Matildas World Cup hero Cortnee Vine departs Sydney FC for move to US

Matildas winger Cortnee Vine has signed a three-year deal with National Women’s Soccer League team North Carolina Courage, sealing her club future until the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

It will be Vine’s first move away from the A-League Women and comes after a trophy-laden stint with Sydney FC. The explosive winger netted 30 goals in 65 games for the Sky Blues.

Once Vine’s US visa is rubber-stamped she will be eligible to play for the Courage from 1 August – although the 26-year-old is unlikely to link up with the club until after the Matildas’ Olympic campaign has concluded.

“The last four years at Sydney FC have had a life-changing impact on me and I’m extremely thankful to everyone at the club,” Vine said. “Sydney FC has given me the platform to achieve my goals, enjoy a lot of success and move on to the next stage of my career.”

Vine has played in Australia’s top-tier women’s league with Sydney FC, Western Sydney Wanderers and Newcastle Jets, after making her debut with Brisbane Roar at the age of 16.

Stunning domestic form with the Sky Blues earned Vine a shot with the Matildas. She scored the dramatic winning penalty in last year’s World Cup quarter-final shootout win over France and has been named in Australia’s squad for the Paris Olympics.

The pacey attacker will join fellow Matildas in Emily van Egmond and Kaitlyn Torpey in the NWSL, where both play for San Diego Wave. Some of the biggest names in the Matildas’ squad have previously used stints in the NWSL as a launching pad for their careers, including Sam Kerr, Ellie Carpenter, Caitlin Foord and Steph Catley.

“The biggest reason I’m excited to join the Courage is their style of play,” Vine said. “They play beautiful, possession-based football. And I’m excited to be part of the culture.”

Sydney defender Charlotte McLean has also played her last game for the club after partnering with Vine to lead the Sky Blues to a second-straight grand final victory.

“We are thrilled to add Cortnee to our club,” Courage coach Sean Nahas said in a statement. “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. 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.”