Courage to Participate in Team’s First International Friendly

On February 9, 2023, the North Carolina Courage and Rayadas de Monterrey announced a pair of friendly matches in 2023 — one in each of the team’s home venues.

Initially, on Thursday, March 9, 2023, the Courage will visit Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico for the first match of the pair in 2023. Rayadas de Monterrey will visit WakeMed Soccer Park later this year, with a date to be announced at a later date.

First International Friendly for Courage

This is the first time the Courage will travel internationally for any match, though the team has played against international opponents in their two Women’s International Champions Cup (ICC) appearances. the first-ever meeting between the Courage and a Liga MX Femenil club. Details, including the start time, ticket, and broadcast information for both matches will be announced at a later date.

We are thrilled for our team to play in this environment and against high-quality competition at such an early stage in our season.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our club,” said NC Courage Chief Soccer Officer Curt Johnson.

“We are thrilled for our team to play in this environment and against high-quality competition at such an early stage in our season. We are just as excited to welcome Rayadas to Cary and give our fans and community a new soccer experience. We look forward to growing this partnership and continuing to lead the charge in bringing the world together around the game we love.”

About Rayadas de Monterrey

For the last 5+ years (since 2017), Rayadas has been in the women’s section of C.F. Monterrey. Additionally, the Rayadas de Monterrey squad is only one of four clubs that have won a Liga MX Femenil title. They’ve won the title twice — first in 2019 and then again 2021.

They played their first international tournament in August of 2022, participating in the Women’s ICC, and reached the finals where they fell to Lyon.

Rayadas plays all of their home matches at Estadio BBVA, a stadium of 53,000-seat capacity. It is nicknamed El Gigante de Acero (The Steel Giant).

Courage 2023 Schedule

The North Carolina Courage home opener is scheduled just two weeks after the initial friendly against Rayadas de Monterrey. The 2023 opener will be against the Kansas City Current on Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm at WakeMed Soccer Park. View the rest of the 2023 schedule here.

Keep checking back to Courage Country for more news, information and interviews regarding the North Carolina Courage.