The predictable snowball effect is here.
NWSL returned on Saturday, kicking off its Challenge Cup tournament/likely 2020 season substitute in Utah. In the opener, Lynn Williams's stoppage-time header lifted the defending champion North Carolina Courage to a 2–1 win over the Portland Thorns. In the nightcap, Rose Lavelle helped spark the Washington Spirit to a 2–1 win over the Chicago Red Stars. Despite all the missing USWNT players from this competition, two entertaining matches unfolded, and more are on the horizon. It's great to have the sport back in the U.S.
You'd be forgiven for not fully grasping all of that, though.