USWNT defender Abby Dahlkemper departs NWSL to sign with Manchester City

Cary, NC – World Cup Champion and three-time NWSL Champion Abby Dahlkemper has signed a contract with English side Manchester City, the club announced today. The NC Courage retains Dahlkemper’s NWSL rights.

“North Carolina- thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to be a part of this organization for four amazing years,” said Dahlkemper. “I feel so grateful to be able to have played for this club filled with such special coaches, teammates, staff, and fans. I will forever remember my time with the Courage and will miss all of you so much.”

Since 2017, Dahlkemper has made 71 appearances with the Courage for a total of 6,420 minutes. She contributed three assists and made 237 clearances in four seasons. The center back was a starter in both the 2018 and 2019 NWSL Championships in which the Courage were victorious. During the 2020 Fall Series, Dahlkemper served as the captain of the North Carolina Courage and recorded her first goal with the team.

“Abby is a modern center back with ability to build play, influence play, and dictate play,” said NC Courage head coach Paul Riley. “She has been terrific for the Courage and I want to thank her for her tremendous commitment, dedication, and complete focus that she gave our team. Sometimes when the opportunity knocks, you have to take advantage and risk take. I have told Abby that for years. She has accepted a new challenge and I’m sure it will be one she will embrace and be driven to succeed.”

Manchester City plays in the FA Women’s Super League and are currently in fourth place. During the 2019-2020 season, the team secured their fifth straight qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Dahlkemper will join her former NC Courage teammate Sam Mewis and USWNT teammate Rose Lavelle, both of whom signed contracts with Man City in August 2020.