‘Shocked and disappointed’: Abby Erceg traded away from North Carolina Courage

Abby Erceg has penned an emotional letter to North Carolina Braveness followers, saying she is “shocked and dissatisfied” after being traded from the Nationwide Girls’s Soccer League membership she gained two championships with as captain.

The previous Soccer Ferns star has been despatched to Racing Louisville together with Braveness teammate and off-field accomplice Carson Pickett, with present United States worldwide Emily Fox heading within the different path.

Erceg retired from worldwide obligation with a view to focus on her membership commitments within the US after enjoying 146 instances for New Zealand, giving up the possibility to signify her nation at a house World Cup.

After signing as a basis participant in 2017, the 33-year-old centre-back went on to play 115 video games throughout all competitions for the Braveness.

She led the membership to 2 NWSL championships in 2018 and 2019 and three NWSL Shields for first-place common season finishes in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Erceg caught by the membership throughout their darkest interval, when coach Paul Riley was fired in 2021 following allegations of sexual misconduct.

“Braveness nation my coronary heart breaks just a little right now and imagine me after I say I’m as shocked and dissatisfied as you might be,” Erceg wrote on social media following the announcement of her commerce.

“The intention to see out my profession with a membership during which I’ve so many implausible reminiscences involves an finish, as that intention is sadly not a shared one.

“I gave this membership every thing I had via the great instances and dangerous so I depart with my head held excessive and I hope I led your workforce in a manner that you simply have been happy with.

“Thanks for every thing, from the underside of my coronary heart, thanks.

“Now, I look ahead to investing my efforts right into a membership with whom I have already got a shared imaginative and prescient.”

Braveness coach Sean Nahas paid tribute to his outgoing captain and Erceg would go down as one of many best gamers within the membership’s quick historical past.

“Abby has been a cornerstone of our membership since her arrival in North Carolina. She was an integral a part of our membership’s championships over time and somebody who will go down as among the finest in league historical past,” Nahas stated.

“We can’t thank her sufficient for every thing she gave to our membership, our followers, and group over time. She set the usual day by day to make her who she is: one of many greats.”

Erceg didn’t tackle her worldwide retirement.