Where Each NWSL Team Stands Before The Challenge Cup
The wait is finally over. During the beginning of the pandemic, the NWSL Challenge Cup was our saving grace. A year later, we are back for a second installment of what should be another exciting competition. Keep in mind, there will be some USWNT matches going on during the Challenge Cup.
While we might not see as many stars as we’d hope, the door is open for others to prove themselves. Will there be another Jennifer Cudjoe ready to blossom? Will another team surprise us with this new format like Houston? Here’s our 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup preview:
*Called up to the USWNT roster for friendlies vs. Sweden and France
Houston Dash
Players to Watch: *Kristie Mewis, Shea Groom, Bri Visalli
Key Additions: Gabby Seiler
Cup Outlook:
The Houston Dash were the darlings of the 2020 Challenge Cup and this four-game format definitely favors them once again. James Clarkson brings back virtually the entire team with no key departures and the addition of Gabby Seiler from Portland. That added bit of experience and depth will certainly help them out. We know what Kristie Mewis and Rachel Daly bring to the table. The key for Houston is to get great performances from Shea Groom and Bri Visalli. If those two can do what they did last year, there’s no reason this team won’t solidify themselves as an NWSL title contender.
North Carolina Courage
Players to Watch: Hailie Mace, Kristen Hamilton
Key Additions: *Casey Murphy, Taylor Smith
Cup Outlook:
The North Carolina Courage might be in a tough spot after the loss of several key players and their inability to continue their dominance last year. However, this team still has a healthy Jessica McDonald and Merritt Mathias who weren’t as involved last year due to injuries and the pandemic. Acquiring Taylor Smith to bolster the backline was a nice move along with Casey Murphy who is one of the best keepers in the league. Expect this Courage team to come out and jump all over teams, especially if Hailie Mace and K-Ham score goals as well. They also have the luxury of playing in the East division; playing those less competitive opponents will benefit them greatly.
Portland Thorns
Players to Watch: *Sophia Smith, Christine Sinclair, Morgan Weaver
Key Additions: *Crystal Dunn, Natalia Kuikka
Cup Outlook:
The Thorns went out and got busy over the offseason. A blockbuster trade for Crystal Dunn and the signing of Finnish international Natalia Kuikka shows Portland is going for it all. However, the two USWNT friendlies will impact this team more than any other. Losing Sophia Smith, Crystal Dunn, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Lindsey Horan for potentially two or more of the four matches is huge. As per usual Christine Sinclair will be the one to lead by example but Morgan Weaver and Simone Charley have to contribute if Portland is to really contend and take the top spot in the West division.
Chicago Red Stars
Players to Watch: Alyssa Mautz, Arin Wright
Key Additions: Mallory Pugh, Sarah Woldmoe
Cup Outlook:
Every team has to cope with USWNT call ups but the Chicago Red Stars are the most well-equipped team to deal with it. Yes, they dealt away Yuki Nagasato and Savannah McCaskill to Louisville but they did manage to add Mallory Pugh and Sarah Woldmoe from Sky Blue FC. Adding two high-quality players plus the return of two more veterans in Alyssa Mautz and Arin Wright makes this team scary in every area of the field. Mallory Pugh-Kealia Ohai is a partnership that could be something special. It’s up to Rory Dames to put all the pieces together, and if he does, Chicago should be the favorite to win the whole thing.
OL Reign
Players to Watch: Bethany Balcer, Jasmyne Spencer
Key Additions: Tziarra King, Karen Bardsley
Cup Outlook:
The OL Reign looked way better in the Fall Series than they did during the Challenge Cup. The more time they had together as a team the more cohesive they were out on the pitch. Tziarra King along with Jasmyne Spencer and Bethany Balcer have to score the goals in a tough West division if OL is to have any success. Otherwise, the Reign have been solid at the back. Bringing in English veteran Karen Bardsley as a goalkeeper to replace Casey Murphy was a move that went under the radar and will help tremendously. The Reign should finish middle of the pack in the West division.
Washington Spirit
Players to Watch: Andi Sullivan, Ashley Sanchez
Key Additions: Kelly O’Hara, Emily Sonnett
Cup Outlook:
Richie Burke is building a team and culture that players want to be a part of in Washington. It’s clear to see he has a strong connection to his young team and they have an incredibly bright future. Considering they added Kelly O’Hara and Emily Sonnett, this team will have an opportunity to make the step up and be a contender. However, no O’Hara or Sonnett for at least the first game is huge. Their success comes down to players like Andi Sullivan and Ashley Sanchez; the hopes of the franchise rest on them. Can the Spirit continue to build on what they’ve created and surprise everyone this year? Absolutely.
Sky Blue FC
Players to Watch: Jennifer Cudjoe, McCall Zerboni
Key Additions: Sodam Lee
Cup Outlook:
Similar to Houston, Sky Blue FC wasn’t as active as some of the other teams in acquiring talent outside of the draft. In reality, did they need to add all that much? They need Midge Purce back from USWNT friendlies playing well but the key is their midfield. McCall Zerboni should be the physical and emotional leader of this team along with Kailen Sheridan in net. Jennifer Cudjoe has to take the step up and replicate what she did last year. The issue for this team is where do the goals come from if not Paige Monaghan? They can create chances but it’s the finishing where they need help. Nahomi Kawasumi and new signing Sodam Lee will give this team some added creative flair to make up the difference.
Orlando Pride
Players to Watch: Sydney Leroux, Marta
Key Additions: Ali Riley, Carson Pickett, Meggie Dougherty-Howard
Cup Outlook:
Out of all 10 teams, Orlando might be the team poised to surprise everyone this year. Mark Skinner has quietly put together a solid foundation in Orlando. Three key additions in Ali Riley, Carson Pickett, and Meggie Dougherty-Howard will make this team infinitely better in defensive situations. The most intriguing player to watch for Orlando is Sydney Leroux. With more time under her belt and getting back to full-game speed, she’s the x-factor. If Leroux starts finding the net and creating opportunities alongside Marta, the Pride are dangerous over a four-game format. Keep an eye on Orlando this season, they’re building something of real substance.
Racing Louisville
Players to Watch: Emina Ekic, Lauren Milliet
Key Additions: Savannah McCaskill, Yuki Nagasato
Cup Outlook:
Christy Holly and his staff have done the best possible job in putting together a brand new Louisville team. It’s difficult to say exactly how this team will look out on the pitch, but we know they want to play an exciting brand of football. Will it translate to the Challenge Cup and beyond? Time will tell. However, the offseason trade to bring in stars like Savannah McCaskill and Yuki Nagasato add a ton of experience, leadership, and credibility to the locker room.
While having Yuki and McCaskill is great, this team’s success will come down to the development of their young talent. Lauren Milliet was great with North Carolina but will she play the same role in Louisville, and how good will Emina Ekic be in year one? Again, it’s hard to predict, but this Louisville team will be fun to watch.
KC NWSL
Players to Watch: Amy Rodriguez, Lo’eau LaBonta
Key Additions: Addie McCain, Victoria Pickett
Cup Outlook:
Kansas City inherits the former Utah Royals roster, the usual suspects like Amy Rodriguez and Lo’eau LaBonta will have to play at a high level like they usually do. Trading away Tziarra King and not getting all that much back is a big loss for KC but they have the veteran experience and moxie to make every single game a tough one. Kansas City will not go down without a fight. The additions of Addie McCain and Victoria Pickett through the draft will ultimately decide how well the team does in the cup. If those two can contribute as rookies, Kansas City has what it takes to make a run at the top spot in the West division.
Photo by Rob Gray/ISI Photos/Getty Images
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