12 Underrated Players Who Shined in the NWSL Challenge Cup
That’s a wrap on the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup! It’s always a great way to get a gage for the coming season. We saw predictable outcomes as well as a few upsets. The big-name favorites performed as well as anyone expected and we saw some new talent step up. Let’s take a look at some of the underrated players and lesser-known faces who showed up and showed out!
Emina Ekic – Racing Louisville
While Racing tied for last in their bracket there were a few shining moments for the club. Emina Ekic scored her first NWSL goal in their match against Chicago Red Stars. Ekic’s goal resulted in a draw and kept the team from sinking further in the rankings.
Alex Loera – Kansas City Current
*scores one professional goal*
*makes @SportsCenter Top 10*go off, @alexisaloera pic.twitter.com/bsPPpIWR7d
— KC Current (@thekccurrent) April 25, 2022
This Challenge Cup was a big tournament of firsts for several players. Alex Loera of Kansas City Current also netted her first goal in the NWSL. This goal set the tone for their match against the Chicago Red Stars. This was their last game before the semifinals and even though the rest of their performance had clinched their appearance in the semifinal it was a great way to end bracket play.
Gunnhildur Jonsdottir – Orlando Pride
Even though Pride finished at the bottom of their bracket they still had some stunning moments. Gunnhildur Jonsdottir was one of the top scorers for the club. It was her goal that got Pride to their only tie with points on the board.
Aubrey Kingsbury – Washington Spirit
Aubrey Kingsbury comes up big! 🧤
Stops the Courage from doubling their lead. ❌ pic.twitter.com/gpd4qyKjDI
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) May 7, 2022
It’s easy to give all of the shining moments and accolades to offense, but games are won with defense. Aubrey Kingsbury of Washington Spirit was nothing short of a savior in their semi-final game against OL Reign. Not only did she make the saves during PKs, but she also got a point on the board, doing more than her part in getting Spirit to the finals.
Simone Charley – Angel City
Angel City FC debuted at the Challenge Cup to some mixed results. However, there were a few glimmering moments and names to watch. Simone Charley scored an equalizer in their match against OL Reign. Ultimately Angel City lost that game and finished at the bottom of their bracket, but Charley showed us what she’s made of.
Carly Telford – San Diego Wave
While San Diego Wave finished just above their fellow freshman team, Angel City, they left it all on the field. We would like to shout out Carly Telford, who filled in as keeper for Kailen Sheridan for two games. Despite the fact that both games ended in losses for Wave, coming off the bench mid-tournament is quite the feat and we commend Telford’s game.
Ally Watt – OL Reign
With no losses and only two draws, Reign had a stellar showing. It’s tricky to nail down just one all-star from the team, but we did it anyway. Ally Watt has been in the league for a while, but Challenge Cup brought her first goal for OL Reign. Her goal resulted in a final tie for Reign headed into the semis.
Sophia Smith – Portland Thorns
Sophia Smith is definitely a familiar face to many with her talent on the USWNT, but she really stepped up in this Challenge Cup. The Thorns had a bit of a mixed bag but still finished just shy of the top. That finish is thanks in large part to Sophia Smith, who scored in every one of their winning games. Without Smith’s amazing aim the Thorns would have seen a very different tournament.
Diana Ordoñez – NC Courage
DIANA ORDONEZ DOES IT AGAIN 💥
Scores within minutes of being subbed on 🤩 pic.twitter.com/JAuy1Sl5t9
— Attacking Third (@AttackingThird) April 13, 2022
If you thought we were done with first goals you were wrong. This is Diana Ordoñez’s first year with Courage and the NWSL and she’s off to an amazing start. Not only did she bring in her first goal it was a game-winner against Kansas City Current.
Ally Prisock – Houston Dash
Finishing alongside Louisville in their bracket, the Dash had a bit of a rocky tournament but they went out with a bang. Ally Prisock scored the game-winner in Dash’s final game of the season. Prisock’s goal sent Dash home with their second goal.
Nahomi Kawasumi – Gotham FC
Gotham struggled with getting beyond ties this tournament, but they never gave up. Maybe most tenacious of all, Nahomi Kawasumi. Though she didn’t put any points on the board she was always there with assists and support.
Vanessa DiBernardo – Chicago Red Stars
Finishing second in their bracket, Red Stars wrapped the tournament with a 2-2-2 record. Vanessa DiBernardo really shined throughout the Challenge Cup. She put her heart and soul into her games and was one of only a handful of Red Star players to score.
Featured image via Getty Images
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