2021 NWSL Challenge Cup
{{Short description|Second edition of top women's soccer league cup in the United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Infobox football tournament season
| title = NWSL Challenge Cup
| year = 2021
| other_titles = 2021 National Women's Soccer League Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant
| image = 2021_NWSL_Challenge_Cup_logo.png
| image_size =
| caption =
| country = United States
| dates = April 9 – May 8
| venue =
| num_teams = 10
| defending_champions = Houston Dash
| winners = Portland Thorns FC
| count = 1
| second = NJ/NY Gotham FC
| matches = 21
| goals = 48
| attendance =
| scoring_leader = Debinha
(3 goals)
| award_title = MVP
| award = Debinha
| prev_season = 2020
| next_season = 2022
| updated =
}}
The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup was a league cup tournament that took place during the 2021 National Women's Soccer League season.{{cite news |title=NWSL Announces Innovative 2021 Competition Framework |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-announces-innovative-2021-competition-framework |accessdate=November 18, 2020 |publisher=NWSL |date=November 18, 2020 |archive-date=July 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210724164040/https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-announces-innovative-2021-competition-framework |url-status=dead }} It began on April 9 and ended May 8, one week before the start of the regular season.{{cite news |title=2021 NWSL CHALLENGE CUP SET TO BE PLAYED IN HOME MARKETS; KICKOFF SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 9 |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/2021-nwsl-challenge-cup-set-to-be-played-in-home-markets-kickoff-scheduled-for-april-9 |accessdate=February 13, 2021 |publisher=NWSL |date=January 27, 2021}} It was the second iteration of the NWSL Challenge Cup tournament, which had started in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was announced as a regular event later in 2020.{{Cite web|last=|date=2020-11-18|title=NWSL Announces Innovative 2021 Competition Framework|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-announces-innovative-2021-competition-framework|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-09|website=NWSL|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118160533/https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-announces-innovative-2021-competition-framework |archive-date=November 18, 2020 }} Portland Thorns FC won the 2021 final over NJ/NY Gotham FC in a penalty shootout.{{Cite web|last=Donovan|first=Mike|date=2021-05-08|title=Challenge Cup Championship Recap|url=https://www.timbers.com/post/2021/05/08/challenge-cup-championship-recap-portland-thorns-fc-xxx-njny-gotham-fc-xxx|url-status=dead|access-date=2021-05-08|website=Portland Thorns FC|archive-date=May 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508234934/https://www.timbers.com/post/2021/05/08/challenge-cup-championship-recap-portland-thorns-fc-xxx-njny-gotham-fc-xxx}}
Format
While the inaugural Challenge Cup took place entirely in a single "bubble" location during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 Challenge Cup was played in home markets. The 10 NWSL teams were organized into two regional divisions of five teams each.{{cite news |title=NWSL Announces 2021 Challenge Cup Presented by Secret Opener in Houston |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-announces-2021-challenge-cup-presented-by-secret-opener-in-houston |accessdate=8 March 2021 |publisher=NWSL |date=8 March 2021}} Every team played four games within their division, with the two division winners competing in the final on May 8.
The full schedule was released on March 9, 2021,{{cite news |title=NWSL Releases Full Schedule and Broadcast Details for 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Presented by Secret Deodorant |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-releases-full-schedule-and-broadcast-details-for-2021-nwsl-challenge-cup-presented-by-secret-deodorant |access-date=9 March 2021 |publisher=NWSL |date=9 March 2021}} along with tournament rules and regulations.{{cite web |title=2021 NWSL CHALLENGE CUP RULES AND REGULATIONS |url=https://nwsl-cdn.global.ssl.fastly.net/wp/uploads/2021/03/2021NWSLChallengeCupTournamentRules.pdf |publisher=NWSL |access-date=12 March 2021}}
= Tiebreakers =
The initial determining factor for a team's position in the standings was most points earned, with three points earned for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. If two or more teams were equal on points after completion of the preliminary round, the following criteria were applied to determine team rankings:[https://nwsl-cdn.global.ssl.fastly.net/wp/uploads/2021/03/2021NWSLChallengeCupTournamentRules.pdf NWSL Challenge Cup Tournament Rules]
- Superior goal difference in all divisional matches.
