NC Courage sign 17-year-old USYNT standout Riley Jackson
Midfielder to be introduced to fans Saturday
CARY – Riley Jackson is the latest teenager to jump straight into the professional ranks of the National Women’s Soccer League, with the USYNT standout signing with the NC Courage on Friday, July 28.
The 17-year-old midfielder will be introduced at halftime of the Courage’s Challenge Cup match against the Orlando Pride on Saturday, July 29.
The midfielder’s contract is through 2025 and includes an option for 2026.
Jackson was a co-captain of the U.S. U-17 WYNT in 2022, helping the U.S. win the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship and reach the quarterfinals of the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The midfielder won the Golden Ball for her efforts at the Concacaf Championship, scoring two goals and assisting three from midfield.
During the 2022 U-17 World Cup, Jackson played alongside multiple members of the NC Courage Academy including goalkeeper Abigail Gundry and midfielder Lauren Martinho.
In addition to her exploits with the youth national team, Jackson was named the 2021-22 Gatorade National Girls Soccer Player of the Year as a sophomore at Blessed Trinity High School in Roswell, Georgia.
That season, Jackson scored 14 goals and assisted 18 more.
Jackson was committed to play at Duke University, but decided to forgo her college eligibility and turn pro.
Check back here for an updated version of this story following Jackson’s introductory press conference.