Ludmila scores, but Red Stars fall to visiting Courage

Kerolin scored her first goal since returning from an ACL injury, helping the North Carolina Courage beat the Chicago Red Stars 3-1 on Sunday night at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

It was just the second game back for Kerolin, who was named MVP of the 2023 National Women's Soccer League season.

In the 15th minute, the Courage (11-9-2) jumped into the lead when Ashley Sanchez crossed to Brianna Pinto, who forced an own goal while battling for the ball. Pinto was injured on the play and had to sub out a few minutes later.

Just before halftime, Tyler Lussi passed back to Denise O'Sullivan at the top of the 18-yard box, and O'Sullivan fired a shot into the upper right corner with her first touch to double North Carolina's lead.

Kerolin got on Olivia Wingate's cutback pass to make it 3-0 in the 65th.

Ludmila responded for Chicago (9-11-2) a few minutes later, scoring from a tight angle.

The Courage finish the weekend in fifth place while the Red Stars hold onto sixth.

U.S. women's national team coach Emma Hayes attended the match.