- Greatest number of goals scored in all divisional matches.
- Lowest team conduct score relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained, where only one of the below point totals shall be applied to a player in a single match:
- yellow card: 1 point;
- indirect red card (as a result of two yellow cards): 3 points;
- direct red card: 4 points;
- yellow card and direct red card: 5 points.
- Drawing of lots by the NWSL.
= Final =
The final was hosted by the team with the best record across both divisions. The final was 90 minutes; in the event it was tied, teams would proceed directly to a penalty shootout with no overtime periods.
East Division
= Standings =
{{2021 NWSL Challenge Cup East Division}}
= Games =
{{football box
|date = April 10, 2021
|team1 = North Carolina Courage
|time = 15:30 ET
|score = 3–2
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-washington-spirit-2021-04-10
|team2 = Washington Spirit
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = Sahlen's Stadium
|location = Cary, North Carolina
|attendance = 2,300
|referee = Alyssa Nichols
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 10, 2021
|team1 = Racing Louisville FC
|time = 19:00 ET
|score = 2–2
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/racing-louisville-vs-orlando-pride-2021-04-10
|team2 = Orlando Pride
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = Lynn Family Stadium
|location = Louisville, Kentucky
|attendance = 5,300
|referee = Katja Koroleva
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 14, 2021
|team1 = Orlando Pride
|time = 19:00 ET
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/orlando-pride-vs-gotham-fc-2021-04-14
|team2 = NJ/NY Gotham FC
|goals1 =
- Plummer {{yel|82}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Exploria Stadium
|location = Orlando, Florida
|attendance =
|referee = Natalie Simon
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 15, 2021
|team1 = Washington Spirit
|time = 19:00 ET
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-racing-louisville-2021-04-15
|team2 = Racing Louisville FC
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Olofsson {{yel|52}}
|stadium = Audi Field
|location = Washington, D.C.
|attendance =
|referee = Danielle Chesky
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 20, 2021
|team1 = NJ/NY Gotham FC
|time = 18:00 ET
|score = 4–3
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/gotham-fc-vs-north-carolina-courage-2021-04-20
|team2 = North Carolina Courage
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = MSU Soccer Park
|location = Montclair, New Jersey
|attendance =
|referee = Laura Rodriguez
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 21, 2021
|team1 = Orlando Pride
|time = 19:00 ET
|score = 1–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/orlando-pride-vs-washington-spirit-2021-04-21
|team2 = Washington Spirit
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = Exploria Stadium
|location = Orlando, Florida
|attendance =
|referee = Alexandra Billeter
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 26, 2021
|team1 = Racing Louisville FC
|time = 18:00 ET
|score = 2–3
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/racing-louisville-vs-north-carolina-courage-2021-04-26
|team2 = North Carolina Courage
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Pickett {{yel|12}}
- Hamilton {{goal|33}}
- Kurtz {{yel|49}}
- Debinha {{goal|57}}
- Ashley {{goal|84|o.g.}}
|stadium = Lynn Family Stadium
|location = Louisville, Kentucky
|attendance = 3,742
|referee = Tori Penso
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 27, 2021
|team1 = Washington Spirit
|time = 19:00 ET
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-gotham-fc-2021-04-27
|team2 = NJ/NY Gotham FC
|goals1 =
- Heilferty {{yel|88}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Audi Field
|location = Washington, D.C.
