That said, this is an amazing bit of business by the Courage. We net, I believe, around $850,000 in this sale. We need two elite wingers for next season.

As I have said before, the perfect player for this team is Gio Queiroz. We need someone of that skill set, pace, and caliber.

Hopefully, we'll get a chance to see her next season.

But she's out of contract, and it would not be a huge surprise to see her sign with the new hometown team in Boston.

Vine has not been able to do it. Gome either doesn't have the speed or hasn't really been given a chance.

Wingate is exactly the kind of player we've been missing this season. I couldn't help think how much damage she could have done when Shaw was in the deep playmaking role on Saturday.

That doesn't seem to be the direction they're going in. 🤷‍♀️

Just an embarrassing lack of professionalism in this coaching search.

Looks like they're interviewing outside candidates. Happening pretty quickly.

Also, regardless of the coach, I expect to lose about 8 of the UFAs, maybe more. It's also possible some players currently under contract will leave.

In short, we have a lot of roster spots to fill, and we need a coach and a "project" to recruit players. No one is going to sign without a coach.

2. The reason I would like to have a head coach named quickly is that we have 12 undrafted free agents, who are talking and perhaps negotiating with other teams right now.

Will Kurtz be willing to re-sign with the Courage if she doesn't know who her coach will be?

If we're going to switch back to a 4-3-3, which I would favor, then one of Sanchez or Shaw has to go. Neither is effective on the wing, and we can't play three 10s. At this point, I would go with Shaw.

I think Manaka or Pinto could play the false 9, but we would need to bring in some elite wingers.

1. Decide whether to keep the current formation or switch back to a classic 4-3-3.

If we want to keep this formation, we need to improve the quality at the 9 and at wingback positions. We have *got* to bring in players who can score goals.

Do we suddenly find ourselves back to the time when no one wanted to play for North Carolina?

Also, why are we so allergic to transition moments? Time and again, San Diego would lose the ball while they were in their expansive attacking shape, and we failed to take advantage.

Looks like the Courage have exercised the options for Jackson and Shaw.

With Lussi, either they did not exercise the option or Lussi has not yet reciprocated.

www.nwslsoccer.com/news/2026-nw...

4. There is a club option with Jaedyn Shaw. I honestly don't know what's going to happen with Shaw and the Courage after this season, but you have to think that the club will exercise the option if only to protect its investment.

3. There a club option with Riley Jackson. As close to a sure thing as you will find.

2. Tyler Lussi has a mutual option. My hunch is that the club will want to keep a versatile, high character player around. It will be interesting to see if she wants to stay.