Cary, N.C. (May 28, 2019)- Stephanie Labbé was named to the Canadian national team roster for the FIFA Women’s World Cup on Saturday, making her the seventh and final North Carolina Courage player to be named to a World Cup roster. Labbé joins her teammates Abby Dahlkemper, Debinha, Crystal Dunn, Abby Erceg, Sam Mewis, and Jessica McDonald who will all be representing their respective countries.

Labbé was the starting goalkeeper in Canada’s sendoff game against Mexico on Saturday, May 18 and against Spain on May 24. She secured a clean sheet in both matches. Labbé played four matches with the Courage before beginning her training with the Canadian national team and had two clean sheets and five saves in that time.

Dahlkemper, Dunn, Mewis, McDonald and the United States Women’s National Team wrapped up their three-game Send-Off Series on Sunday with a win over Mexico. The United States dominated all three matches outscoring their opponents 11 goals to none. Mewis contributed to that goal margin, scoring three goals during the series.

Mewis scored a brace in the first game of the Send-Off Series against South Africa. Her first goal was a low, hard strike from outside the box while her second goal came while she was crashing the net. Mewis scored her third goal of the series after entering the game as a second-half substitution against New Zealand on May 16. The goal was similar to her first, as it was perfectly placed in the lower corner of the net.

Dahlkemper and Dunn have been staples to the USWNT defensive line that did not let up any goals throughout the Send-Off Series. Both defenders started all three games and seem to be a shoo-in for starting positions once the World Cup starts.

While Dahlkemper is a staple for Jill Ellis, she is also a staple for Paul Riley and the Courage. The defender is vital to the success of NC Courage set pieces, especially corner kicks. Out of the 24 corner kicks she took in three games this season, several chances were created, including two Dunn goals.

Dunn plays a different role for the NC Courage then she does for the USWNT which is one of the reasons she is known as one of the most versatile players in the United States. Dunn scored four goals in three games and lead the NWSL in goals scored for three straight weeks, despite being on international duty.

McDonald did not see the field during the Send-Off Series but that does not mean she did not provide her teammates with positivity from the sideline. McDonald was even seen cheering on her NC Courage teammates against Utah Royals FC while back in North Carolina for a few off days. The forward played 217 minutes, scored one goal, and had one assist for the NC Courage to start the season.

NC Courage captain, Abby Erceg, briefly joined the New Zealand national team to take on the United States in the second match of the Send-Off Series. Although New Zealand fell in the match, Erceg stood strong in the middle of the back line. She has rejoined the national team for a friendly against England on June 1 and a friendly against Wales on June 4.

While the Brazilian national team does not have any friendlies before heading into the World Cup, they will use the time to train and prepare. Debinha has joined the team as they start training in Europe. The midfielder played 299 minutes, scored one goal, and had one assist during her four games with the Courage.

Heather O’Reilly will also be departing from the NC Courage for a month to assist in broadcast duties for the FIFA Women’s World Cup on FOX. O’Reilly has made two appearances this season.