10 Players Who Shined During The NWSL Challenge Cup
The NWSL Challenge Cup was a really fun way to kick off the 2021 season. No surprise, the Portland Thorns dominated straight out of the gate and took home the tournament’s top prize. However, there were a few surprises along the way. Gotham FC, fresh off a rebrand, defied the odds and reached the final, only falling to the Thorns after penalty kicks. What’s more, a number of players had really great tournaments, spelling bright futures as the regular season kicks off. Here are some of the standout players of the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.
Madison Pogarch – Portland Thorns FC
Madison Pogarch started and played the entire game for the Portland Thorns’ first two matches of the Challenge Cup. As a defender, she had a 66.7% success rate in aerial duels and won nearly three out of four of her tackles. She is definitely a player to keep an eye out for going into the regular season.
Jennifer Cudjoe – NY/NJ Gotham FC
Starting and playing most of Gotham FC’s five Challenge Cup games, Jennifer Cudjoe deserves more credit. As a midfielder, she had one assist, six total shots, and a pass success rate of 82.1%. Cudjoe is definitely a reliable player who commanded the center of the field in this year’s tournament.
Lynn Williams – North Carolina Courage
With 11 total shots during her three games of the tournament, Lynn Williams is a powerful attacking player. Williams showed exceptional skill and control when she scored a goal against Racing Louisville FC, which the ref subsequently called back after being determined to be offside. She’s making a real case to be on the USWNT Olympic roster.
Taylor Kornieck – Orlando Pride
Taylor Kornieck made her debut with the Orlando Pride this past year. During the Challenge Cup, she had eight shots and scored an equalizing goal against Louisville. Kornieck definitely needs more recognition going into the NWSL regular season. Keep an eye on her as the Pride looks to improve upon past seasons.
Dorian Bailey – Washington Spirit
A graduate from women’s soccer powerhouse University of North Carolina, Dorian Bailey is a consistent and reliable midfielder. She had an 86% pass success rate and a 66.7% long pass success rate. Additionally, Bailey assisted the first goal of the Spirit’s first game of the tournament. They’ll need her presence in the midfield if they want to contend in the regular season.
Lauren Milliet – Racing Louisville
In Racing Louisville’s inaugural season, Lauren Milliet showed up strongly in the Challenge Cup. She’s a powerful midfield player with a 100% (!!!) tackle success rate. Milliet had five total shots throughout her four games and will be a fun player to watch in the regular season.
Nichelle Prince – Houston Dash
Though Nichelle Prince only made two appearances in this year’s tournament, she had an outstanding performance. She made an assist late in the game against Kansas City to bring the Dash up 3-0. Keep an eye out for Prince – and the Dash – in the regular season.
Sofia Huerta – OL Reign
Sofia Huerta had an outstanding performance in this year’s Challenge Cup. She scored one goal, leading OL Reign to a 3-2 victory against the Chicago Red Stars. She also maintained an 81% pass success rate and had two successful crosses. She’s been an NWSL mainstay for some time now and seems to be settling in nicely at the Reign.
Kealia Watt – Chicago Red Stars
Kealia Watt started playing with the Red Stars in 2020 and really found her footing with the team during the past fall season and this tournament. She is a reliable attacking player with five shots on goal, two successful crosses, and a successful pass rate of nearly 70% during the four games she played in. If she and Mallory Pugh can solidify their partnership in the Chicago front line, they’ll be a true attacking force.
Kate Del Fava – Kansas City
In her first year with Kansas City, Kate Del Fava played in three of their four tournament games. Even though Kansas City didn’t end up very successful in the tournament, with three losses and a draw, Del Fava was a strong attacking player with one successful cross and a 71.7% pass success rate. At the age of 23, Del Fava is definitely a young player to watch this season.
Featured Image via Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
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