North Carolina Courage faced Gotham FC in their NWSL season opener on March 21, 2026, ending in a scoreless draw at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. The match featured a competitive atmosphere as both teams created solid scoring opportunities, with the Courage narrowly outshooting Gotham 13-10. Despite the chances, both goalkeepers delivered impressive performances, resulting in clean sheets for each side. Three players made their NWSL debuts for the Courage during the match. Sydney Schmidt, Evelyn Ijeh, and Uno Shiragaki all entered as second-half substitutes, adding fresh energy to the team. Schmidt notably had one of the best chances for the Courage, striking a powerful shot from outside the box that just sailed over the bar. The Courage will look to bounce back as they prepare to host Bay FC on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can purchase tickets for the upcoming match. In addition to the debutants, Kailen Sheridan made history by becoming the fourth goalkeeper in NWSL history to surpass 15,000 regular season minutes during the match. This milestone highlights her significant contribution to the team and the league. Overall, the Courage demonstrated resilience and potential in their first match of the season, setting the stage for an exciting campaign ahead.