News

Cary, NC (December 18, 2021) – The National Women’s Soccer League today announced the preliminary competition framework for its historic 10th anniversary campaign, featuring a 132-game schedule and the return of the third annual NWSL Challenge Cup. 

“We’re excited to get this momentous season underway,” said Managing Director of Competition and Player Affairs Liz Dalton. “The 10th anniversary season is a testament to the league’s incredible athletes past and present, the sustained support of our fans, and the vision and investment of our partners and owners.  We look forward to further establishing the NWSL as the best women’s soccer league in the world.”

Players are set to report to a six-week preseason camp beginning on February 1, before kicking off the 2022 season on Saturday, March 19, with group play for the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Cup will feature three groups of four teams, playing double round-robin matches, semifinals and the NWSL Challenge Cup Final on Saturday, May 7, broadcast on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live on Paramount+.

The season will continue with each of the 12 teams then playing home and away matches against every other team in the league for the first balanced schedule in league history.  Critically, the league has been able to build a schedule framework for 2022 that will significantly limit the number of games that occur during FIFA windows, ensuring the league’s most accomplished players are able to compete for club and country with relatively few conflicts compared to recent years.

All told, each team will play 28 matches, 14 contests in home markets and 14 on the road. The full league schedule will be released at a later date. 

Six teams will qualify for the NWSL playoffs set to take place beginning in October 2022, with the top two seeds receiving a first-round bye.

The 2022 campaign will end with the NWSL Championship the weekend of October 28-30. 

Cary, NC (December 18, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage have acquired the 29th overall pick in the 2022 NWSL College Draft in a trade with Orlando Pride. The Courage will be trading the rights to Deanne Rose.  

NC Courage Receive

The 29th pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft 

Orlando Pride Receive

Deanne Rose

CARY, NC (December 17, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage have traded forward Jessica McDonald to Racing Louisville FC for the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft, the club announced today. 

“Jess has been a pillar for our club since its arrival here in North Carolina,” Head Coach Sean Nahas said. “She has been a wonderful professional here for the club and to so many in the community. She has helped the club win back-to-back championships, as well as one with Western New York Flash, and she has been a benchmark for who we are in our club.”

Joining the North Carolina Courage following the sale of the Western New York Flash in 2017, McDonald played an integral role in leading the Courage to two NWSL Championship titles, three NWSL Shields, and an ICC Championship title after winning her first NWSL Championship with the Flash. In 90 appearances with the North Carolina side over five seasons, the Scottsdale, AZ native collected 26 goals and 20 assists, also picking up a Best XI selection, a Second XI selection, and an NWSL Championship MVP award. This year, McDonald recorded her 50th NWSL career goal, adding her 51st later in the season.

“From a club standpoint there is nothing more we can do than say ‘thank you for everything,’” Nahas added. “We thank her for all she has given to the crest and club overall. It is our hope that when she returns to face off against the Courage, the club is able to give her the homecoming she deserves and opportunity for everyone to show their appreciation for all she has done. We cannot thank her enough for the trust and confidence she had in us as a staff and wish her nothing but the best in this new journey moving forward.”

McDonald has also represented the United States on the international stage on several occasions, helping her country to its fourth World Cup Championship title in 2019. Following the World Cup, McDonald competed at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup and the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament. In total, the forward has registered 19 appearances with the USWNT, scoring four goals and assisting two. 

“We are so grateful to Jess for all she has done for this club, and our sport as a whole,” President and GM Curt Johnson said. “She has done remarkable work on and off the field, and has been a true leader for positive change. Jess is a key voice in our community and we are so proud to have her as such an influential part of our club history.  It has been an honor to witness her journey here in Courage Country and we wish Jess and Jeremiah all the best in their next chapter.”

Cary, NC (December 16, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage today announced they have signed 2x ACC Defensive Player of the Year Malia Berkely to a two-year contract following a transfer agreement with FC Girondins de Bordeaux that involved allocation money. North Carolina acquired Berkely’s discovery rights and the 12th pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft from Kansas City in exchange for the Courage’s 2022 natural first round draft pick.