|attendance = 2,039
|referee = Karen Callado
}}
----
{{football box
|date = May 1, 2021
|team1 = North Carolina Courage
|time = 16:30 ET
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-orlando-pride-2021-05-01
|team2 = Orlando Pride
|goals1 =
- DeBree {{yel|2}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Sahlen's Stadium
|location = Cary, North Carolina
|attendance = 2,426
|referee = Katja Koroleva
}}
----
{{football box
|date = May 2, 2021
|team1 = NJ/NY Gotham FC
|time = 12:30 ET
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/gotham-fc-vs-racing-louisville-2021-05-02
|team2 = Racing Louisville FC
|goals1 =
- Cudjoe {{yel|28}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = MSU Soccer Park
|location = Montclair, New Jersey
|attendance =
|referee = Karen Abt
}}
West Division
= Standings =
{{2021 NWSL Challenge Cup West Division}}
= Games =
{{football box
|date = April 9, 2021
|team1 = Houston Dash
|time = 19:30 CT
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/houston-dash-vs-chicago-red-stars-2021-04-09
|team2 = Chicago Red Stars
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Wright {{yel|26}}
|stadium = BBVA Stadium
|location = Houston, Texas
|attendance = 4,204
|referee = Tori Penso
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 9, 2021
|team1 = Portland Thorns FC
|time = 19:30 PT
|score = 2–1
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/portland-thorns-vs-kansas-city-1-2021-04-09
|team2 = Kansas City
|goals1 =
- R. Rodríguez {{goal|8}}
- Charley {{sent off|2|49|89}}
- Lussi {{goal|58}}
- Parsons {{sent off|0|90+1}}
- Weaver {{sent off|0|90+3}}
|goals2 =
- Pickett {{yel|48}}
- A. Rodriguez {{goal|60}} {{yel|70}}
- Del Fava {{yel|90+1}}
- Edmonds {{sent off|0|90+4}}
|stadium = Providence Park
|location = Portland, Oregon
|attendance =
|referee = Danielle Chesky
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 15, 2021
|team1 = Chicago Red Stars
|time = 18:30 CT
|score = 0–1
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-portland-thorns-2021-04-15
|team2 = Portland Thorns FC
|goals1 =
- Stevens {{yel|85}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = SeatGeek Stadium
|location = Bridgeview, Illinois
|attendance =
|referee = Karen Callado
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 16, 2021
|team1 = OL Reign
|time = 19:00 PT
|score = 0–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/ol-reign-vs-houston-dash-2021-04-16
|team2 = Houston Dash
|goals1 =
- Weatherholt {{yel|23}}
|goals2 =
- Groom {{yel|25}}
|stadium = Cheney Stadium
|location = Tacoma, Washington
|attendance =
|referee = Katja Koroleva
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 21, 2021
|team1 = Chicago Red Stars
|time = 17:30 CT
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-kansas-city-1-2021-04-21
|team2 = Kansas City
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
|stadium = SeatGeek Stadium
|location = Bridgeview, Illinois
|attendance =
|referee = Natalie Simon
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 21, 2021
|team1 = Portland Thorns FC
|time = 19:00 PT
|score = 2–0
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/portland-thorns-vs-ol-reign-2021-04-21
|team2 = OL Reign
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Brooks {{yel|65}}
|stadium = Providence Park
|location = Portland, Oregon
|attendance =
|referee = Karen Abt
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 26, 2021
|team1 = Kansas City
|time = 20:30 ET
|score = 1–3
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/kansas-city-1-vs-houston-dash-2021-04-26
|team2 = Houston Dash
|goals1 =
- Miramontez {{yel|29}}
- Corsie {{yel|40}}
- Del Fava {{yel|54}}
- Vasconcelos {{goal|77}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Children's Mercy Park
|location = Kansas City, Kansas
|attendance =
|referee = Alyssa Nichols
}}
----
{{football box
|date = April 27, 2021
|team1 = OL Reign
|time = 19:00 PT
|score = 3–2
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/ol-reign-vs-chicago-red-stars-2021-04-27
|team2 = Chicago Red Stars
|goals1 = Huerta {{goal|41}}
Pruitt {{goal|70}}
King {{goal|87}}
|goals2 = Pugh {{goal|38}}
Gautrat {{goal|90}}
|stadium = Cheney Stadium
|location = Tacoma, Washington
|attendance = 1,105
|referee = Laura Rodriguez
}}
----
{{football box
|date = May 2, 2021
|team1 = Houston Dash
|time = 18:30 CT
|score = 1–1
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/houston-dash-vs-portland-thorns-2021-05-02
|team2 = Portland Thorns FC
|goals1 =
|goals2 =
- Sinclair {{goal|77}}
|stadium = BBVA Stadium
|location = Houston, Texas
|attendance = 3,162
|referee = Elvis Osmanovic
}}
----
{{football box
|date = May 3, 2021
|team1 = Kansas City
|time = 19:00 CT
|score = 1–2
|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/kansas-city-1-vs-ol-reign-2021-05-03
|team2 = OL Reign
|goals1 =
- Weber {{goal|6}}
|goals2 =
|stadium = Field of Legends
|location = Kansas City, Kansas
|attendance =
|referee = Karen Callado
}}
Championship
{{Main|2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship}}Portland Thorns FC won the right to host the final by finishing with the best record across both divisions.{{cite news|last1=Tannenwald|first1=Jonathan|date=4 May 2021|title=Union offer to host NWSL Challenge Cup final at Subaru Park if game has to be moved from Portland|publisher=The Philadelphia Inquirer|url=https://www.inquirer.com/soccer/nwsl-challenge-cup-final-portland-thorns-gotham-fc-schedule-20210503.html|access-date=4 May 2021}} The game finished in a 1-1 draw after the regulation 90 minutes, so it proceeded to a penalty shootout. Each team missed one penalty kick during the first five rounds, both hitting a shot off the crossbar. In the seventh round, Gotham FC, shooting first, had a shot saved by Portland goalkeeper Adrianna Franch, and Morgan Weaver converted Portland's try to win the tournament.
