Emily Fox is on her way to North Carolina in exchange for Racing Louisville’s Abby Erceg and Carson Pickett, The Athletic’s Meg Linehan reported Monday.
The No. 1 pick in the 2021 NWSL draft, Fox has been a member of Racing since their first match. She also has played in 24 games for the U.S. women’s national team, including the team’s two wins against New Zealand to start the year.
The trade is expected to be announced by the teams Monday afternoon, sources told The Athletic.
Pickett brings a similar style to Fox as a defender. But her departure, along with that of team captain Erceg, indicates that the Courage are looking to go in a different direction with their defense in 2023.
While North Carolina picked up forward Tyler Lussi last week, the team parted ways with Diana Ordóñez, who requested a trade. The Courage sent the 21-year-old forward to the Houston Dash in exchange for draft picks.
Erceg criticized the Ordóñez deal on Twitter, writing, “Yup, it’s official. We still suck a trades in 2023.”
Both Erceg and Pickett will reunite with former Courage teammate Jessica McDonald in Louisville. North Carolina traded McDonald to Louisville last offseason.
