Three players make NWSL debuts in scoreless draw
Published on March 21, 2026 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
North Carolina Courage News Release
North Carolina Courage defender Sydney Schmidt
(North Carolina Courage, Credit: Katie Schroeck)
HARRISON, N.J. - The North Carolina Courage drew Gotham FC, 0-0, in a back-and-forth match at Sports Illustrated Stadium Saturday night.
Both teams had solid chances to score, with the Courage narrowly outshooting Gotham, 13-10, but both keepers stood tall in net to keep clean sheets.
Three players made their NWSL debuts for the Courage in Saturday's match with Sydney Schmidt, Evelyn Ijeh, and Uno Shiragaki all appearing as second-half substitutes. Schmidt had one of the Courage's best chances of the night, firing a first-time effort from outside the box narrowly over the bar.
The Courage will return home to face Bay FC on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m. ET. Tickets are available here.
Match Notes:
- Sydney Schmidt, Evelyn Ijeh, and Uno Shiragaki all made their NWSL debuts as second-half substitutes.
- Kailen Sheridan became the fourth goalkeeper in NWSL history to eclipse 15,000 NWSL regular season minutes in the 2' of Saturday's match.
Box Score:
NCC (5-2-3): Kailen Sheridan; Feli Rauch (Sydney Schmidt - 59'), Natalie Jacobs © (Uno Shiragaki - 84'), Maycee Bell, Natalia Staude, Ryan Williams; Carly Wickenheiser, Riley Jackson; Shinomi Koyama, Ashley Sanchez, Hannah Betfort (Evelyn Ijeh - 59')
Subs Not Used: Madi White, Ivy Younce, Lauryn Thompson, Payton Linnehan, Dani Weatherholt, Cortnee Vine
GFC (4-2-2-2): Ann-Katrin Berger; Lilly Reale, Jess Carter, Emily Sonnett, Kayla Duran (Andrea Kitahata - 61'); Savannah McCaskill (Khyah Harper - 77'), Jaelin Howell; Esther González (Sofia Cook - 77'), Rose Lavelle © (Talia Sommer - 90' +3'); Katie Lampson, Jordynn Dudley (Tierna Davidson - 61')
Subs Not Used: Shelby Hogan, Sarah Schupansky, Ryan Campbell, Teagan Wy
Score:
NCC: 0
GFC: 0
Goals:
NCC: -
GFC: -
Cautions:
NCC: R. Jackson - 83'
GFC: K. Harper - 80'
Ejections:
NCC: -
GFC: -
Venue (Location): Sports Illustrated Stadium (Harrison, New Jersey)
Images from this story
 North Carolina Courage defender Sydney Schmidt (Katie Schroeck) |
National Women's Soccer League Stories from March 21, 2026
- Bay FC Unable to Pull off the Comeback in Season's First Loss - Bay FC
- Angel City Football Club Remains Undefeated with 3-1 Victory over Bay FC - Angel City FC
- Gotham FC Plays to Scoreless Draw against North Carolina Courage - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Gotham FC Plays to Scoreless Draw against North Carolina Courage - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Three players make NWSL debuts in scoreless draw - North Carolina Courage
- Houston Dash Blank Boston Legacy FC in Front of Record Crowd - Houston Dash
- Boston Legacy Fall to Houston Dash in First Away Trip - Boston Legacy FC
- Rookie Jordynn Dudley to Make Debut Start - NJ/NY Gotham FC
- Utah Royals FC Hosts San Diego Wave in 2026 Home Opener - Utah Royals FC
- Kansas City Current Starts Three-Game Road Swing at Chicago Stars FC - Kansas City Current
- Kansas City Current Signs Midfielder Kelsey Branson to Short-Term Deal - Kansas City Current
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Other Recent North Carolina Courage Stories
- Three players make NWSL debuts in scoreless draw
- Courage Face the Reigning Champions in First Road Test Under Mak Lind
- NC Courage's Ashley Sanchez Named NWSL Player of the Week
- Courage Open 2026, Coach Lind's Tenure with Victory
- Sanchez scores twice to lead Courage to win in front of record crowd
