2022 NWSL Challenge Cup

The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup was a multi-stage tournament. All 12 NWSL teams participated in the Challenge Cup, an increase of two from the previous edition due to the addition of expansion franchises Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC during the offseason. As a result, the competition was split into three regional groups of four teams each; East, Central and West. Each team played a six-game double round-robin in which every team played all others in its division at home and away. The winner from each of the three divisions along with the highest-ranked group stage runner-up progressed to the knockout stage, which consisted of three single-elimination matches: two semifinals and one final.{{cite web |title=National Women's Soccer League announce 2022 Challenge Cup format |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/documents/2022/2/6/2022_NWSL_Challenge_Cup_Rules.pdf |website=www.nwslsoccer.com |date=February 7, 2022}} As a result of the expanded group stage, teams played a minimum of six games, two more than in 2021, and a maximum of eight, three more than in 2021. A total of 39 matches were played, 18 more than the 21 matches played during the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup.

No matches had extra time. In the group stage, matches could end in a tie at the end of normal playing time. In the knockout stage, if a match was tied at the end of normal playing time, the game was decided by a penalty shoot-out.

Teams were required to have a minimum of 18 players and a maximum of 20 players on a matchday roster. A maximum of nine players could be named as substitutes with a maximum of five substitutions in three stoppages (excluding half-time) permitted to be used during a match. No substitutes could be made after the end of normal playing time (except if a goalkeeper was unable to continue before or during the penalty shoot-out). Two "concussion substitutes" could also be used in accordance with IFAB rules.

A team's position in the divisional standings was determined by points, with three points awarded for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. If two or more teams in the same group were tied on points at the end of the group stage, the following tiebreaking criteria were applied to determine the final group standings:

1. Greatest goal difference across all group stage matches.
2. Most goals scored across all group stage matches.
3. Direct head-to-head points record with teams involved in the tie.
4. Direct head-to-head goal difference in matches between teams involved in the tie.
5. Direct head-to-head number of goals scored in matches between teams involved in the tie.
6. Fewest disciplinary points accrued. Points were awarded as follows (players could receive only one disciplinary points assessment per match, with the highest taking precedent):
7. {{yel}} yellow card: 1 point;
8. {{sent off|2}} indirect red card (as a result of two yellow cards): 3 points;
9. {{sent off|0}} direct red card: 4 points;
10. {{sent off|1}} yellow card and direct red card: 5 points.
11. If teams still could not be separated using the tiebreaking procedures, the NWSL would decide ranking using the random drawing of lots.

In the case of two or more teams from different divisions being tied on points at the end of the group stage, the same procedure was followed except for the use of the head-to-head scenarios by virtue of the fact teams from different divisions would not have played each other during the group stage.

{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL|use_tie=y|draw_before_tie=true

|show_matches=yes

|section=East Division

|source=[https://www.nwslsoccer.com/standings NWSL]

|team_order=NC, WAS, NJY, ORL

|result1=KO |result2=2nd

|update=complete

|win_NC=3 |draw_NC=3 |loss_NC=0 |gf_NC=12 |ga_NC=7 |status_NC=

|win_NJY=1 |draw_NJY=3 |loss_NJY=2 |gf_NJY=5 |ga_NJY=8 |status_NJY=

|win_ORL=0 |draw_ORL=2 |loss_ORL=4 |gf_ORL=4 |ga_ORL=11 |status_ORL=

|win_WAS=2 |draw_WAS=4 |loss_WAS=0 |gf_WAS=12 |ga_WAS=7 |status_WAS=

|name_NC = North Carolina Courage

|name_NJY = NJ/NY Gotham FC

|name_ORL = Orlando Pride

|name_WAS = Washington Spirit

|class_rules = 1) Total points; 2) Total goal differential; 3) Total number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head points record; 5) Head-to-head goal differential; 6) Head-to-head number of goals scored; 7) Fewest disciplinary points; 8) Drawing of lots

|res_col_header=Q

|col_KO=green1 |text_KO=Advance to knockout stage

|col_2nd=blue1 |text_2nd={{nowrap|Advance to knockout stage based on ranking}}

|match_NC_NJY= 2–0

|match_NC_ORL= 1–0

|match_NC_WAS= 2–2

|match_NJY_NC= 1—1

|match_NJY_ORL= 1–1

|match_NJY_WAS= 1–3

|match_ORL_NC= 2–4

|match_ORL_NJY= 0—1

|match_ORL_WAS= 0–0

|match_WAS_NC= 2—2

|match_WAS_NJY= 1–1

|match_WAS_ORL= 4-1

}}

{{football box

|date = March 19

|team1 = Orlando Pride

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/orlando-pride-vs-washington-spirit-2022-03-19/stats

