We’re over a week into the NWSL Challenge Cup and less than a week away from the start of MLS and USL’s returns to the field. Things on the MLS front are hardly going smoothly as positive coronavirus tests stack up, but NWSL’s Challenge Cup has been a roaring good time. Meanwhile, attention turns to player development as young players hit the European stage and new US-based academy leagues get rolling, but Minnesota United appear to be opting out.

Seattle/Tacoma

Bethany Balcer’s path to NWSL has been far from typical, but she’s looking to build on her strong rookie season.