League: NWSL Sport: Soccer Country: United States Category: Breaking News

North Carolina Courage misses NWSL playoffs despite win over Denver Summit

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 5, 2026, 4:16 PM

Last updated Nov 5, 2026

North Carolina Courage misses NWSL playoffs despite win over Denver Summit

Summary

The North Carolina Courage secured a 1-0 victory against the Denver Summit on Decision Day but failed to qualify for the NWSL playoffs. They needed both a win and for the Seattle Reign to lose points against the Orlando Pride, which did not happen. The Courage concluded the season just outside the postseason bracket with a 14-13-3 record and 45 points. Ashley Sanchez was a standout player this season, winning the Golden Boot with 20 goals and breaking the Courage's single-season scoring record. This marks the second consecutive year the Courage has missed the playoffs, a stark contrast to their prior success.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Courage finishes with a 14-13-3 record and 45 points
•Ashley Sanchez scores 20 goals, setting a new team record
•Courage's playoff absence marks their second consecutive year
•Team was once a regular playoff contender, now faces rebuilding challenges

Latest Updates

4:16 PMYahoo Sports — North Carolina Courage’s promising start falls short of the NWSL playoffs again

What they're saying

"
The North Carolina Courage entered last Sunday’s Decision Day against the Denver Summit knowing their postseason hopes were hanging by a thread. They needed a victory and for the Seattle Reign to drop points against the Orlando Pride to make it into the playoffs. Despite a 1-0 win against the Summit, the Courage did not get the support they needed from Seattle to advance. It was a disappointing end for a Courage team that had found its form this season, especially in the attack with 52 goals. Fo
— Yahoo Sports

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