|team2 = Washington Spirit

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = Exploria Stadium

|location = Orlando, Florida

|attendance = 3,534

|referee = Laura Rodriguez

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 19

|team1 = North Carolina Courage

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 2–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-nj-ny-gotham-fc-2022-03-19/stats

|team2 = NJ/NY Gotham FC

|goals1 =

• Pinto {{goal|22}}
• Erceg {{goal|51}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Sahlen's Stadium

|location = Cary, North Carolina

|attendance = 2,537

|referee = Karen Callado

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 25

|team1 = Washington Spirit

|time = 19:30 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-nj-ny-gotham-fc-2022-03-25/stats

|team2 = NJ/NY Gotham FC

|goals1 =

• Hatch {{goal|61}}

|goals2 =

• Mewis {{goal|23|pen.}}

|stadium = Segra Field

|location = Leesburg, Virginia

|attendance = 3,421

|referee = Alyssa Nichols

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 26

|team1 = North Carolina Courage

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-orlando-pride-2022-03-26/stats

|team2 = Orlando Pride

|goals1 =

• Mathias {{goal|61|pen.}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Sahlen's Stadium

|location = Cary, North Carolina

|attendance = 3,328

|referee = Joshua Encarnación

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 30

|team1 = Orlando Pride

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/orlando-pride-vs-nj-ny-gotham-fc-2022-03-30/stats

|team2 = NJ/NY Gotham FC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Purce {{goal|83}}

|stadium = Exploria Stadium

|location = Orlando, Florida

|attendance = 3,351

|referee = Anya Voigt

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 30

|team1 = Washington Spirit

|time = 19:30 ET

|score = 2–2

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-north-carolina-courage-2022-03-30/stats

|team2 = North Carolina Courage

|goals1 =

• Rodman {{goal|58}}
• Hatch {{goal|67}}

|goals2 =

• Debinha {{goal|5}}
• Smith {{goal|26}}

|stadium = Audi Field

|location = Washington, D.C.

|attendance = 2,155

|referee = Danielle Chesky

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 3

|team1 = NJ/NY Gotham FC

|time = 15:00 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/nj-ny-gotham-fc-vs-north-carolina-courage-2022-04-03/stats

|team2 = North Carolina Courage

|goals1 =

• Onumonu {{goal|84}}

|goals2 =

• Debinha {{goal|25}}

|stadium = Red Bull Arena

|location = Harrison, New Jersey

|attendance =

|referee = Laura Rodriguez

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 3

|team1 = Washington Spirit

|time = 16:00 ET

|score = 4–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/washington-spirit-vs-orlando-pride-2022-04-03/stats

|team2 = Orlando Pride

|goals1 =

• Sanchez {{goal|43}}
• Sullivan {{goal|45}}
• Hatch {{goal|49}}
• Rodman {{goal|87}}

|goals2 =

• Jonsdottir {{goal|54}}

|stadium = Audi Field

|location = Washington, D.C.

|attendance = 5,656

|referee = Sergii Demianchuk

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 16

|team1 = Orlando Pride

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 2–4

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/orlando-pride-vs-north-carolina-courage-2022-04-16/stats

|team2 = North Carolina Courage

|goals1 =

• Jenkins {{goal|15||56}}

|goals2 =

• Montefusco {{goal|3|o.g.}}
• Daniels {{goal|6}}
• Smith {{goal|9}}
• Debinha {{goal|89}}

|stadium = Exploria Stadium

|location = Orlando, Florida

|attendance = 3,601

|referee = Alyssa Nichols

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 17

|team1 = NJ/NY Gotham FC

|time = 15:00 ET

|score = 1–3

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/nj-ny-gotham-fc-vs-washington-spirit-2022-04-17/stats

|team2 = Washington Spirit

|goals1 =

• Kawasumi {{goal|4}}

|goals2 =

• Sanchez {{goal|24}}
• Rodman {{goal|39||75}}

|stadium = Red Bull Arena

|location = Harrison, New Jersey

|attendance = 2,061

|referee = Elvis Osmanovic

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 23

|team1 = North Carolina Courage

|time = 13:00 ET

|score = 2–2

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/north-carolina-courage-vs-washington-spirit-2022-04-23/stats

