North Carolina Courage forward Kristen Hamilton has extended her contract at the club.

The new deal will see Hamilton remain until 2021 with an option for an additional year.

She initially signed for the club in 2017 and recently played 285 minutes in the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup. Courage were knocked out of the competition in the quarter-finals by Portland Thorns FC.

Courage head coach Paul Riley said: “Hamilton’s evolution as a player has been phenomenal to watch.

“She has grown in just about every attacking category from finishing, to final ball, crossing, spacial awareness, turning, heading, and knowledge of the penalty box. She is stronger, quicker, better tactically, and more composed in front of goal.”

It is unclear when the NWSL will kick off again after completing the season with the Challenge Cup.