Cary, NC – Abby Dahlkemper, Crystal Dunn, Jessica McDonald and Samantha Mewis, who lifted the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the United States on July 7, will finally return to their home field August 15 when the North Carolina Courage take on Manchester City in the Women’s International Champions Cup at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park at 7:30 p.m.
“We are thrilled to see our four World Cup winners take the field at home as the Women’s ICC begins,” said NC Courage President and General Manager Curt Johnson. “The excitement the World Cup has brought to women’s soccer this year is palpable and, as we host this prestigious tournament with the best of the best in the sport, we are eager to finally give our fans the opportunity to see Abby, Crystal, Jessica and Sam take the field for the first time since winning the World Cup. This will be a tremendous event for all fans of the sport, and we look forward to repeat our success from last year.”
The Women’s ICC is the premier club tournament for women’s soccer, with the best teams in Europe and North America playing against each other. Spanish champion Atlético de Madrid will open the tournament on August 15 at 5 p.m. as it faces six-time UEFA Champions League champion and 2018 Women’s ICC runner-up Olympique Lyonnais. The match will be followed by the reigning NWSL and Women’s ICC Champions NC Courage taking on English powerhouse Manchester City at 7:30 p.m. The winners of the two matches will play for the ICC trophy on Sunday, August 18, preceded by the third-place game between the two teams who don’t win their semifinal matches.
Last year, the NC Courage lifted the trophy by defeating Lyon 1-0 on July 29, behind a goal by Heather O’Reilly. While the US National Team players were away last year for the Tournament of Nations, all four of the NC Courage’s World Cup Champions will be in Cary and are expected to take the field on August 15.
Mewis, a North Carolina Courage and USWNT midfielder, played in six matches for 467 minutes during the FIFA Women’s World Cup. She scored two goals and tallied one assist in the United States’ opening match of the tournament. Since returning to NWSL play, Mewis has contributed one assist to teammate Kristen Hamilton.
“I can’t wait to play at home in front of our fans next week,” Mewis said. “I’m so excited for our fans to experience the international game right here in Raleigh.”
Dahlkemper and Dunn were staples for the United States in their journey for their fourth star. Dahlkemper played in every game for the USWNT while Dunn played in every game but one. The two anchored down the back line that let in very few goals during the tournament.
McDonald saw the field during the World Cup in a group stage match against Chile. She was often seen cheering on her teammates from the sideline and captured the hearts of America with her video of her reunion with her son when he arrived for the final few games of the World Cup. Since returning to the NWSL, McDonald scored the game-winning goal for the Courage when they defeated Utah on July 27.
The Women’s ICC begins on Thursday, August 15 with a doubleheader starting at 5 p.m. with Atletico de Madrid and Olympique Lyonnais in the first match followed by the NC Courage and Manchester City taking the field at 7:30 p.m. The four-match tournament will conclude on Sunday, August 18 with the third-place match at 5 p.m. and the final at 7:30 p.m. All matches are at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park and fans can purchase tickets at Ticketmaster.com or by visiting NCCourage.com for more information.
