CommBank Matildas' forward Cortnee Vine has officially signed for North Carolina Courage through the 2026 NWSL season, making the move from Sydney FC following four seasons in Sky Blue.
Vine makes the move to the NWSL after helping Sydney FC to back-to-back championships and being named in the 2023/24 PFA Team of the Season.
The forward signs her first overseas contract after spending the last nine years in the Liberty A-League, making her debut for Brisbane Roar back in 2015, with stints at Newcastle Jets, Western Sydney Wanderers, and finally, Sydney FC.
North Carolina currently sits in 8th place on the ladder, just inside the play-off cut-off at the midway mark of the season. Courage’s last title came in the 2023 season when they claimed the NWSL Challenge Cup, making it back-to-back wins of the trophy after claiming it in 2022.
“The biggest reason I’m excited to join the Courage is their style of play. They play beautiful, possession-based football. And I’m excited to be part of the culture. I know some of the players and used to play with Denise O’Sullivan." said Vine.
"She’s a humble person and a fantastic player and I can’t wait to be a part of the culture she’s spread with the Courage,” she continued.
“We are thrilled to add Cortnee to our club. She has great international experience and can come in and instantly help us day in and day out. In my conversations with her, she is eager to learn and help in any way she can, both on and off the field." said Head Coach Sean Nahas.
"She has a very high soccer IQ and always looks to threaten in the final third. She’s an explosive player both on and off the ball and will fit in perfectly with our style of play. We cannot wait to welcome her here to Courage Country,” he continued.
Vine will join the team upon receipt of her P-1 Visa. She will be eligible to roster when the secondary transfer window opens on August 1. Fans in Australia can watch the NWSL on Optus Sport.