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NWSL North Carolina Courage

Courage Trade Jessica McDonald to Racing Louisville FC for Sixth Overall Pick in 2022 NWSL Draft

December 17, 2021 - National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release


CARY, NC - 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."

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