NWSL Season Preview 2023: 1 major question for each team

Jan 12, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of an official game ball during the NWSL Draft at Pennsylvania Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; A general view of an official game ball during the NWSL Draft at Pennsylvania Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 1, 2023; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Courage forward Olivia Wingate (20) poses for a photo during media day at Trailblazer Studios. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2023; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Courage forward Olivia Wingate (20) poses for a photo during media day at Trailblazer Studios. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

For the North Carolina Courage: Can the Courage revitalize their legacy with a youthful roster?

It’s hard to talk about the Courage without being a little sad about not seeing Debinha and Ordóñez with this squad anymore. The Courage had the most picks in the first round of the draft with year with four. But will these younger players be able to fill the attacking gap left by Debinha and Ordóñez?

The Courage also traded away Carson Pickett and long-time Courage player Abby Ergec, who has been with the team since 2017. But they received USWNT staple Emily Fox in return, a very talented defender. The Courage have been through a lot, winning championships in 2018 and 2019 while also grappling with the abuse of Paul Riley.

They have several new faces on the team this year, acquiring Tyler Lussi from Angel City, Estelle Johnson from Gotham FC, and Danish forward Mille Gejl Jensen. It’s possible this season might serve them better as a rebuild for their new squad on their way back to their championship form.