What to Expect in the NWSL Challenge Cup 2022 Finals
The stage is set for the NWSL to have a new champion for the third installment of the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. We went one out of two on our preview and predictions from the semifinals, but let’s not act like we all didn’t see that blatant handball at the end of the game that was not called against the Spirit. Either way, the OL Reign had plenty of chances but simply couldn’t seize the opportunity.
In the end, Aubrey Kingsbury would be the hero. She made multiple saves in what was an exciting penalty shootout that went deep into sudden death. So, now, in the final, we have the two teams that literally couldn’t separate each other during the Challenge Cup. We finally get both sides to break the deadlock. So, let’s preview the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Final.
Washington Spirit vs. North Carolina Courage, 1 PM ET/10 AM PT, May 7, CBS
Both teams will surely be feeling at least some fatigue with this rough stretch of schedule between the Challenge Cup and NWSL regular season. Three games in just over a week is almost cruel when playing a sport that requires as much running as soccer. The players deserve all the love and admiration in the world by playing through the drama that the NWSL has unnecessarily created.
When taking a closer look at the matchup, they both have a similar style since they are most dangerous on the counterattack. Both matchups during the Challenge Cup group stages ended 2-2, and having the exact same scoreline in such a short period shows how little there is to separate these two teams. Rodman, Sanchez, and Hatch are among the toughest trios to defend in the league. Plus, they’re only building more chemistry and getting better together.
On the opposite side, the Courage have found a way to rebuild despite trading away many of their star players. They kept the most important star in Debinha; her versatility and skill make her one of the best in the world. Let’s not forget about Taylor Smith and another new Brazilian star in Karolin.
The one place where the Spirit has the advantage is at goalkeeper. Aubrey Kingsbury is a better keeper than Katelyn Rowland, who is still great in her own right. This is what could end up being the difference in the match–how the goalkeepers play. Kingsbury was the difference in the penalty shootout in the semifinals. I believe she’ll be the difference in this final too. Picking against the Spirit is something to learn from going back to last year–I will not make that same mistake again.
The Spirit have shown they’re capable of being at the top and sustaining it with the Challenge Cup run; I like them to edge out the Courage 2-1.
Prediction: Spirit Win 2-1
Featured image via Getty Images
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