Irish International Denise O’Sullivan has captained NWSL side North Carolina Courage to a second consecutive Challenge Cup title.
North Carolina Courage are the most decorated team in the NWSL, with seven trophies 🏆:
NWSL Shield x 3
NWSL Championship x 2
NWSL Challenge Cup x 2✍️ @OptaJack pic.twitter.com/CH5nrY3W0X
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) September 10, 2023
O’Sullivan’s American team won 2-0 over Racing Louisville Saturday (Sept. 9) with goals coming from Brazilian Kerolin in the 28th minute and Japanese teenager Manaka Matsukubo in the 54th minute. 19-year-old Matsukubo is now the youngest player to start and score in a Challenge Cup final.
Gonna watch this more than a few times 🔁
Manaka Matsukubo's first NWSL goal is one to remember! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/qio1JL3Hy7
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 9, 2023
O’Sullivan, who played for Ireland at the World Cup this summer, had 84 minutes of playing time in midfield.
Courage are the first NWSL side to win multiple Challenge Cups and have now lifted seven domestic trophies (three NWSL Shields and two Challenge Cup Championships and NWSL Championships apiece), the most in league history.