Challenge Accepted
The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup kicked off on Friday evening with a rematch of last year’s final between the Houston Dash and the Chicago Red Stars. One of the best things to come out of 2020 finally made a return, and boy, what a weekend it was. This is our breakdown of everything that happened on Matchday 1.
Boxing Gloves
They say every rose has its thorn, and on Friday night, multiple players came out bloodied out of the Portland Thorns - Kansas City game. For the first time in NWSL history, four red cards were shown in one match. The craziest part came at the very end of regulation, though, with Morgan Weaver and Kristen Edwards exchanging blows in a wild brawl. Both players connected their punches/elbows with precision, but although the fight ended up in a stalemate, Weaver had the last laugh with the Thorns taking all three points.
Dream Debut
Washington Spirit’s Trinity Rodman became the youngest goalscorer in NWSL history after bagging a goal on her debut against the NC Courage. At just 18 years old, Rodman looked confident, fast, and lethal in front of goal. It only took her five minutes to find the back of the net after coming on in the second half, and it looks like Rodman is ready to make a name for herself in the league.
Hold it Down
The Dash started their title defense at home with a positive result at home against the always tough Red Stars. The Dash will surely have a target on their backs all season, but they’ll be looking to prove that last year was no fluke. Although the Dash didn’t get all three points, a hard-fought draw at home against the Red Stars is a fairly positive result, especially after such a long offseason. Most importantly, though, the team finally had the chance to play at BBVA Compass Stadium with a moderate number of fans after the pandemic.
Warm Welcome
Racing Louisville made their much-awaited NWSL debut on Saturday against Orlando Pride. The game offered exhilarating late drama, with the Pride bagging a go-ahead goal in the ‘88 and Lousiville snatching an equalizer right before the final whistle in the 90+3’. It’s always good to take a positive result out of your first match, and the dramatic equalizer by Brooke Hendrix will live in Racing Louisville history forever.
Photography by Diana Hernandez.