“I am super excited to be a part of this club considering the legacy North Carolina has,” Berkely said. “I know it will be a place for me to grow as a player and person, and I am happy to be able to compete with and against amazing athletes. I can’t wait to get started!”

Berkely has been playing in France for Bordeaux since January of this year. A graduate of Florida State University, Berkely is one of the most decorated players in the university’s history, playing in 84 matches, recording four goals and fourteen assists while leading the Seminoles to three ACC Championship titles and an NCAA Championship title. Berkely was also named ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020.

“We are extremely excited about the addition of Malia,” Head Coach Sean Nahas said. “She was someone we identified as a top player after her collegiate career. She brings great understanding and patience to the game, and is an incredibly technical and proficient passer of the ball. She is someone who wants to be challenged and get better everyday, and nowhere better to do that than here in NC. Our staff is really excited to have her and we look forward to working with her soon.”

CARY, NC (December 14, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage have picked up forward Jorian Baucom and midfielder Jordyn Listro from the waiver wire, the club announced today.

“Once we saw that Jorian and Jordyn were available, we knew that adding them would help in building positional depth and experience for our roster,” said Head Coach Sean Nahas. “After speaking with them both, we are excited to add them to the locker room. We look forward to welcoming them to North Carolina and helping them grow in their playing journey.”

Baucom joins the Courage after one season with Racing Louisville FC, for whom she appeared in fifteen matches for a total of 445 minutes. While with the Louisville side, the University of Colorado alum collected one goal, seven total shots, and one key pass, maintaining a 66.7% success rate in tackles and a 42.1% success rate in aerial duels. Prior to her time in the NWSL, Baucom spent a season with AC Sparta Praha of the Czech First Division, and another with MSV Duisburg of the Frauen-Bundesliga. In nine appearances with MSV Duisburg, the Scottsdale native tallied four goals in nine appearances.

“I couldn’t be more excited to play for such a prestigious team,” said Baucom. “I’m looking forward to growing and learning from some of the best players in the world. [I’m] ready for next season!”

Listro joins the North Carolina side from the Kansas City Current, rejoining former teammates Kiki Pickett and Amy Rodriguez on the Courage roster. While with the Current, Listro appeared in nine matches for a total of 322 minutes, maintaining a 75% passing success rate, a 60.9% success rate in duels, and a 75% success rate in aerial duels. Listro also boasts experience on the international stage, receiving her first senior team call-up in January of 2021 and representing Canada at the SheBelieves Cup.

“It is a privilege to be joining the most successful team in NWSL history,” said Listro. “The Courage’s commitment to winning makes it the ideal home for any pro. Their commitment to being the fittest players in the league year in and year out matches the high standard I have tried to exhibit throughout my career. I can’t wait for preseason!”

CHAPEL HILL, NC (December 12, 2021) — Some of the best names in collegiate goalkeeping traveled to Chapel Hill to participate in Nathan Thackeray’s goalkeeper combine this weekend. The Courage’s Goalkeeper Coach hosted four training sessions over a two-day period, offering a highly competitive environment in which to build and sharpen technical skills and abilities. 

“It’s been fantastic to get some of the best collegiate goalkeepers from around the nation together to try and create a high-quality training environment,” Thackeray said. “The level of goalkeeping has been great to see, and I’m excited to see how these ladies progress their individual careers at the pro level and beyond.”

The combine drew several goalkeepers who have registered for the upcoming NWSL Draft, including Marisa Bova (Purdue University), Hensley Hancuff (Clemson University), Jordyn Bloomer (University of Wisconsin), Claudia Dickey (University of North Carolina), Elaina LaMacchia (University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee), Emily Johnson (University of New Mexico), and Lysianne Proulx (Syracuse University). Megan Hinz, who formerly played with NJ/NY Gotham FC, was also in attendance at the combine. 

