Jessica McDonald

{{Infobox football biography

| name = Jessica McDonald

| image = Jessica McDonald May19.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = McDonald before USWNT friendly against New Zealand in May 2019

| fullname = Jessica Marie McDonald{{cite web |url=https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWWC/2019/pdf/FWWC_2019_SQUADLISTS.PDF |title=FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019 – List of Players: USA |publisher=FIFA |page=24 |date=July 7, 2019 |access-date=April 10, 2022 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708190751/https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWWC/2019/pdf/FWWC_2019_SQUADLISTS.PDF |archive-date=July 8, 2019}}

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|2|28}}

| birth_place = Phoenix, Arizona, United States

| height = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/players/2014/03/15/02/34/jessica-mcdonald |title=Jessica McDonald - USWNT - US Womens Soccer Official Site - U.S. Soccer |access-date=May 27, 2017 |archive-date=May 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519104148/http://www.ussoccer.com/players/2014/03/15/02/34/jessica-mcdonald |url-status=dead}}

| position = Forward

| currentclub =

| clubnumber =

| collegeyears1 = 2006–2007

| college1 = Phoenix Bears

| collegeyears2 = 2008–2009

| college2 = North Carolina Tar Heels

| years1 = 2010

| clubs1 = Chicago Red Stars

| caps1 = 5

| goals1 = 0

| years2 = 2012–2013

| clubs2 = Melbourne Victory

| caps2 = 13

| goals2 = 7

| years3 = 2013

| clubs3 = Chicago Red Stars

| caps3 = 9

| goals3 = 0

| years4 = 2013

| clubs4 = Seattle Reign FC

| caps4 = 7

| goals4 = 3

| years5 = 2014

| clubs5 = Portland Thorns FC

| caps5 = 24

| goals5 = 11

| years6 = 2015

| clubs6 = Houston Dash

| caps6 = 20

| goals6 = 7

| years7 = 2016

| clubs7 = Western New York Flash

| caps7 = 20

| goals7 = 10

| years8 = 2017–2021

| clubs8 = North Carolina Courage

| caps8 = 84

| goals8 = 24

| years9 = 2022–2023

| clubs9 = Racing Louisville

| caps9 = 26

| goals9 = 3

| years10 = 2022–2023

| clubs10 = → Western United (loan)

| caps10 = 9

| goals10 = 2

| nationalyears1 =

| nationalteam1 = United States U17

| nationalcaps1 =

| nationalgoals1 =

| nationalyears2 = 2007–2008

| nationalteam2 = United States U20

| nationalcaps2 =

| nationalgoals2 =

| nationalyears3 = 2009

| nationalteam3 = United States U23

| nationalcaps3 =

| nationalgoals3 =

| nationalyears4 = 2016–2020

| nationalteam4 = United States

| nationalcaps4 = 19

| nationalgoals4 = 4

| medaltemplates =

{{Medal|Country|the {{USA}}}}

| club-update = February 24, 2023

| nationalteam-update = March 8, 2020

}}

Jessica Marie McDonald (born February 28, 1988) is an American soccer commentator and former professional player. She played for National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) clubs including the Chicago Red Stars, Seattle Reign, Portland Thorns, Houston Dash, Western New York Flash, North Carolina Courage, and Racing Louisville. During her time with the Flash / Courage, she won three NWSL Shields and three NWSL Championships. She made 19 appearances for the United States national team and was part of the team that won the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Early life

Born in Phoenix, Arizona, McDonald is the daughter of Traci McDonald and Vince Myers. Her brother, Brandon McDonald, is also a professional soccer player who plays in Major League Soccer.{{cite web |title=McDonald Siblings | date=January 21, 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwdnrTyAGPU |publisher=US Soccer Federation |access-date=July 1, 2013}} She attended Cactus High School in Glendale, Arizona, where she played basketball all four years and ran track during her junior and senior years. In 2004 and 2006, she was a member of state championship basketball teams and was a first-team all-state and all-region selection. She was also a state champion and record holder in the 400 meters during her track and field career. She graduated Cactus High School as the school's record holder for the 100 meters, 200 meters, 400 meters, and 4 × 400 meter relay team.{{cite web |title=Jessica McDonald |url=http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=205672531 |publisher=University of North Carolina |access-date=June 28, 2013}}

McDonald was a member of the Sereno Soccer club from 2000 to 2007 and helped the team win state championships each year she played for it. She helped lead Sereno to regional championships in 2003 and 2007, and placed second in the national championship in 2003. She played on the Surf Cup title-winning teams in 2005 and 2006. She was the MVP of the tournament in 2006.

