Ones to Watch: Challenge Cup Edition
Originally scheduled to be a one-time solution to the scheduling difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 Challenge Cup captured audiences around the country, exceeding tournament expectations. Exciting storylines, such as Lindsay Horan’s diving header and the Houston Dash’s first trophy in club history, have led the tournament to its return next month. Here is everything you need to know to get ready for the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.
This year’s edition of the Challenge Cup will be slightly modified from the inaugural version played in 2020. The 10 NWSL teams are split into two divisions, the East (Sky Blue/NJ, Washington, Louisville, North Carolina, Orlando) and West (Kansas City, Houston, Chicago, OL Reign/WA, Portland). Each team will play all the teams in their division once, hoping to finish at the top of their divisional tables. After group play, the leaders in each division will face off in the title game, where the winner will lift the 2021 Challenge Cup trophy.
Four games, including the opener on April 9, can be seen on CBS Sports Network. The final, which will be played on May 8, will be aired on national television, on CBS. All other matches can be accessed with a Paramount+ membership, starting at $5.99 per month, which can be found here. Here are our Top 5 must-see group stage fixtures (times in ET):
Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars (April 9, 8:30PM)
Racing Louisville FC vs. Orlando Pride (April 10, 7PM)
Portland Thorns vs. OL Reign (April 21, 10PM)
Washington Spirit vs. Sky Blue FC (April 27, 7PM)
Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns (May 2, 7:30PM)
Heading into the 2021 Challenge Cup, there are many players and storylines to watch. “Bubble” players for the Tokyo Olympic roster, such as Kristie Mewis, Casey Krueger, and Midge Purce, will be looking to shine to solidify their seat on the flight to Japan. Seasoned players, like Morgan Gautrat and Carli Lloyd, will have to prove their experience and past achievements are worth more than the potential of some younger players currently challenging their spots. Some teams, such as the Washington Spirit and Chicago Red Stars, have added young and old talents alike to their already-strong rosters, so they will be on the title push. Naturally, like every tournament, the Houston Dash will be looking to defend their trophy, and everyone else will be looking to take it from them. Regardless, if last year’s tournament is any indication, we are in for a real treat next month to start the NWSL season.
Photography by Daniel Kobin.
