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 scored 30 goals in 65 appearances for the Sky Blues.

Once Vine’s US visa is approved, she will be eligible to play for the Courage from August 1 – although the 26-year-old is unlikely to join the club after the Matildas’ Olympic campaign concludes.

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

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

The Sky Blues’ stunning domestic form earned Vine an opportunity with the Matildas. She scored the dramatic winning penalty in last year’s World Cup quarter-final shootout victory against France and has been named in Australia’s squad for the Paris Olympics.

The speedy forward joins 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 am so excited to join the Courage is their style of play,” Vine said. “They play nice, possession-based football. And I’m excited to be part of the culture.”

Sydney defender Charlotte McLean has also played her final game for the club after teaming up with Vine to lead the Sky Blues to a second straight win.

“We are excited to add Cortnee to our club,” Courage coach Sean Nahas said in a statement. “She has a lot of international experience and can help us directly day in, day out.

“In my conversations with her, she is eager to learn and wants to help wherever she can, both on and off the field. She has a very high football IQ and always looks threatening in the final third. She is an explosive player both on and off the ball and fits our playing style perfectly.”