NWSL Challenge Cup Week 1 Roundup and Week 2 Preview

The first week of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup did not disappoint by any stretch of the imagination. Six very competitive matches kicked us off with new franchises, fresh faces, and some incredible moments. We’ll break down the results, standings, the best goals, saves, and preview the matches for the upcoming week. Here’s our NWSL Challenge Cup Roundup. 

 

RESULTS:

Racing Louisville 1 Kansas City Current 1

OL Reign 1 Portland Thorns 1

Orlando Pride 0 Washington Spirit 0

North Carolina Courage 2 Gotham FC 0

Angel City 1 San Diego Wave 1

Chicago Red Stars 3 Houston Dash 1

 

STANDINGS: 

East 

• North Carolina Courage – 3 points
• Orlando Pride – 1 point
• Washington Spirit – 1 point
• Gotham FC – 0 points

Central

• Chicago Red Stars – 3 points
• Kansas City Current – 1 point
• Racing Louisville – 1 point
• Houston Dash – 0 points

West

• Angel City – 1 point
• Portland Thorns – 1 point
• San Diego Wave – 1 point
• OL Reign – 1 point

The first thing to note from looking at the result is the number of draws. Four ties in the opening week might not be ideal when the excitement from the fans is at an all-time high. Still, the matches were exciting, with almost every team getting on the scoresheet, which we wanted to see. 

 

The Cascadia Rivalry

One of the marquee matchups was the OL Reign versus the Portland Thorns in the Cascadia Rivalry, which Sofia Huerta left her mark on emphatically. 

Looks like @schuerta is picking up right where she left off in 2021 ?@OLReign | #BoldTogether pic.twitter.com/gz1AmhSNj6

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 19, 2022

Christine Sinclair continued to defy time and was the one to equalize for the Thorns. But, overall, both teams should be happy with the point earned from that match.

 

So-Cal Clasico 

Angel City and San Diego Wave kicked off a historic event for professional soccer in Southern California over the weekend. This match also ended 1-1, but each team scored the first goal in club history, which was a nice moment for both teams. 

Newly acquired Savannah McCaskill headed home nicely for Angel City.

History maker: @smccaskill_7 ?

The first goal in @weareangelcity history ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/1szWJuuHBs

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2022

When it looked like Angel City was coming away with the three points, Kaleigh Riehl managed to nod home from close range, and both teams were left to share the spoils. 

Riehl Good Timing ⏰@sandiegowavefc have their first goal in club history ? pic.twitter.com/bNnl7pYdrF

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 20, 2022

 

North Carolina Stuns Gotham FC

Coming into this match and based on the rosters that were put out, Gotham would’ve likely been declared favorites. Well, the North Carolina Courage put an end to that by dominating Gotham. The Courage created more shots, had more possession, and took their chances, unlike Gotham did. What makes this result even more interesting is how Brianna Pinto could stick it to the team that drafted and then released her. 

Feelin' at home against her old club ⚽️?@b_pinto9 | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/6hLtVE1Gqz

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 19, 2022

Pinto might be humble about it, but deep down, there has to be some satisfaction to score against your old team after being a first-round pick. 

 

Pugh, Red Stars Too Much for Houston

Chicago came out under new Head Coach Chris Petrucelli and looked great; Houston’s backline didn’t stand a chance. Mallory Pugh netted a brace, and when she’s on point, this Red Stars attack will be a problem for everyone around the league. Gifting Pugh the ball in situations like this isn’t going to go well for anyone. 

Pugh for ✌️@MalPugh | #MKOT pic.twitter.com/R6aUtdyyMX

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 21, 2022

 

Upcoming Matches to Watch

Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC, Friday, March 25, 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, Paramount+

Neither team got off to the best start, and with a limited number of games, every point counts. The defending champs played to a 0-0 draw against Orlando and may have a better chance of getting their offense going after Gotham conceded twice to North Carolina. On the flip side, Gotham knows they need to be better, and getting the three points in a critical matchup is huge for getting to the semifinal. Whoever can make the difference between Purce and Rodman should determine who can get a result in this game. 

 

Angel City FC vs. OL Reign, Saturday, March 26, 4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT, Paramount+ 

This matchup will be fun to watch because of all the star power that comes with being in LA. Megan Rapinoe, Jess Fishlock, Christen Press, Ali Riley are just a few names between both teams that should hopefully be out on the pitch together. Not only that, but at least someone from the star-studded ownership group of Angel City should be at the game. It’s not very often we get this much talent and star power on an NWSL pitch at the same time. Since both teams tied their first match, that only increases the importance of this match. 

 

Featured image via @NWSL on Instagram

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