Following the first session of the combine, several players expressed their excitement about the weekend and the ability to work with Thackeray and top talent from across the nation. 

“I’m super grateful for the opportunity to showcase my talents here in the goalkeeper combine, playing with some of the best goalkeepers in the nation,” said Clemson goalkeeper Hensley Hancuff. “It’s only been one day and I feel like we’re [all] best friends, it’s been so much fun so far and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the weekend.”

“I’m excited to get the opportunity to come here to North Carolina and to get to practice with Nathan,” said Syracuse goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx. “[The session] this morning was very fun, lots of energy and obviously lots of talent, so I’m excited for what the next few [sessions] have to offer.”

Cary, NC (December 8, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage announced today the roster updates ahead of the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft and 2022 NWSL Draft Presented by Ally. The drafts will be held virtually on Dec. 16 and Dec. 18, respectively. Broadcast info for both drafts can be found here.

The Courage have received full roster protection in the upcoming 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft Presented by Ally. In return, the Courage have sent the rights to midfielder Cari Roccaro to Angel City FC and midfielder Angharad James to San Diego Wave FC. Read more here. 

The Courage have also chosen to exercise the options on Debinha, Casey Murphy, Amy Rodriguez, Merritt Mathias, Brittany Ratcliffe, Havana Solaun, Rylee Baisden, Ryan Williams, and Sam Murphy.

Defender Carson Pickett signed a new two-year deal with the club following a successful first season with North Carolina. Courage veterans Abby Erceg, Denise O’Sullivan and Taylor Smith will return to the squad under previously signed multi-year deals, while Brianna Pinto and Kiki Pickett will join the club as new acquisitions in 2022. USWNT 2020 Olympic bronze medalist Lynn Williams will remain with the Courage through 2023. 

Defender Schuyler DeBree announced her retirement from professional soccer following the Courage’s elimination from the 2021 NWSL Playoffs. 

The Courage have declined to exercise the options on Irish international Diane Caldwell and 2019 NWSL Draftee Hailey Harbison. Kendall Fletcher is out of contract as of the end of the 2021 season and will not return to the Courage.

The Courage traded Sam Mewis to the Kansas City Current for Kiki Pickett, a first-round draft pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft Presented by Ally and the discovery rights to Malia Berkely. 

Additionally, the club will be extending new contract offers to Kaleigh Kurtz, Peyton Perea, Lindsey Agnew, Jess McDonald and Meredith Speck.

CARY, NC (December 8, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage today announced they will receive full roster protection from Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC in the upcoming 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft presented by Ally. In return, the Courage send the rights to midfielder Cari Roccaro to Angel City FC and midfielder Angharad James to Wave FC.

Cari Roccaro departs for Los Angeles following four seasons with the Courage, in which she appeared in 51 matches, clocking 2,767 minutes of playing time. The Notre Dame alum also won two NWSL Championship titles, two NWSL Shields, and an ICC Championship title while with the club. This season, Roccaro appeared in 24 matches, eleven of which were starts, posting twelve interceptions, six key passes, and three shots on goal while maintaining a 78.5% passing success rate. 

“For the past several years, Cari has been a big piece of our environment and someone who stepped in to fill in an important role for the team,” said Head Coach Sean Nahas. “Towards the end of the season, I feel she was playing more free and earning the minutes each game. I hope she will take this next opportunity and make the most of it as she has here in North Carolina. She is someone who I will always be a fan of and wish her nothing but the best on this new journey and look forward to seeing the progress she makes.”

Angharad James departs for San Diego following one season with the Courage, in which she appeared in 17 matches, ten of which were starts for a total of 827 minutes. While with the club, James scored her first NWSL goal, also tallying six shots and five key passes to create a space for herself among a dominant Courage midfield. 

