Legacy suffer 2-1 loss after conceding late penalty at north carolina
Cary, NC (August 22, 2026) - Despite a gritty stoppage-time equalizer from Aïssata Traoré, Boston fell 2-1 to North Carolina Saturday night after conceding a late penalty.
Casey Murphy was tested inside the first two minutes of the match, batting away a close-range effort to keep things level. In the 10’, Ashley Sanchez broke through, winning a one-on-one and bending a strike around Murphy to put the Courage ahead.
In the 25’, a ball into North Carolina’s box met a Nichelle Prince heel flick, sparking a scramble that the Courage eventually cleared. In the 32’, Courage goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan mishit a ball into the feet of Sammy Smith, that Smith was close to converting. Boston saw a late chance at 45’, when a cross from Annie Karich nearly found Smith’s head at the back post after the Legacy executed a strong drive up the field.
Boston made a pair of changes at the break, sending on Josefine Hasbo for Barbara Olivieri and Jorelyn Carabalí for Emerson Elgin. The Courage picked up their intensity early, threatening in just the first few minutes of the half. In the 56’, the Courage sent a long ball towards an open runner at the far post and Murphy was called off her line to make another impressive save.
The Legacy created an opportunity at 59’, when Bianca St-Georges rifled in a cross for Amanda Gutierres, whose header sailed just over the crossbar. The Courage retaliated by forcing back-to-back saves from Murphy in the 60’ and 61’.
Boston looked to its bench for a spark, bringing on Aïssata Traoré for Amanda Gutierres at 63’, then Ella Stevens and Nicki Hernandez for Sammy Smith and Lilly Reale in the 73’. In the 89’, Jorelyn Carabali came up with a sliding save to deny a Courage cross.
The equalizer came at 90+2’ — a goal that stood after lengthy VAR review — after a string of rebounds and a scramble in the box culminated in Traoré poking the ball home to put the visitors on the board. The goal marked Traoré’s third goal contribution as a substitute this season.
Alba Caño forced a save from North Carolina’s keeper at 90+9'. The match looked to be ending in a draw until North Carolina won a penalty at 90+12’. Ashley Sanchez took the kick and converted to complete her brace.
Starting XI: Casey Murphy, Emerson Elgin, Deja Davis, Bianca St-Georges, Lilly Reale, Nichelle Prince, Barbara Olivieri, Alba Caño, Annie Karich, Amanda Gutierres, Sammy Smith
Substitutes: Nicki Hernandez, Aleigh Gambone, Josefine Hasbo, Amanda Allen, Sammy Smith, Aïssata Traoré, Ella Stevens, Jorelyn Carabalí, Laurel Ivory, Laurel Ansbrow
BY THE NUMBERS
Attendance: 8,050
Shots: Boston Legacy 7, North Carolina Courage 16
Shots on goal: Boston Legacy 3, North Carolina Courage 8
Corner Kicks: Boston Legacy 2, North Carolina Courage 8
Fouls: Boston Legacy 10, North Carolina Courage 10
Yellow Cards: Boston Legacy 1, North Carolina Courage 1
Red Cards: None
Saves: Boston Legacy 6, North Carolina Courage 2
UP NEXT
The Legacy are back at Gillette Stadium on August 31, when they will host Angel City FC live on CBS/Paramount+.
About Boston Legacy Football Club
Boston Legacy FC is the 15th team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), currently playing its inaugural season at Gillette Stadium and Centreville Bank Stadium. Founded and led by women, the club is committed to creating a home for the greatest female athletes of our time, building upon the supercharged legacy of Boston’s historic sports teams, cultivating a community of fans with impact at its core, and forging new connections across our city through sport. For more information, please visit bostonlegacyfc.com or its social media platforms – LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter (X), Tiktok, Bluesky, Facebook
