Shinomi Koyama recorded her first NWSL goal in the 89th minute to lift the North Carolina Courage over the host Orlando Pride 1-0 on Friday night.
The Courage (7-7-7, 28 points) drew within one point of the Pride (8-8-5, 29 points) in the playoff race. North Carolina passed Racing Louisville to occupy the eighth and final playoff spot, though Louisville was playing the Utah Royals later on Friday.
Marisa Jordan earned the clean sheet, making her only save of the night two minutes into second-half stoppage
time by collecting an innocuous ball in the box.
Just before that, the Courage managed to get the ball out to Aline Gomes on the break. Orlando keeper Anna Moorhouse (three saves) kicked away Gomes' shot, but it rolled over to Koyama, who one-timed the rebound into the net.
Dash 1, Stars 0
Yazmeen Ryan scored off a slick defensive play in the first half, and Houston held on from there to blank visiting Chicago.
In the 28th minute, Ryan intercepted Sam Staab's pass from close range in Chicago's end. She took three quick dribbles and fired a shot past Alyssa Naeher.
Houston (7-9-5, 26 points) earned a shutout despite losing starting goalkeeper Jane Campbell to an injury early. Abby Smith replaced her in the 13th minute and was credited with six saves. Naeher had five stops for the Stars (2-10-9, 15 points), including saving a penalty attempt by Ryan in the 89th minute following a handball in the box.
--Field Level Media
