NWSL Challenge Cup Preview Week 4

We are down to the business end of the competition when it comes to the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. Some teams have three matches left to play, but most only have two games left to solidify their spot in the next round. The number of opportunities for the teams of lower standing in their groups is running out of time to try and make their final push. 

Upcoming Matches:

OL Reign vs. San Diego Wave, April 14, 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT, Paramount+

The OL Reign has a big opportunity to move three points clear of Portland at the top of the West division with a win. However, San Diego will be full of confidence coming off a four-goal performance against Angel City FC.

Naturally, the key for the Reign is to slow down Alex Morgan, but Sofia Jakobsson will also pose problems for their backline. The OL Reign will be the favorites going into this matchup, but if the Wave wants to announce their arrival as a legit contender, they need to get a result against the Reign. 

Kansas City Current vs. Houston Dash, April 15, 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, CBS Sports Network

Kansas City absolutely mashed Houston with a 3-0 win in their first game, but things might be a bit different this time. Houston still has an outside chance to get to the semifinals, but they likely need two wins from the last two games.

The Dash should come out extra motivated in this matchup, and their offense hasn’t gotten going like it usually has in the Challenge Cup outside of their 3-2 comeback win.

Kansas City is a dark horse based on how they’re playing as a team right now. Kristen Hamilton will get in behind Houston’s backline at least once. If Kansas City can exploit Houston’s defense, they’ve got a great chance to be one of the four semifinal teams. 

Orlando Pride vs. North Carolina Courage, April 16, 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, Paramount+

This is a tough matchup for Orlando at this stage in the competition because the North Carolina Courage is still legit even without Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams. A win for the Courage would make them the first semifinal team to qualify if Washington and Gotham FC play to a draw.

Without Marta, things become even more difficult for Orlando to try and create scoring opportunities. The Courage should coast to a win here, but crazier things have happened in the NWSL. 

Racing Louisville vs. Chicago Red Stars, April 16, 7:30 PM ET/4:30 PM PT, Paramount+

This might be the week’s marquee matchup based on what’s at stake. Racing Louisville has a huge opportunity to leapfrog Chicago if they can beat them. They’ve been dangerous from set-pieces, and Jessica McDonald has given them the boost they’ve needed in attack.

Chicago will put out the more talented roster, and if Louisville can’t stop Mallory Pugh with how she’s playing right now, it might be a long day for them. Chicago will be expected to win, but Louisville has a tremendous opportunity to get a historic win in year two as a franchise. 

Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit, April 17, 3:00 PM ET/12:00 PM PT, Paramount+

In terms of two teams that are closest to each other in terms of caliber, this will be a great one to watch. Expect the game to be open with both teams going for it because the aforementioned draw would hurt both teams. In addition, both are chasing the Courage, who are likely to get three points against Orlando, so it is a must-win for both teams.

Outside of their 3-2 thriller from last July, these teams seem to neutralize each other well with low-scoring games. We’ve yet to see that offensive explosion from Gotham, but Washington put four past Orlando. The Spirit has a slight edge, but it’s anyone’s game. 

OL Reign vs. Angel City FC, April 17, 6:00 PM ET/3:00 PM PT, Paramount+

Based on the defensive struggles of Angel City FC, this will be a tough one against the OL Reign. Now, they do have film from the 3-1 game to watch and some extra time off from the international break. They might be slightly better defensively, but the OL Reign look like they’re head and shoulders above Angel City right now; let’s hope Angel City keeps it close, and it’s an entertaining game to watch. However, with the OL Reign looking to secure qualification, it might not go that way. 

Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave, April 17th, 7:00 PM ET/4:00 PM PT, Paramount+

Regardless of how the Wave does against the OL Reign, Portland still has to come out with a tremendous sense of urgency. If the Reign win, it’s a must-win for Portland to keep pace, and if the Reign lose, then this will be their chance to pass them and not have to worry about being the best second-place team. Sophia Smith struck early in the first matchup, and the Thorns went on to win 1-0. The Wave will be strong defensively, but Sophia Smith and Morgan Weaver should be the difference in this matchup. 

Featured image via @sandiegowavefc

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