Here we go. The Challenge Cup began on Saturday, evoking old fashioned World Cup traditions. The tournament commenced proceedings with a match featuring the current holders of the NWSL title, the North Carolina Courage. It will now start the second day of play with a more contemporary tournament opener: the hosts. With shadowy distant mountain ranges for a backdrop, the stage is set for the Utah Royals and the Houston Dash.
As the Dash attempt to make the final four, for the first time in the club’s history, here are the duels that will define their opening game against the Utah Royals.