=Phoenix College=

McDonald attended Phoenix College during her freshman and sophomore year of college where she played soccer, basketball and track and was a member of the honors program. She was named a first-team junior college All-America in soccer and National Junior College Player of the Year. McDonald earned first-team all-conference and all-region honors and was the single-season record holder at Phoenix College for goals and assists. Also continuing to excel at basketball, McDonald earned first-team all-region and all-conference honors and was the country's number one rebounder in junior college and among the Top 30 in scoring.

=North Carolina Tar Heels=

After transferring to the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill during her sophomore year, McDonald joined the North Carolina Tar Heels soccer team during the first half of the 2008 season and helped the squad ultimately win the national championship as a starting striker. McDonald scored 5 goals and had 10 assists for 20 points during the season. Despite playing in only 75 percent of the team's games her first year, she led the squad in assists.

Club career

=Chicago Red Stars, 2010=

In 2010, McDonald was the second pick (fifteenth overall) by the Chicago Red Stars in the 2010 WPS Draft.{{cite web |title=Field Trip Diary: 1/15/10 from the WPS Draft in Philadelphia |url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/328003-field-trip-diary-11510-from-the-wps-draft-in-philadelphia |publisher=Bleacher Report |access-date=June 29, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Olympic vets Heath, Cheney, picked at top of WPS draft |url=http://espnfc.com/news/story?id=728005&sec=wps&cc=5901 |publisher=ESPN |access-date=June 29, 2013}} She made five appearances for the squad before suffering a knee injury that required 18 months recovery.{{cite web |last1=Goldberg |first1=Jamie |title=Portland Thorns forward Jessica McDonald came to Portland with something to prove |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2014/04/portland_thorns_forward_jessic_3.html |publisher=The Oregonian |access-date=October 7, 2016 |date=April 29, 2014}} Chicago finished the regular season in sixth place with a {{Win–loss record|w=7|d=6|l=11}} record.{{cite web |title=Jess McDonald |url=http://us.women.soccerway.com/players/jessica-mcdonald/125864/ |publisher=Soccer Way |access-date=October 7, 2016}} Following the season, the team suspended league operations in December 2010 and re-established themselves in the WPSL.{{cite web |title=WPS's Chicago Red Stars Suspend Operations |date=December 14, 2010 |url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2010/12/14/1875902/wpss-chicago-red-stars-suspend-operations |publisher=SB Nation |access-date=June 29, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Chicago Red Stars Planning to Suspend Operations |url=http://www.toyotapark.com/sports/chicago-red-stars.aspx |publisher=Toyota Park |access-date=June 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120714060801/http://toyotapark.com/sports/chicago-red-stars.aspx |archive-date=July 14, 2012}}{{cite web |title=Chicago Red Stars history |url=http://chicagoredstars.com/history/ |access-date=July 4, 2020 |archive-date=February 23, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160223210951/http://chicagoredstars.com/history/ |url-status=dead}}

=Melbourne Victory FC, 2012–13=

File:Jessica McDonald.jpg

McDonald signed with the Melbourne Victory FC in Australia's W-League (now known as A-League Women) for the 2012–13 season.{{cite web |title=American International touches down |url=http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/index.php?id=17&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=881&cHash=052acc1eadc1a124cc003e162ee04f2d |publisher=Football Federation Victoria |date=October 24, 2012|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20130629095000/http://www.footballfedvic.com.au/index.php?id=17&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=881&cHash=052acc1eadc1a124cc003e162ee04f2d|archivedate=June 29, 2013|url-status=dead}} She started all 13 of her appearances for the squad, scoring seven goals, and helped the squad to the Grand Final match against Sydney FC.{{cite web |title=Players Abroad with Quotes from Nicole Cross, Jessica McDonald and MORE |url=http://www.ourgamemagazine.com/players-abroad-with-quotes-from-nicole-cross-jessica-mcdonald-and-marie-eve-nault/ |publisher=Our Game Magazine |date=January 23, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130505010428/http://www.ourgamemagazine.com/players-abroad-with-quotes-from-nicole-cross-jessica-mcdonald-and-marie-eve-nault/ |archive-date=May 5, 2013}}

