CARY, N.C. (August 25, 2023) – The North Carolina Courage have released defender Sarah Clark and midfielders Nikia Smith and Haleigh Stackpole, all of whom were previously signed to National Team Replacement Contracts, as World Cup participants return to the club ahead of this week’s home match against Chicago. The Courage roster is currently at the NWSL limit of 26 active players.

Clark made her NWSL debut on July 29 in UKG Challenge Cup action against Orlando, delivering an assist on the sixth Courage goal of the evening. All three were instrumental in training and day-to-day growth of the team during the six-week stretch without six players due to international duty. The Courage are grateful for the trio’s professionalism, commitment, and effort. The club wishes them all continued success. The Courage host the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday, August 27, for a 2:00 p.m. ET kickoff at WakeMed Soccer Park. The club will honor their six World Cup stars on field following the match. Tickets are available now at [www.nccourage.com/tickets](http://www.nccourage.com/tickets?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=NTRPs released&utm_medium=email). The match will stream live on Paramount+ in the United States and [www.nwslsoccer.com](http://www.nwslsoccer.com?utm_source=brevo&utm_campaign=NTRPs released&utm_medium=email) internationally.