The North Carolina Courage have made a strategic move by signing Australian defender Charlotte McLean, securing her presence until the 2025 NWSL season. With an impressive record at Sydney FC, where she was named 2023/24 Player of the Year and helped the team win three Premierships and two championships, McLean brings a wealth of experience and skills to the Courage. She is expected to become a key cog in the team's defensive line.
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The Courage's defense will benefit enormously from McLean's arrival. She is known for her ability to read the game and her accuracy in tackling, having won 58.6% of her tackles last season. That kind of performance is exactly what the Courage need to strengthen their defensive line and face the challenges of the NWSL.
In addition, McLean has excellent interception and blocking ability, as shown by his 192 interceptions and 31 blocked shots last season. These qualities are essential for a team looking to maintain defensive consistency. His presence will not only increase the robustness of the defence, but will also contribute to the team's tactical organization.
Coach Sean Nahas expressed his satisfaction with the signing, noting that McLean will bring a new dimension to the team. He believes that the Australian will not only improve the defensive performance, but will also positively influence the team's technical development. McLean is enthusiastic about the opportunity, citing the Courage's attractive style of play as an ideal environment to further develop her skills.
With the secondary transfer window opening on August 1, McLean will be available for selection, and North Carolina Courage fans can expect a more solid and organized defense. The combination of his experience and defensive skills with the Courage's playing philosophy promises to significantly strengthen the team in the second half of the season.