=Chicago Red Stars and Seattle Reign FC, 2013=

File:Jessica McDonald Reign FC 2013.jpg

In 2013, McDonald signed with the Chicago Red Stars as a free agent for the inaugural season of the NWSL.{{cite web |title=Red Stars Select 5 in Supplemental Draft, Add 5th FA |url=http://chicagoredstars.com/red-stars-select-5-in-supplemental-draft/ |publisher=Chicago Red Stars |access-date=June 29, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130928113224/http://chicagoredstars.com/red-stars-select-5-in-supplemental-draft/ |archive-date=September 28, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Red Stars focus scoring efforts on team, not star |date=April 10, 2013 |url=http://equalizersoccer.com/2013/04/10/red-stars-focus-scoring-efforts-on-team-not-star/ |publisher=Equalizer Soccer |access-date=June 29, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Opponents seeing stars: Chicago Red Stars season preview |date=April 12, 2013 |url=https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/4/12/4131788/chicago-red-stars-2013-nwsl-preview |publisher=SB Nation |access-date=June 29, 2013}} During the pre-season, she scored four goals in the second half of a match against St. Edwards University.{{cite web |title=Red Stars in a Rout |url=http://www.chicagolandsoccernews.com/teams/redstars2.php?article_id=12060 |publisher=Chicagoland Soccer News |access-date=June 29, 2013 |archive-date=November 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113140330/http://www.chicagolandsoccernews.com/teams/redstars2.php?article_id=12060 |url-status=dead }} She made nine appearances for the Red Stars during the regular season, serving one assist, before being waived by the team in June 2013.{{cite web |title=Seattle Reign FC acquire forward Jessica McDonald |date=June 28, 2013 |url=http://goalwa.wordpress.com/2013/06/28/seattle-reign-fc-acquire-forward-jessica-mcdonald/ |publisher=Goal WA |access-date=June 28, 2013}}

On June 28, 2013, it was announced that McDonald had signed with the Seattle Reign FC after being waived by the Red Stars.{{cite web |title=Reign FC Acquire Forward Jessica McDonald |date=June 28, 2013 |url=http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=4627211 |publisher=Our Sports Central |access-date=June 29, 2013}} She scored her first goal during her debut appearance for the club in a match against the Boston Breakers on July 3, 2013.{{cite web |title=BREAKERS COME BACK TO DRAW WITH SEATTLE 1–1 |url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/News/734644.html |publisher=National Women's Soccer League |access-date=July 11, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029183709/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/News/734644.html |archive-date=October 29, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Reign continues unbeaten run |url=http://blog.thenewstribune.com/soccer/2013/07/03/reign-continues-unbeaten-run/ |publisher=News Tribune |access-date=July 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150118085200/http://blog.thenewstribune.com/soccer/2013/07/03/reign-continues-unbeaten-run/ |archive-date=January 18, 2015 |url-status=dead}} Two games later, during the team's first televised match on Fox Soccer, she scored a brace against the Washington Spirit leading the Reign to a 2–1 win.{{cite web |title=REIGN FC DEFEAT SPIRIT 2–1 ON FOX SOCCER |url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/News/737792.html |publisher=National Women's Soccer League |access-date=August 30, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140729171222/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/News/737792.html |archive-date=July 29, 2014}}{{cite web |title=Jessica McDonald levels for Seattle |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/video/search?sp_q=jessica+mcdonald&x=-1016&y=-265 |work=Fox Sports |access-date=August 30, 2013}} McDonald finished the 2013 season with six starts in seven matches played, tallying a total of 439 minutes played. Her three goals ranked third on the squad for most goals scored – tied with teammates, Christine Nairn and Kaylyn Kyle.{{cite web |title=Seattle Reign FC 2013 |url=http://us.women.soccerway.com/teams/united-states/seattle-reign/24153/ |publisher=Soccer Way |access-date=August 30, 2013}}