{{:2021 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship}}
Statistics
= Goalscorers =
Statistics do not include penalty-shootout goals.{{Goalscorers
|goals=48 |matches=21 |bold=
|source=[https://www.nwslsoccer.com/stats NWSL]
|3 goal=
- {{flagicon|BRA}} Debinha, NC
|2 goal=
- {{flagicon|USA}} Kristie Mewis, HOU
- {{flagicon|USA}} Amy Rodriguez, KC
- {{flagicon|USA}} Carli Lloyd, NJY
- {{flagicon|USA}} Margaret Purce, NJY
- {{flagicon|USA}} Kristen Hamilton, NC
- {{flagicon|USA}} Jessica McDonald, NC
- {{flagicon|CAN}} Christine Sinclair, POR
- {{flagicon|USA}} Cece Kizer, LOU
|1 goal=
- {{flagicon|USA}} Morgan Gautrat, CHI
- {{flagicon|MEX}} Katie Johnson, CHI
- {{flagicon|USA}} Mallory Pugh, CHI
- {{flagicon|ENG}} Rachel Daly, HOU
- {{flagicon|USA}} Shea Groom, HOU
- {{flagicon|USA}} Michele Vasconcelos, KC
- {{flagicon|USA}} Mallory Weber, KC
- {{flagicon|USA}} Paige Monaghan, NJY
- {{flagicon|CAN}} Évelyne Viens, NJY
- {{flagicon|USA}} Merritt Mathias, NC
- {{flagicon|WAL}} Jess Fishlock, RGN
- {{flagicon|USA}} Sofia Huerta, RGN
- {{flagicon|ESP}} Celia, RGN
- {{flagicon|USA}} Tziarra King, RGN
- {{flagicon|USA}} Leah Pruitt, RGN
- {{flagicon|USA}} Abi Kim, ORL
- {{flagicon|USA}} Taylor Kornieck, ORL
- {{flagicon|USA}} Sydney Leroux, ORL
- {{flagicon|USA}} Simone Charley, POR
- {{flagicon|USA}} Lindsey Horan, POR
- {{flagicon|USA}} Tyler Lussi, POR
- {{flagicon|CRC}} Raquel Rodríguez, POR
- {{flagicon|USA}} Morgan Weaver, POR
- {{flagicon|USA}} Jorian Baucom, LOU
- {{flagicon|USA}} Brooke Hendrix, LOU
- {{flagicon|USA}} Trinity Rodman, WAS
- {{flagicon|USA}} Ashley Sanchez, WAS
- {{flagicon|JPN}} Kumi Yokoyama, WAS
|1 own goal=
- {{flagdeco|USA}} Julia Ashley, LOU (against NC)
}}
= Discipline =
A player would be automatically suspended for the next match in the tournament for the following offenses:
- Receiving a red card (red card suspensions may be extended for serious offenses);
- Receiving two yellow cards in two matches, unless the second yellow card was accumulated in the final match of divisional play;
- Only direct red card suspensions would be carried over to the NWSL regular season.
