Stoppage-Time Penalty Gives North Carolina 2-1 Win Over Boston Legacy

CARY, N.C. — North Carolina Courage defeated Boston Legacy FC 2-1 Saturday night at WakeMed Soccer Park, with Ashley Sanchez scoring twice, including the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 17th minute of stoppage time. The late strike capped a remarkable finish and handed Boston its third consecutive loss.

Sanchez opened the scoring in the 10th minute, curling a shot from the left wing into the far side netting past Boston goalkeeper Casey Murphy. Boston equalized in the 92nd minute when Aissata Traoré pounced on a rebound after Courage goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan parried a shot from Josephine Hasbo. The goal was Traoré's sixth of the season.

North Carolina drew a penalty deep in stoppage time after Maycee Bell was tripped in the area by Bianca St. Georges. Sanchez converted the ensuing spot kick into the top right corner, securing the win. The goal was the latest in NWSL history, a distinction noted by boston.com.

Match Statistics and Standings

Boston led possession with 51 percent but was outshot 16-7, with North Carolina holding an 8-3 edge in shots on target. Murphy made six saves for Boston, while Sheridan made two. Attendance was 8,050.

With the result, Boston's record fell to 5-11-5 (20 points), placing them 14th in the 16-team NWSL standings. North Carolina improved to 10-7-3 (33 points), moving them to sixth.

Context and Looking Ahead

The defeat continued a difficult stretch for Boston, which had drawn North Carolina 2-2 on April 29 to earn its first point in NWSL play. Saturday's rematch was the third straight loss for head coach Filipa Patão's side.

Boston returns to action on Aug. 31, hosting Angel City FC at Gillette Stadium in an 8 p.m. kickoff.