“We cannot thank Angharad enough for her time here with the club, albeit short,” Nahas said. “She is a wonderful professional and person, and on behalf of the club I wish her nothing but the best in the next step of her journey. Haz is a tidy player who loves the game and is someone that players gravitate towards. Every day she wanted more information and detail that would help her master her position. She is someone who I have great respect for both on and off the field, and I look forward to seeing the great steps she will take moving forward.”

CARY, NC (December 8, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage announced today that defender Carson Pickett has re-signed a contract with the club for two years.

“I am so excited to have re-signed with the Courage,” said Pickett. “It was an extremely easy decision for me. The culture they have built makes me want to be a part of the club for years to come. My teammates have become family and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch and compete with them again. I want to thank the club for believing in me and giving me the chance to represent the Courage and all of our amazing fans!”

“I couldn’t be more excited about Carson’s extension here at the club,” said Courage Head Coach Sean Nahas. “She was a valuable piece of our roster last year where she had one of her best seasons in the league, confirmed by her Best XI team selection. There wasn’t a question of if we were extending her contract, but when.” 

Pickett became a dominant presence in the Courage backline last season, joining the North Carolina side in a trade with the Orlando Pride in early February. In 25 appearances, all of which were starts, Pickett collected 2,267 minutes of playing time, 47 clearances, nine blocks and 58 interceptions while maintaining a 61.8% success rate in tackles and a 77.7% passing success rate. She also tallied five assists, 62 key passes and 30 successful crosses, a vital component of the Courage’s offensive transition. During the season, the Florida State University alum was named to the NWSL Team of the Month twice (in May and in August), and in the postseason was named to the NWSL’s Best XI First Team. 

“[Carson] always has a smile on her face,” Nahas said. “Every day in her first season with the club, Carson pushed to be the best version of herself for the team and became such an important piece of what we did. In 2022, we look forward to having Carson be a part of what we want to do tactically as a team and the important role she will play with the younger players as well in creating an environment that will help push us forward.”

CARY, NC (December 6, 2021) – The North Carolina Courage have acquired midfielder and North Carolina native Brianna Pinto from NJ/NY Gotham FC in exchange for $125,000 of allocation money, the club announced today.

“I am beyond thrilled to be back in my hometown and represent such a successful NWSL franchise,” Pinto said. “The thought of playing with players like Debinha, Jess McDonald, Denise O’Sullivan, Lynn Williams, Casey Murphy and so many others makes me incredibly excited about the upcoming season. I’m eager to hit the pitch and help this team earn another championship. On another note, this is an incredible opportunity for me to reunite with Sean Nahas, a coach who has been instrumental in my development.”

A standout player at the University of North Carolina, Pinto was drafted by Gotham FC third overall in the first round of the 2021 NWSL Draft, for whom she made ten appearances and clocked 195 minutes of playing time. In three seasons with the Tar Heels, Pinto collected 73 total appearances, scoring 31 goals and adding 19 assists, and picked up three consecutive All-ACC selections. The Durham native was named a finalist for the Mac Hermann Trophy in 2021 and a semifinalist for the award in 2019, also earning the title of US Soccer Young Female Player of the Year that same year.

“We are excited to add Brianna to the Courage family,” Head Coach Sean Nahas said. “Having grown up in North Carolina, the opportunity to bring her home is one that we couldn’t pass up. Brianna possesses a great passion for the game, which shows in her technical quality and game understanding. I’ve coached her in years past and I couldn’t be more excited to work with her again. She is someone who will help add to our midfield, and the opportunity for her to learn and be around our players will only help take her game to the next level.”

A homegrown player, Pinto competed with Capital Area Soccer League (now North Carolina FC Youth) from 2014-2017, and has also trained with the U14, U17, U19, U20 and U23 US National Teams. In 2016, the midfielder was named to the Best XI during the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Tournament, in which she competed with the U17 National Team. She was later called up to the senior US Women’s National Team in 2017 before being named to the roster for the SheBelieves Cup, the youngest player to make the tournament roster.