NWSL Challenge Cup Roundup Week 2

The NWSL Challenge Cup is starting to heat up with plenty of matches in session over the past week. We’ve got 11 games with some jaw-dropping moments, crazy comebacks, injuries, red cards, etc. Let’s get right into it; here’s the NWSL Challenge Cup Roundup Week 2. 

 

RESULTS:

Racing Louisville 2 Houston Dash 3

Washington Spirit 1 Gotham FC 1

Kansas City Current 2 Chicago Red Stars 1

OL Reign 3 Angel City FC 1

North Carolina Courage 1 Orlando Pride 0

Portland Thorns 1 San Diego Wave 0

Gotham FC 1 Orlando Pride 0

Chicago Red Stars 0 Racing Louisville 0

Washington Spirit 2 North Carolina Courage 2

Kansas City Current 3 Houston Dash 0

Portland Thorns 3 Angel City FC 0

 

STANDINGS: 

East 

• North Carolina Courage – 7 points
• Gotham FC – 4 points
• Washington Spirit – 3 points
• Orlando Pride – 1 point

Central 

• Kansas City Current – 7 points
• Chicago Red Stars – 4 points
• Houston Dash – 3 points
• Racing Lousiville – 2 points

West

• Portland Thorns – 7 points
• OL Reign – 4 points
• San Diego Wave – 1 point
• Angel City FC – 1 point

 

Houston Pulls Off Crazy Comeback Over Louisville

Racing Lousiville jumped out to a 2-0 lead over Houston, and it seemed like they were cruising to three points. However, in soccer, there’s a saying that sometimes a two-goal lead is more dangerous than a one-goal lead because teams tend to sit back and invite more pressure. Well, Houston turned up the heat, specifically through new signing Maria Sanchez, who sparked the comeback. This was a great finish on the volley with her left foot. 

Bombi blast ?@Maria17_7 | #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/rcoHo0D8Zo

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2022

Then Sanchez created the second goal, too, with a beautiful nutmeg and beating two defenders to set up Marissa Viggiano on the back post. 

Viggiano dashin' to the equalizer‼️@HoustonDash | #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/9Nschesefi

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2022

Sanchez was named player of the week, and rightfully so. However, in the end, Rachel Daly scored from the spot to complete the comeback. There’s just something about Houston and the Challenge Cup that keeps giving us such magic time and time again. 

 

Kansas City’s Red Hot Start Continues

The Current has looked outstanding through their first three games, including two wins over the Red Stars and the Dash. They had to come from behind in the first game against Chicago, thanks to Hailie Mace, who scored this cracker of a goal. 

BANGERS ONLY ?@hailiemace | #TealRising pic.twitter.com/IdAjgCETVR

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 26, 2022

Kristen Hamilton is also proving to be a key piece for the Current in attack, especially with Lynn Williams out for the season. Not only did she smash home the game-winner against Chicago, but she also scored this great goal in a 3-0 thrashing of Houston. 

That's what we call Hammy time ?@khamilton17 | @thekccurrent pic.twitter.com/vGXdBzhjB4

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

Chicago is still in the mix to win the group, but if Kansas City can beat Chicago again, then they may have all but assured qualification in the next round. This team looks the most cohesive of any team in the tournament so far.

 

The Courage Are Still a Threat

The Courage has moved on from all the controversy in the best way possible–by sticking together as a team, blocking out the noise, and controlling what they can control. After beating Orlando 1-0 thanks to a Meritt Mathias penalty, they were pretty close to beating the Washington Spirit as well. 

After taking a 2-0 lead, they squandered it, and the match ended 2-2, but they were close to having three wins in three games. Between Debinha, Carson Pickett, and the reemergence of a healthy Taylor Smith are just a few impact players making a difference for North Carolina. 

 

Angel City FC Dealing With Growing Pains Early On

Angel City FC has had a rough go of it through these first couple of matches. They started decently against the OL Reign. Savannah McCaskill forced the save of the week from Phallon Tulis-Joyce.

Ph-lying high ?@phallon91 takes home @verizon Save of the Week honors for this fine stop ? pic.twitter.com/CzPEJze1Pl

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 30, 2022

That was a beautiful save, but what was not so beautiful was the red card that Savannah McCaskill picked up for her challenge on Veronica Latsko. Once that happened, Angel City was pretty much out of the game and would lose 3-1. The Reign had little trouble getting in behind and scoring, with DiDi Haracic not playing at her best. 

The second match against Portland would be no different. With McCaskill out due to suspension, Christen Press tried to take matters into her own hands and kept taking shots, almost like she was trying to force it. This team has some nice pieces, but until they get Sarah Gorden and Julie Ertz, this team will have some rough results. 

Morgan Weaver put on the finishing touches and stuck the dagger in with this scintillating strike. 

Weaving and firing ??@morganweaver_ | @ThornsFC pic.twitter.com/CkYPh6G00J

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 31, 2022

The Thorns cruised to a 3-0 win, and Angel City FC never had an answer for them. It will take some time before we the best of the best from Angel City FC. 

 

Star Players Injured

Marta, Tierna Davidson & Lynn Williams all with serious knee injuries.

This raises a lot of questions for the #NWSL: Only a 2.5-month offseason, a six-week preseason, followed by a two-month tournament.

Players need rest. Players need recovery. Players need time off.

— Lisa Roman (@LRoman32) March 29, 2022

For three major stars like Marta, Lynn Williams, and Tierna Davidson to all be out for a while this early into the season doesn’t bode well for the NWSL. The league has set up too grueling a schedule when these players need time and rest to recover. The league needs its stars to be out there on the pitch regularly to help the game grow. This has been a problem for years and will continue to be one if the NWSL does nothing about it. 

 

Upcoming Matches to Watch

Portland Thorns vs. OL Reign, Saturday, April 2, Paramount+, 10 PM ET/7 PM PT

Round 2 of the Cascadia Rivalry figures to be another great matchup and one that will have plenty of stakes. The OL Reign has a game in hand over Portland, so a win puts them in the driver’s seat for qualification into the semifinals.

Portland’s young players are developing nicely and providing key contributions to support the veterans on the roster. It’s an interesting contrast between their side and a loaded OL Reign team with experienced players everywhere. This is one you won’t want to miss. 

 

Gotham FC vs. North Carolina Courage, April 3, Paramount+, 3 PM ET, 12 PM PT

Considering how the Courage has started fast, and Gotham has started a little slower, this makes for another great matchup. If Gotham FC has any hope of qualifying with this stacked roster, they have to beat the Courage to make up the ground. A win puts them tied on seven points, but a loss increases the gap to 6 points. Expect both teams to really go for it and push for an emphatic result. 

 

Featured image via Noel Danseco

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