July 12, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – North Carolina Courage News Release
CARY, NC – The North Carolina Courage today announced they have signed Japanese international midfielder Fuka Nagano through the 2022 season with an option for 2023. Nagano joins the squad having most recently played with Japanese side Mynavi Sendai.
“We are thrilled with the addition of Fuka to our team,” Head Coach Sean Nahas said. “She has an extremely high technical standard and soccer IQ. Her ability to break lines and find positive spaces to occupy is something we are excited to add to our midfield. She brings international experience and is someone we feel will have a great impact in our style of play. We cannot wait to have her with us and look forward to adding her quality to our roster.”
The 23-year-old has made 10 appearances for the Japanese senior women’s national team, including eight appearances in the last nine months. In June, Nagano received a call-up for the Japanese senior women’s team and started two friendlies, both wins over Serbia and Finland. Nagano also made appearances with Japan in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups in 2014 and 2016, and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in 2018. Nagano has played and started all 20 matches for Sendai in the Japanese WE League, recording four assists and 1,800 minutes in that span.
“I’m grateful and honored to be a part of the North Carolina Courage,” Nagano said. “I will make the most of this amazing opportunity and am looking forward to contributing to the team.”
The Courage will see their next action when they return home on Friday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET against Angel City FC. Tickets can be purchased here. The match will stream live on Paramount+ and Twitch (internationally). For live game updates and more information on the NC Courage, follow along on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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