Cary, NC (August 17, 2020)- Three-time NWSL Champion and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion Jessica McDonald has extended her contract through 2021, the club announced today. McDonald will return for her fifth season with the Courage and her ninth season in the NWSL.

“Jessica is a rare breed in today’s modern game and continues to improve and evolve as she gets older,” said NC Courage head coach Paul Riley. “She’s a bonafide striker in the league who plays both sides of the ball and understands the intricacies of how forwards run. It’s a great signing for the club.” McDonald has put up impressive numbers in a Courage uniform, scoring 20 goals since 2017. The forward has scored a goal against every team in the NWSL, except the Courage. McDonald is also known for her excellent service with 14 assists in four years. “We are extremely pleased to bring back Jessica in 2021 as she is an experienced veteran in the NWSL and a fantastic leader,” said North Carolina Football Club President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “We are thrilled that she has chosen to extend her time with the NC Courage as she is one of the Club’s all-time greats.” In 2018, McDonald was named the MVP of the NWSL Championship after scoring two goals in the final against the Portland Thorns. After scoring 10 goals that year, she caught the eye of former USWNT head coach Jill Ellis. After a solid showing at the beginning of 2019 at camps and the SheBelieves Cup, McDonald was named to the World Cup roster. McDonald scored five goals following the World Cup in 2019, including one in the 2019 NWSL Championship. The forward is tied with Debinha for most goals scored in playoff games by a Courage player. “Jessica will continue to score in the NWSL and she will continue to be a huge impact on the culture and environment inside the club,” said Riley. “She is a Supermum who is still hungry to play on the biggest stages in the world and Courage Country will reap the benefits of the determination and desire to continue her development.”