Durham Reporter

North Carolina Courage players Riley Jackson and Manaka Matsukubo have returned from the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia, where they played pivotal roles for their respective national teams. Jackson represented the United States, while Matsukubo played for Japan. Both teams secured podium finishes, with the players coming close to facing each other in the medal round.

Before the tournament, Jackson and Matsukubo humorously entertained the idea of playing against each other in the final. "We went out to dinner before the tournament as a sendoff celebration, since we live together and are besties, and we said, ‘Let’s just play each other in the final,’ as a joke," Jackson shared. Ultimately, both lost to Korea but were pleased to return with medals.

Matsukubo's performance was outstanding, earning her the Silver Ball award as the tournament's second-best player. She scored three goals for Japan and was named Player of the Match three times. Reflecting on her achievement, Matsukubo expressed mixed emotions: “I’m so happy, but I wanted to win the final. I am happy, but a little sad too.”

Jackson contributed significantly to a strong U.S. midfield lineup throughout their bronze-medal campaign. She highlighted her camaraderie with teammates Claire Hutton from Kansas City and Ally Lemos from Orlando. “Those girls are my best friends... It was so fun to be on the field with them,” Jackson noted.

During team meals at the tournament, Jackson and her teammates followed NWSL games closely. They celebrated moments like Courage's victory over San Diego during Alex Morgan’s retirement game. "Everyone was rooting for Alex and San Diego... I had to support my girls,” she recounted.

A memorable moment for Jackson came during an intense quarterfinal against Germany where she scored a decisive penalty after an improbable comeback by her team: “It just showed the grit and passion of the team... I knew as soon as we came back and scored those two goals, we were winning that game.”

The summer proved successful internationally for Courage players beyond Jackson and Matsukubo’s achievements at the U-20 World Cup. Five players participated in the Paris Olympics with three returning home with medals.

With only three games left in their regular season schedule, both players are eager to contribute again domestically. “We’re excited... We are so excited for this last stretch of the season,” said Jackson about returning to play with Courage.

The Courage will face Angel City FC at home on Saturday, October 12.