The North Carolina Courage and midfielder Brianna Pinto agreed to a three-year, guaranteed contract that runs through the 2025 season.
Pinto, from Durham, N.C., played collegiately at nearby North Carolina.
The Courage acquired Pinto from Gotham FC, who selected her No. 3 overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft, before the 2022 season. She played in 22 matches (17 starts), scoring a goal and adding two assists.
“Brianna is a shining example of the home-grown model of professional soccer,” said Curt Johnson, chief soccer officer for the Courage. “She played in the NC Courage Youth Academy, then stayed in the area for college to compete at the highest level and now continues to make an impact in her home community as a professional athlete. She’s an extremely talented player with a ton of potential and is a true role model for girls playing youth soccer in the area,” said Chief Soccer Officer Curt Johnson.
Pinto, 22, is the first member of the NC Courage Youth Academy to later play for the NWSL club.
NWSL preseason camps open later this month, with the first league game set for March 25.
–Field Level Media