=Portland Thorns, 2014=

McDonald was traded to the Portland Thorns along with defender Rebecca Moros in late 2013 under head coach Cindy Parlow Cone, in exchange for Danielle Foxhoven. McDonald was a starting forward for the first eleven games of the 2014 season, then mostly relegated to a substitute position as Alex Morgan returned from an injury. The team-leading scorer for the Thorns in 2014, McDonald had eleven goals, including a July 17 goal 33 seconds in against Chicago: the fastest goal in NWSL history. This would be her only season in Portland, where she played as number 14 for a total of 1310 minutes in 24 regular-season games under head coach Paul Riley.{{cite news |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2015/05/jessica_mcdonald_set_to_make_h.html |title=Jessica McDonald still puzzled by 'unfair' way she lost starting spot with Portland Thorns |work=The Oregonian |date=May 22, 2015 |access-date=August 14, 2017 |author=Goldberg, Jamie |location=Portland}}

=Houston Dash, 2015=

File:Jessica McDonald (20432381884) (cropped).jpg

On January 16, 2015, McDonald was traded by the Thorns to the Houston Dash for the 13th pick in the 2015 NWSL College Draft and a second round selection in the 2016 NWSL College Draft.{{cite news |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2015/01/portland_thorns_trade_jessica.html |title=Portland Thorns trade Jessica McDonald to the Houston Dash |work=The Oregonian/OregonLive |first=Jamie |last=Goldberg |date=January 16, 2015}}{{cite web |last1=Rasmussen |first1=Randy L. |title=Jessica McDonald still puzzled by 'unfair' way she lost starting spot with Portland Thorns |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2015/05/jessica_mcdonald_set_to_make_h.html |publisher=The Oregonian |access-date=October 10, 2016 |date=May 22, 2015}} McDonald led the Dash's inaugural season in goals with seven during the 2016 season.{{cite web |last1=Kaiser |first1=Hal |title=Underrated, Jessica McDonald just keeps scoring goals |url=http://keepernotes.com/2016/10/09/jessica-mcdonald-keeps-scoring-goals/ |publisher=Keeper Notes |access-date=October 10, 2016 |date=October 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217082159/http://keepernotes.com/2016/10/09/jessica-mcdonald-keeps-scoring-goals/|archive-date=February 17, 2017|url-status=dead}} She scored the game-winning goal during the team's 1–0 win over her former team the Portland Thorns in May.{{cite web |last1=Blue |first1=Molly |title=Ex-Thorn Jessica McDonald scores only goal in Portland's 1–0 loss to Houston Dash |date=May 24, 2015 |url=http://www.oregonlive.com/portland-thorns/2015/05/ex-thorn_jessica_mcdonald_scor.html |publisher=The Oregonian |access-date=October 10, 2016}} The Dash finished in fifth place during the regular season with a {{Win–loss record|w=6|d=6|l=8}} record.{{cite web |title=2015 NWSL |url=http://us.women.soccerway.com/national/united-states/national-womens-soccer-league/2015/regular-season/r30431/ |publisher=Soccer Way |access-date=October 10, 2016}}

=Western New York Flash, 2016=

In January 2016, the Western New York Flash acquired McDonald in a trade that sent two international spots and one 2017 draft pick to Houston.{{Cite web |url=http://www.wnyflash.com/news/?article_id=333 |title=Flash Acquire Forward Jessica McDonald |website=www.wnyflash.com|access-date=January 10, 2017}} Named Player of the Week for week 10 and to the Second XI list, McDonald finished third in the NWSL overall in goals scored (10), assists(7) shots (61), and second overall in shots on goal (34) for the 2016 season, McDonald earned her first senior team call-up for the USWNT.{{Cite web |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2016/11/02/15/07/161102-wnt-roster-change-vs-romania-hinkle-klingenberg-out-mcdonald-menges-in |title=McDonald, Menges Replace Hinkle, Klingenberg on U.S. Roster for November Romania Friendlies |website=www.ussoccer.com|access-date=January 10, 2017}}

=North Carolina Courage, 2017–2021=

It was announced on January 9, 2017, that the Western New York Flash was officially sold to new ownership, moved to North Carolina,{{Cite news |url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/north-carolina-courage-joining-nwsl-signals-long-term-ambition-young-league-011017 |title=North Carolina Courage joining NWSL signals long-term ambition for young league {{!}} FOX Sports|date=January 10, 2017|newspaper=FOX Sports|language=en-US|access-date=January 10, 2017}} and rebranded as the North Carolina Courage. In May 2017, McDonald became the first NWSL player to score 33 regular-season, career goals. She scored 4 goals in 2017, helping North Carolina win the NWSL Shield.

In 2018 McDonald played in 23 regular season games, scoring 7 goals. North Carolina broke the record for most goals scored in a season with 53.{{cite web |url=https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/948215 |title=NC COURAGE BREAK MULTIPLE NWSL RECORDS IN 5–0 WIN OVER HOUSTON DASH |access-date=September 11, 2018 |date=September 8, 2018 |archive-date=September 11, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225452/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/948215 |url-status=dead }} In the Semi-final McDonald scored in the 5th minute, which was the fastest goal in playoff history. North Carolina won 2–0 and advanced to their second straight final. McDonald scored twice in the NWSL Championship game as the Courage defeated the Portland Thorns 3–0. She was named Most Valuable Player of the match. This was McDonald's second NWSL Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-portland-thorns-2018-09-22 |title=Courage cap off record-setting season with NWSL Championship win |access-date=September 23, 2018 |date=September 22, 2018 |archive-date=February 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201213659/http://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-portland-thorns-2018-09-22 |url-status=dead }}

= Racing Louisville, 2022–2023 =

On December 17, 2021, shortly before the NWSL draft, Racing Louisville acquired McDonald's playing rights in a three-way trade with the Courage and Angel City FC. Racing sent Savannah McCaskill to Angel City in exchange for the sixth overall pick in the draft plus $25,000 in allocation money, and then traded the pick to the Courage for McDonald.{{cite press release |url=https://www.racingloufc.com/news_article/show/1199415 |title=Racing Lands World Cup Winner McDonald on Busy Pre-Draft Trade Day |publisher=Racing Louisville FC |date=December 17, 2021 |accessdate=February 21, 2022 |archive-date=January 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127191639/https://www.racingloufc.com/news_article/show/1199415 |url-status=dead }} McDonald signed a two-year contract with Racing on January 28, 2022.{{cite press release |url=https://www.racingloufc.com/news_article/show/1205279 |title=Racing Makes It Official, Signing Veteran Forward McDonald |publisher=Racing Louisville FC |date=January 28, 2022 |accessdate=February 21, 2022 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221182745/https://www.racingloufc.com/news_article/show/1205279 |url-status=dead }} She scored her first goal for Racing in a 3–2 loss to the Houston Dash in the NWSL Challenge Cup.{{Cite web |title=Davis, McDonald score, but Dash's second half flurry defeats Racing |url=https://www.racingloufc.com/news/2022/03/25/davis-mcdonald-score-but-dashs-second-half-flurry-defeats-racing/ |access-date=April 16, 2022 |website=Racing Louisville |language=en-US}}

Her Racing Louisville contract expired in November 2023.{{Cite web|url=https://www.racingloufc.com/news/2023/11/20/racing-announces-initial-offseason-roster-update/|title=Racing announces initial offseason roster update}} She retired after that season and became a club ambassador for the North Carolina Courage.{{Cite web |last=White |first=Herbert |date=2024-03-16 |title=Jessica McDonald embraces new role with NC Courage |url=https://www.thecharlottepost.com/news/2024/03/16/qcfc/jessica-mcdonald-embraces-new-role-with-nc-courage/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=The Charlotte Post |language=en-US}}

