Key Transactions
The core of the North Carolina Courage remains largely unchanged, with Lynn Williams, Debinha, Jessica McDonald, Denise O'Sullivan, Katelyn Rowland, Kristen Hamilton, Meredith Speck, and captain Abby Erceg all returning for their fifth seasons in 2021. The 2019 NWSL Champions did however add some additional pieces to their roster, acquiring former Pride defender Carson Pickett via trade earlier this year as well as former OL Reign goalkeeper Casey Murphy, along with the signings of veteran Irish defender Diane Caldwell and Wales midfielder Angharad James. This past offseason saw former Courage defenders Abby Dahlkemper and Crystal Dunn depart North Carolina, the former joining ex-Courage midfielder Sam Mewis at FA WSL side Manchester City and the latter being traded to Portland.