Matildas' Vine joins US side North Carolina Courage
Matildas winger Cortnee Vine has signed a three-year contract with National Women's Soccer League club North Carolina Courage, sealing her club future until the 2027 Women's World Cup.
It is a first move away from Australia's A-League Women competition for Vine, 26, after a trophy-laden stint with Sydney FC.
The explosive winger netted 30 goals in 65 games for the Sky Blues.
Once her US visa is rubber-stamped, Vine will be eligible to play for the Courage from August 1 - although she is unlikely to link up with the club until after the Matildas' Olympic campaign has concluded.
"The biggest reason I'm excited to join the Courage is their style of play," Vine said in a statement.
"They play beautiful, possession-based football. And I'm excited to be part of the culture."
The winger said she was excited to link up with her former Western Sydney Wanderers teammate and Ireland star Denise O'Sullivan at the Courage.
Unleash the VINE 🌿
We have signed Australian National Team player Cortnee Vine to a three-year contract!
The forward has been named to Australia's Olympic team, won three premierships & two Grand Finals with Sydney FC, and scored 30 goals in 65 games with the Sky Blues.— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) June 14, 2024
Vine's stunning domestic form with Sydney, after stints at Brisbane, Newcastle and the Wanderers, earned her 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.
Sydney confirmed on Friday that Vine, along with defender Charlotte McLean, had played her last game for the club after leading 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."
