The North Carolina Courage have suffered a significant blow to their attacking lineup, as the club announced today that forward Payton Crawford (formerly Linnehan) will miss the remainder of the NWSL season. The team has placed Crawford on the season-ending injury (SEI) list after she sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a training session.

According to the Courage, the injury occurred while the team was on the road for matches against the Houston Dash and Boston Legacy. Crawford was initially evaluated by medical staff during the trip before returning to North Carolina for further assessment by team doctors. ACL tears are among the most challenging setbacks in professional soccer, often requiring extensive rehabilitation that can keep players sidelined for nine months or more.

Crawford, a dynamic forward known for her pace and technical ability, was acquired by the Courage in a trade with the Portland Thorns back in August 2025. Shortly after arriving in North Carolina, she signed a contract extension that keeps her with the club through the 2027 season, with a mutual option for 2028. Her absence will be felt as the Courage push through the remainder of the campaign, but the team will look to its depth to fill the void left by her injury.