The NWSL Challenge Cup may be a weird, ad hoc competition that the league had to throw together on the fly because we’re in a pandemic, but the Washington Spirit aren’t letting that change their plans. They went to Utah to win their first-ever trophy, and the first step is taking care of business in the preliminary round against the Chicago Red Stars, North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns, and Houston Dash.
Here’s part one of our preview of the Spirit’s opponents. Part 2 will come out tomorrow morning.
Last year:
2nd place (14W-2D-8L, 44 points, +13), lost in NWSL Championship
2019 was Chicago’s breakthrough season, but they were perhaps a bit overawed by the championship game itself.