NWSL Challenge Cup Roundup Week 6

Just when it seemed as though the NWSL Challenge Cup wasn’t going to give us any more surprises, the last week of matches delivered in a big way. With everything to play for, all 12 teams gave everything they had, even if they could not advance in the competition. Let’s get you caught up on all the relevant details from the last round of group stage matches from the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup.

Recent Results:

North Carolina Courage 2 Washington Spirit 2

Gotham FC 1 Orlando Pride 1

San Diego Wave 1 OL Reign 1

Kansas City Current 2 Chicago Red Stars 1

Houston Dash 2 Racing Louisville 1

Angel City FC 1 Portland Thorns 0

Courage and Spirit Still Can’t Find Something to Separate Them

After playing to a 2-2 draw in their first matchup, the Courage and Spirit would once again play to a 2-2 draw with the stakes even higher. The Spirit knew a win was their best chance at qualification, but North Carolina would not let that happen since they hadn’t secured qualification to the next round either.

Malia Berkely had the highlight of the match with this rocket of a goal that gave them a 2-1 lead that they could not hang on to. 

Marking her first #NWSL goal in style 😱

A rocket from @millib13 🚀@TheNCCourage | #CourageUnitesUs pic.twitter.com/QCnBr5PB8H

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 23, 2022

With both games being so close, it would be a real treat to see both of these teams in the final to settle the score once and for all. So let’s see if both teams can make it there. 

Kansas City Defeats Chicago and Qualifies for Semifinal

The Current knew exactly what they needed to advance to the next round, win, and they’re in. It was great to see how Kansas City did not play it safe for a draw but went for the win, and it paid off for them. Chicago was without Mallory Pugh, and their offense wasn’t as effective as a result. It might’ve been a different story if Pugh was in the game, but either way, Kansas City deserves the credit for getting the win. Alex Loera scored this gem of a goal, the first of her career and easily the moment of the match. 

.@alexisaloera ARE YOU SERIOUS

WHAT A WAY TO GET YOUR FIRST PRO GOAL 🚀@thekccurrent | #tealrising pic.twitter.com/45NQwcUVHa

— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) April 24, 2022

Kansas City is the surprise of the tournament, and they’re only going to keep surprising everyone as this team grows with their young talent and experienced veterans. 

Angel City Stun Portland to Knock Them Out and Help Out the Spirit

This has to be the biggest surprise in the Challenge Cup, considering how these teams were playing going into this game. Portland had been clicking in all areas going into this match before getting hit with COVID; Sophia Smith was easily the biggest casualty. 

Rhian Wilkinson set the team up in a 4-3-3, and Olivia Moultrie even started the game. Younger players got their opportunity for some great game experience, but Angel City was ready for them this time and took advantage.

Christen Press scored a penalty to give Angel City a 1-0 lead, and Portland couldn’t create anything concrete after that. The Thorns let a huge opportunity slip through their fingers, and that opportunity fell into the lap of the Washington Spirit. With ten points thanks to their 2-2 draw with North Carolina, they had done just enough to qualify on goal difference over Portland. 

The semifinals will be played on May 4 between the Washington Spirit and OL Reign and the Kansas City Current and North Carolina Courage. With the final on May 7, be sure to keep it locked with GSN; we’ll have plenty of previews and recaps on the way! 

Featured image via @thekccurrent on Twitter

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