago (9-11-2) a few minutes later, scoring from a tight angle.

The Courage finish the weekend in fifth place while the Red Stars hold onto sixth.

U.S. women’s national team coach Emma Hayes attended the match.

BAY 1, REIGN 0

Asisat Oshoala scored a penalty kick, and Bay FC held on for a 1-0 road win against the Seattle Reign at Lumen Field.

In the 27th minute, Oshoala sent her penalty into the lower left corner after the Reign were whistled for a foul in the box.

The win moved Bay (9-12-1) into eighth place, the final playoff position, with four games remaining. The expansion team is tied with Portland for seventh place with 28 points.

After going unbeaten in seven straight games, the Reign (5-12-5) have now lost three straight.

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AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer