Cary, NC (January 31, 2018)- The North Carolina Courage has acquired defender Merritt Mathias via trade with the Seattle Reign, the club announced today. Additionally, the NC Courage has obtained Seattle’s natural second round draft pick in 2019 in exchange for the NC Courage’s natural first round draft pick in 2019.



“Merritt is a proven professional and has aspirations to play at the international level,” said NC Courage Head Coach Paul Riley. “She is powerful, quick and will provide a fantastic attacking spark out of the back. I drafted her in WPS, so I know her qualities. Love her mindset, final third prowess, and desire to push the envelope. The fans will embrace her attitude, bite and tenacity. Certainly a huge addition to our squad, and we look forward to getting the best out of her performance”



Mathias has been in the league since 2013 when she was drafted 22nd overall by FC Kansas City in the 2013 Supplemental Draft. With FCKC, she started in 20 matches and scored two goals. In her second season with the Blues, she saw 18 starts out of 22 total appearances.



Shortly after the 2014 season, the defender was traded to Seattle and played in 20 regular season games, scored two goals and provided two assists. That same year, Mathias helped the Reign clinch the 2015 NWSL Shield and advance to the NWSL Championship game. She stayed with Seattle for the 2016 and 2017 seasons where she played 1,459 and 1,431 minutes, respectively.



Mathias has U.S. Youth National Team experience having played on the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-23 teams. She was called up to camp for the first team in October 2016.



The Birmingham, Al. native split her time between UNC-Chapel Hill and Texas A&M in college. She played for the Tar Heels in 2008 and 2009 before transferring to Texas A&M. With the Aggies, she was named to the All-Big 12 first team and Big 12 All-newcomer team.



Mathias and the NC Courage return to Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. this spring. Season Tickets and Flex Plans are on sale now, and fans can secure 2018 Season Tickets for $50 down. Call 919-459-8144 or visit NCCourage.com to purchase your tickets for our highly anticipated 2018 NWSL Season.



About North Carolina Courage

The North Carolina Courage is a Division I professional women’s soccer team that plays in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The NC Courage, the reigning NWSL Shield Winner, plays its home games at Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. For more information, please visit www.NCCourage.com or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