The following suspensions were served during the tournament:
| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |
| Player / Coach
! Offense(s) ! Suspension |
|---|
| {{flagicon|USA}} Simone Charley, POR
| {{sent off|2}} vs. KC, April 9 | vs. CHI, April 15 |
| {{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Parsons, POR
| {{sent off|0}} vs. KC, April 9 |
| {{flagicon|USA}} Morgan Weaver, POR
| {{sent off|0}} vs. KC, April 9 |
| {{flagicon|USA}} Kristen Edmonds, KC
| {{sent off|0}} vs. POR, April 9 |
| {{flagicon|USA}} Jorian Baucom, LOU
| Major game misconduct vs. ORL, April 10 |
| {{flagicon|USA}} Kelley O'Hara, WAS
| {{sent off|2}} vs. ORL, April 21 | vs. NJY, April 27 |
| {{flagicon|USA}} Kate Del Fava, KC
| {{yel}} vs. POR, April 9 | vs. RGN, May 3 |
| {{flagicon|ARG}} Mariana Larroquette, KC
| Major game misconduct vs. HOU, April 26 |
= Awards =
Debinha of the North Carolina Courage was voted the tournament's Most Valuable Player.{{cite news |title=Debinha named MVP of 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/debinha-named-mvp-of-2021-nwsl-challenge-cup-presented-by-secret-deodorant |access-date=11 May 2021 |publisher=NWSL |date=11 May 2021}} DiDi Haracic (NJ/NY Gotham FC) and Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns FC), whose teams faced off in the final, were the other two MVP finalists.
Adrianna Franch of the Portland Thorns was voted the MVP of the championship game.{{Cite web|last=Myers|first=Ryan|date=2021-05-08|title=Thorns Win 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup|url=https://www.prostamerika.com/2021/05/08/thorns-win-2021-nwsl-challenge-cup/247149/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-14|website=Prost Amerika|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210509002728/https://www.prostamerika.com/2021/05/08/thorns-win-2021-nwsl-challenge-cup/247149/ |archive-date=May 9, 2021 }} She was also named NWSL Player of the Week for her play in the championship game.{{Cite web|date=2021-05-12|title=Thorns FC goalkeeper Adrianna Franch named NWSL Player of the Week|url=https://www.timbers.com/thornsfc/2021-nwsl-challenge-cup/announcement/adrianna-franch-player-of-the-week-20210512|url-status=dead|access-date=2021-05-14|website=Portland Thorns FC|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514184114/https://www.timbers.com/thornsfc/2021-nwsl-challenge-cup/announcement/adrianna-franch-player-of-the-week-20210512}}
== Weekly awards ==
Broadcasting
NWSL's broadcasting partnership with CBS Sports and Twitch continued. In the US, CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) aired the opener, a rematch of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship between Houston Dash and Chicago Red Stars, on April 9, as well as three additional games; the final game on May 8 was available on CBS and Paramount+; and all other games were streamed exclusively on Paramount+. Every game was available on Twitch internationally, including in Canada when games were not on CBS Sports Network.
JP Dellacamera and Aly Wagner commentated on the opening game and the final, while Jenn Hildreth and Lori Lindsey provided commentary in three other games on CBSSN. Marisa Pilla returned to the coverage as sideline reporter. Commentators for Paramount+ and Twitch coverage included play-by-play announcers Mike Watts, Jordan Angeli, Josh Eastern, Joe Malfa and Josh Tolle, and match analyst Lori Lindsey, Jen Cooper, Kaylyn Kyle, Lisa Roman and Kacey White.{{Cite web|last=intive|title=NWSL Announces Broadcast Lineup for 2021 Challenge Cup Presented by Secret Deodorant|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/article/nwsl-announces-broadcast-lineup-for-2021-challenge-cup-presented-by-secret-deodorant|access-date=2021-04-07|website=www.nwslsoccer.com|language=en-US}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website|http://nwslsoccer.com}}
{{2021 NWSL season by team}}
{{NWSL Challenge Cup}}
{{2021 in American women's soccer}}
{{National Women's Soccer League}}
{{2020–21 in North and Central America, and Caribbean women's football (CONCACAF)}}
2021 in American soccer leagues