== Loan to Western United ==

In October 2022, McDonald was loaned to Australian A-League Women club Western United on a three-month guest contract for the start of their inaugural season.{{cite news|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/world-cup/300716611/world-cup-winner-jessica-mcdonald-to-play-for-western-united-in-aleague-women|title=World Cup winner Jessica McDonald to play for Western United in A-League Women|first=Justin|last=Chadwick|newspaper=Stuff|date=19 October 2022}} She made her debut and scored the club's first goal in a 1–0 victory over reigning champions Melbourne Victory in the first round of the season.{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-19/a-league-women-western-united-beat-melbourne-victory-in-debut/101675154|title=Western United stun reigning champions Melbourne Victory in A-League Women debut|newspaper=ABC News|date=19 November 2022}}

International career

McDonald has represented the United States on several youth national teams including the under-16,{{cite web |title=Sereno Accomplishments |url=http://www.serenosoccer.com/champions/index_E.html |publisher=Serreno Soccer Club |access-date=October 10, 2016}} under-17,{{cite web |title=Thorns FC acquire forward Jessica McDonald, rights to defender Rebecca Moros from Seattle in exchange for Danielle Foxhoven |url=https://www.timbers.com/news/thorns-fc-acquire-forward-jessica-mcdonald-rights-defender-rebecca-moros-seattle |publisher=Portland Thorns |access-date=October 10, 2016 |date=November 27, 2013}} under-20,{{cite web |title=U.S. under-20 women's national team roster |url=http://www.socceramerica.com/article/26914/us-under-20-womens-national-team-roster.html |publisher=Soccer America |access-date=October 10, 2016 |date=June 17, 2008}} under-23, and the senior national team squads. In 2007, Jill Ellis named her to the U-20 roster for the 2007 Pan American Games in Brazil.{{cite web |title=Ellis names 18-players to U.S. Roster for Pan-American Games |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/03/17/12/13/ellis-names-18-players-to-u-s-roster-for-pan-american-games |publisher=U.S. Soccer Federation |access-date=October 10, 2016 |date=July 6, 2007}} The team won silver after being defeated by Brazil's senior national team 5–0 during the final.{{cite web |title=U-20 WNT Fall in Pan-Am Final to Full Brazilian National Team |url=http://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2014/03/17/11/44/u-20-wnt-fall-in-pan-am-final-to-full-brazilian-national-team |publisher=U.S. Soccer Federation |access-date=October 10, 2016 |date=July 26, 2007}}

= 2016 – 2018 =

She earned her first call up to the senior national team on November 2, 2016, and made her international debut on November 10 against Romania.{{Cite web |url=http://www.onceametro.com/2016/11/11/13596252/uswnt-christen-press-hat-trick-lifts-usa-over-romania-8-1-alex-morgan-tobin-heath-crystal-dunn |title=Christen Press hat trick lifts USWNT over Romania, 8–1 |last=Lee |first=Allison |date=November 11, 2016 |website=Once A Metro|access-date=January 10, 2017}} She was then named to the roster for the 2017 SheBelieves Cup that took place from March 1–7, but she did not appear in any of her team's matches. She was not named to the teams following camp for friendlies against Russia in April.

Following a strong 2018 NWSL season, McDonald was called up to the team in November 2018 for the abroad friendlies vs Portugal and Scotland. She started vs Portugal in Lisbon on November 8, and scored her first international goal, which happened to be the game winner. The 1–0 win gave the senior national team their 500th recorded victory in program history. She appeared as a substitute days later on November 13 in the team's match vs Scotland in Paisley.

= 2019 =

In January 2019, McDonald was included in the team's training camp that took place abroad in Algarve, Portugal. She then traveled with the team to France and Spain for two friendlies that took place on January 19 and 22, where she appeared in both matches as a substitute. She was then selected in the team's roster for the 2019 SheBelieves Cup that took place from February 27 – March 5. She scored her second career international goal, via a second half stoppage time header against Belgium on April 7.

