History was made in France earlier this summer, and the North Carolina Courage were right at the center of it. When the U.S. Women’s National Team won a record fourth FIFA World Cup in July, it did so after receiving contributions from four elite players who Courage fans have grown accustomed to seeing star in Cary. Whether it be Samantha Mewis’ powerful presence in the midfield, Crystal Dunn’s willingness to adapt to – and dominate at – the left back position, Abby Dahlkemper’s rock-solid defense at center back or Jessica McDonald’s depth off the bench, the Courage undoubtedly made their mark on the international stage. Now those four players will play at home for the first time since lifting the trophy in Lyon when the North Carolina Courage host the second-ever Women’s International Champions Cup at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on Aug. 15 and 18. Dunn, Dahlkemper, McDonald and Mewis excelled against the world’s best earlier this summer, and now they’ll get the opportunity to do so again when the Courage attempt to defend last year’s title against the likes of Olympique Lyonnais, Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid. In hosting the event, the Courage are showing that the USWNT’s historic title was just one part of a summer full of soccer in North Carolina. For fans in the Triangle, the stars from around the world they watched on their TVs during the World Cup are now coming to them. After impressive performances on the world’s biggest stage, the likes of Eugénie Le Sommer (France/Olympique Lyonnais), Lucy Bronze (England/Olympique Lyonnais), Jennifer Hermoso (Spain/Atlético de Madrid) and Ellen White (England/Manchester City) are set to play a part in women’s soccer’s premier club tournament. Determined to not let the spectacle of the Women’s World Cup come and go every four years, North Carolina Football Club is committed to showcasing all the sport has to offer on a regular basis. Not simply being content with winning last year’s ICC, but instead embracing the chance to host this year’s tournament is a leading example of that ambition. “These are the moments that we’ve been planning for,” North Carolina Football Club President & General Manager Curt Johnson said. “We have a light shone on our sport, on our club by these incredible women. We want to fan those flames and we want to take advantage of it.” While the joy that came with winning it all in France is something the Courage’s four USWNT players will never forget, they know that there’s more excitement to come back home. Mewis, for her part, said she loves playing in North Carolina. The friendliness of the people and the relationship she has with Courage fans is what makes this area special to her. Dunn echoed those sentiments, adding that the club’s drive to bring about opportunities like the ICC is attractive. “I think women’s soccer should be out of the state of, ‘Is women’s soccer worth it? Is it worth the investment?’” Dunn said. “Now I think the new conversation is, ‘How are we going to propel ourselves in a new direction?’ I think us winning the World Cup is incredible; it was viewed by so many people. Obviously, I think us coming back into this environment is just as powerful for people to be able to go into their backyard and see amazing soccer.” “Amazing soccer” certainly will be on display when the ICC rolls into town. Olympique Lyonnais has captured four consecutive European championships, the last three league titles in Spain have been won by Atlético de Madrid and Manchester City is coming off an FA Women’s Cup title. Between the Courage, Olympique Lyonnais, Manchester City and Atlético de Madrid, the four teams had 41 players at the World Cup. With all that star power in town, the ICC is certain to make a grand impression on the sport’s youngest generations of fans, something McDonald believes will be one of the lasting legacies of this past World Cup. “This is the start of something big, something historical,” McDonald said. “This is something these little girls want to be a part of. And for them to be able to see us live and in action, that’s something really cool.” For North Carolina Football Club Owner Steve Malik, demanding the best for his club has become the standard. Bringing an event like the ICC home is the latest example of that. “We want to be the best,” Malik said. “What you can tell from all of us up here is that we’re willing to work for that. We want to earn it. It tastes so much better when you earn it.”