No new record for Sanchez as NC Courage lose 2-1 to San Diego

NC Courage returned home Saturday night with a couple of milestones in their sights. 

The obvious one: get Ashley Sanchez her record-breaking 21st goal of the season, which would've set a new NWSL single-season record. 

The second, but probably the most important one: get a win and stay in the playoff picture.

Neither happened Saturday night at WakeMed Soccer Park as they lost to the San Diego Wave 2-1.

The Wave started scoring early, getting on the board in the 4th minute of the match. Melanie Barcenas got the scoring started after the Courage defense seemed a little unorganized in the back.

In the 54th minute, the Wave struck again. Trinity Byars ran past Courage defenders scoring from a pass from Gia Corley to go up 2-0.

Sanchez had dangerous chances in the game, but ultimately didn't get to score herself. She did assist Vilde Boe Risa in the 83rd minute to put the Courage on the board.

Yeah, I mean, many teams right now double down on Ashley Sanchez, I can kind of understand that she was pretty dangerous in the game today," NC Courage head coach Mak Lind said. "I don't think she's kind of have focus on on scoring goal because of record, she more want to help her team, making sure we perform well and win games, so we can make sure we we will make the playoff."

The Courage play in Portland on Friday at 10 p.m. Their final game of the regular season is Nov. 1 at home against Denver.