= 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup =

In May 2019, McDonald was named to the final roster of the United States 23-player squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup.{{cite web |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/05/01/23/56/wnt-usa-roster-2019-womens-world-cup-france |title=MEET THE USA'S 2019 FIFA WOMEN'S WORLD CUP TEAM |date=May 2, 2019}} She made one appearance for the team at the tournament, as a half-time substitute in the team's 3–0 group stage win over Chile on June 16. She did not feature in the team's remaining tournament fixtures. She became a World Cup champion on July 7, 2019, following the team's 2–0 win against the Netherlands in Lyon, France.

=International goals=

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="width:100%; font-size:90%"
data-sort-type="number" \| Goal !Date !Location !Opponent !Cap !data-sort-type="number"\|Lineup !data-sort-type="number"\|Min !Assist/pass !data-sort-type="number" \|Score !data-sort-type="number" \|Result !width="20%"\|Competition
{{center\|1}} \| 2018-11-08{{cite web \|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/11/08/20/31/20181108-recap-wnt-usa-wins-500-game-1-0-vs-portugal-lisbon \|title=WNT Wins 500th Game in Program History with 1–0 Shutout of Portugal in Lisbon \|publisher=U.S. Soccer \|date=November 8, 2018 \|access-date=November 11, 2018}} \| Lisbon, Portugal \| {{fbw\|POR}} \| 2 \| Start \| 42' \|unassisted \| style="text-align: center;" \|1–0 \| style="text-align: center;" \|1–0 \| rowspan=2 {{fb bg friendly match}}\|Friendly
{{center\|2}} \| 2019-04-07{{cite web \|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/04/08/04/09/20190407-wnt-lloyd-brace-powers-usa-past-belgium-6-0-in-los-angeles-99ers-honored \|title=Lloyd Brace Powers USA Past Belgium 6–0 in front of 20,941 Fans in LA \|publisher=U.S. Soccer \|date=April 7, 2019 \|access-date=April 7, 2019}} \| Los Angeles, California \| {{fbw\|BEL}} \| 7 \| {{subin\|61\|Mallory\|Pugh}} \| 90+1' \| Christen Press \| style="text-align: center;" \|6–0 \| style="text-align: center;" \|6–0
align=center\|3 \|2020-01-31{{cite web \|title=USWNT Defeats Panama 8–0 to Advance to Semifinal Round of 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying \|url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/01/2020-concacaf-womens-olympic-qualifying-uswnt-8-panama-0-match-report-stats-standings \|website=U.S. Soccer \|date=January 31, 2020}} \|{{hs\|USA}}Houston, Texas \|{{fbw\|PAN}} \|15 \|Start \|72' \|unassisted \|{{center\|{{sortfbs\|6\|0

class="wikitable collapsible sortable" style="width:100%; font-size:90%"

data-sort-type="number" |
Goal

!Date

!Location

!Opponent

!Cap

!data-sort-type="number"|Lineup

!data-sort-type="number"|Min

!Assist/pass

!data-sort-type="number" |Score

!data-sort-type="number" |Result

!width="20%"|Competition

| 2018-11-08{{cite web |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2018/11/08/20/31/20181108-recap-wnt-usa-wins-500-game-1-0-vs-portugal-lisbon |title=WNT Wins 500th Game in Program History with 1–0 Shutout of Portugal in Lisbon |publisher=U.S. Soccer |date=November 8, 2018 |access-date=November 11, 2018}}

| Lisbon, Portugal

| {{fbw|POR}}

| 2

| Start

| 42'

|unassisted

| style="text-align: center;" |1–0

| rowspan=2 {{fb bg friendly match}}|Friendly

| 2019-04-07{{cite web |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2019/04/08/04/09/20190407-wnt-lloyd-brace-powers-usa-past-belgium-6-0-in-los-angeles-99ers-honored |title=Lloyd Brace Powers USA Past Belgium 6–0 in front of 20,941 Fans in LA |publisher=U.S. Soccer |date=April 7, 2019 |access-date=April 7, 2019}}

| Los Angeles, California

| {{fbw|BEL}}

| 7

| {{subin|61|Mallory|Pugh}}

| 90+1'

