Canadian No. 1 goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan signs with NWSL’s North Carolina Courage

By Canadian Press on January 8, 2026.

CARY — Canadian international Kailen Sheridan, a former NWSL goalkeeper of the year, has signed a two-year contract with the North Carolina Courage.

The 30-year-old from Whitby, Ont., Canada’s No. 1 ‘keeper, spent the last four seasons with the San Diego Wave.

“We’re delighted to welcome Kailen Sheridan to the club,” Courage chief soccer officer Ceri Bowley said in a statement. “She is an elite goalkeeper with proven experience at the highest level, and her leadership, distribution and shot-stopping ability immediately raise the standard of our squad.

“Kailen brings a strong mentality and professionalism that will be invaluable both on and off the pitch, and we’re confident she will play a key role in helping us achieve our objectives moving forward.”

Sheridan’s surprise departure from San Diego came Dec. 29 with the club announcing her contract had been “terminated by mutual agreement.”

In a social media post the same day, however, Sheridan’s wife Dominique said “This sudden move is as much of a shock to us as it is to all of you.”

U.S. international Casey Murphy, North Carolina’s starting ‘keeper, signed with the expansion Boston Legacy as a free agent last month. Also in December, the Courage sent goalkeeper Marisa Jordan to the Kansas City Current in exchange for a 2026 international roster spot.

Sheridan was named the league’s top goalkeeper in 2022 and was selected to the NWSL Best XI first team in 2021 and 2022 and second team in 2023.

Sheridan has won 63 caps for Canada with 31 shutouts.

The Canadian was taken by NJ/NY Gotham FC 23rd overall in the 2017 NWSL draft after a standout career at Clemson. Sheridan spent five seasons with Gotham before being traded to San Diego ahead of the club’s 2022 inaugural season.

Sheridan has made 166 career NWSL regular-season appearances with 42 clean sheets.

“I can’t wait to join the Courage and bring my family to North Carolina,” Sheridan said. “This team’s soccer identity and tactical systems are so exciting and fit the way I like to play as well. I’m really looking forward to joining the team, getting to work on the field, and focusing on a great season this year.”

North Carolina finished ninth in the 14-team NWSL at 9-9-8, two points below sixth-place San Diego (10-9-7).

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 8, 2026.

The Canadian Press