| Christen Press

| style="text-align: center;" |6–0

align=center|3

|2020-01-31{{cite web |title=USWNT Defeats Panama 8–0 to Advance to Semifinal Round of 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/01/2020-concacaf-womens-olympic-qualifying-uswnt-8-panama-0-match-report-stats-standings |website=U.S. Soccer |date=January 31, 2020}}

|{{hs|USA}}Houston, Texas

|{{fbw|PAN}}

|15

|Start

|72'

|unassisted

|{{center|{{sortfbs|6|0

}}}

|{{center|{{sortfbs|8|0|||}}}}

|rowspan=2 {{fb bg olympic qualification}}| Olympic qualifier: Group A

|align=center|4

|2020-02-04{{cite web |title=U.S. Women's National Team Defeats Costa Rica 6–0 to win Group A at 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/02/2020-concacaf-womens-olympic-qualifying-uswnt-6-costa-rica-0-match-report-stats-standings |website=U.S. Soccer |date=February 3, 2020}}

|{{hs|USA}}Houston, Texas

|{{fbw|CRC}}

|16

|Start

|77'

|Sam Mewis

|{{center|{{sortfbs|5|0|||}}}}

|{{center|{{sortfbs|6|0|||}}}}

Personal life

McDonald has two sons born in 2012 and 2023.{{cite web |url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2014/05/07/the-lowdown-jessica-mcdonald-soccer-mom-looks-to-inspire-son/ |title=The Lowdown: McDonald looks to inspire son – Equalizer Soccer|date=May 7, 2014 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/soccer/2016/07/22/soccer-mom-jess-mcdonald-flourishing-flash/87442660/ |title='Soccer Mom' Jess McDonald flourishing for Flash}}{{cite web |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/it-hasnt-gotten-any-easier-to-be-a-soccer-mom-in-the-nwsl/ |title=It Hasn't Gotten Any Easier to Be a Soccer Mom in the NWSL |date=May 12, 2017}}

Honors

Western New York Flash

NWSL Champions: 2016

North Carolina Courage

NWSL Champions: 2018, 2019
NWSL Shield: 2017, 2018, 2019

United States

FIFA Women's World Cup: 2019{{Cite web |last=Rosenblatt |first=Kalhan |date=July 7, 2019 |title=U.S. women's soccer team wins 2019 World Cup over the Netherlands in 2-0 final |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/u-s-women-s-soccer-team-win-2019-world-cup-n1027206 |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=NBC News |language=}}
CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament: 2020{{cite web |date=February 9, 2020 |title=U.S. Women's National Team Wins 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament with 3–0 Victory Over Canada |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/02/2020-concacaf-womens-olympic-qualifying-final-uswnt-3-canada-0-match-report-stats |work=U.S. Soccer}}
SheBelieves Cup: 2020{{cite web |date=March 11, 2020 |title=USA Wins 2020 SheBelieves Cup With 3–1 Victory vs. Japan |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2020/03/2020-shebelieves-cup-usa-3-japan-1-match-report-stats-standings |work=U.S. Soccer}}

=Personal=

References

External links

[http://www.wnyflash.com/club/roster/index.html?player_id=296 Western New York Flash player profile] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161009152044/http://www.wnyflash.com/club/roster/index.html?player_id=296 |date=October 9, 2016 }}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20140409051336/http://www.timbers.com/thornsfc/Jessica-McDonald Portland Thorns player profile]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20130624002946/http://chicagoredstars.com/player/jessica-mcdonald/ Chicago Red Stars player profile]
[http://www.goheels.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=3350&ATCLID=205672531 North Carolina Tar Heels player profile]

Category:1988 births

Category:Living people

Category:American women's soccer players

Category:North Carolina Tar Heels women's soccer players

Category:Chicago Red Stars players

Category:Melbourne Victory FC (women) players

Category:Expatriate women's soccer players in Australia

Category:American expatriate sportspeople in Australia

Category:Seattle Reign FC players

Category:Footballers at the 2007 Pan American Games

Category:National Women's Soccer League players

Category:Portland Thorns FC players