|team2 = Washington Spirit

|goals1 =

• Debinha {{goal|45+4|pen.}}
• Berkely {{goal|52}}

|goals2 =

• Hatch {{goal|15||75|pen.}}

|stadium = Sahlen's Stadium

|location = Cary, North Carolina

|attendance = 3,905

|referee = Eric Tattersall

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 23

|team1 = NJ/NY Gotham FC

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/nj-ny-gotham-fc-vs-orlando-pride-2022-04-23/stats

|team2 = Orlando Pride

|goals1 =

• Mewis {{goal|45+1|pen.}}

|goals2 =

• Jónsdóttir {{goal|10}}

|stadium = Red Bull Arena

|location = Harrison, New Jersey

|attendance = 2,734

|referee = Jeremy Scheer

}}

{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL|use_tie=y|draw_before_tie=true

|show_matches=yes

|section=Central Division

|source=[https://www.nwslsoccer.com/standings NWSL]

|team_order=KC, CHI, LOU, HOU

|result1=KO

|update=complete

|win_KC=4 |draw_KC=1 |loss_KC=1 |gf_KC=10 |ga_KC=7 |status_KC=

|win_LOU=1 |draw_LOU=3 |loss_LOU=2 |gf_LOU=8 |ga_LOU=7 |status_LOU=

|win_CHI=2 |draw_CHI=2 |loss_CHI=2 |gf_CHI=8 |ga_CHI=6 |status_CHI=

|win_HOU=2 |draw_HOU=0 |loss_HOU=4 |gf_HOU=7 |ga_HOU=13 |status_HOU=

|status_text_Y=Cannot qualify directly, may only advance on ranking

|name_CHI = Chicago Red Stars

|name_HOU = Houston Dash

|name_KC = Kansas City Current

|name_LOU = Racing Louisville FC

|class_rules = 1) Total points; 2) Total goal differential; 3) Total number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head points record; 5) Head-to-head goal differential; 6) Head-to-head number of goals scored; 7) Fewest disciplinary points; 8) Drawing of lots

|res_col_header=Q

|col_KO=green1 |text_KO=Advance to knockout stage

|match_CHI_HOU= 2-0

|match_CHI_KC= 1–2

|match_CHI_LOU= 0—0

|match_HOU_CHI= 1–3

|match_HOU_KC= 0—3

|match_HOU_LOU= 2-1

|match_KC_CHI= 2-1

|match_KC_HOU= 2–1

|match_KC_LOU= 0-3

|match_LOU_CHI= 1–1

|match_LOU_HOU= 2–3

|match_LOU_KC= 1–1

}}

{{football box

|date = March 18

|team1 = Racing Louisville FC

|time = 19:30 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/racing-louisville-fc-vs-kansas-city-current-2022-03-18/stats

|team2 = Kansas City Current

|goals1 =

• Kizer {{goal|20}}

|goals2 =

• McCain {{goal|78}}

|stadium = Lynn Family Stadium

|location = Louisville, Kentucky

|attendance = 5,532

|referee = Danielle Cheskey

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 20

|team1 = Houston Dash

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 1–3

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/houston-dash-vs-chicago-red-stars-2022-03-20/stats

|team2 = Chicago Red Stars

|goals1 =

• Naughton {{goal|19}}

|goals2 =

• Pugh {{goal|27||60}}
• Wright {{goal|58|pen.}}

|stadium = PNC Stadium

|location = Houston, Texas

|attendance = 4,087

|referee = Joshua Encarnación

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 25

|team1 = Racing Louisville FC

|time = 19:30 ET

|score = 2–3

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/racing-louisville-fc-vs-houston-dash-2022-03-25/stats

|team2 = Houston Dash

|goals1 =

• Davis {{goal|16}}
• McDonald {{goal|40}}

|goals2 =

• Viggiano {{goal|58}}
• Sánchez {{goal|56}}
• Daly {{goal|65|pen.}}

|stadium = Lynn Family Stadium

|location = Louisville, Kentucky

|attendance = 3,800

|referee = Sergii Demianchuk

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 25

|team1 = Chicago Red Stars

|time = 20:30 ET

|score = 1–2

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-kansas-city-current-2022-03-25/stats

|team2 = Kansas City Current

|goals1 =

• DiBernardo {{goal|22}}

|goals2 =

• Mace {{goal|58}}
• Hamilton {{goal|86}}

|stadium = SeatGeek Stadium

|location = Bridgeview, Illinois

|attendance = 2,604

|referee = Greg Dopka

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 30

|team1 = Chicago Red Stars

|time = 19:30 ET

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-racing-louisville-fc-2022-03-30/stats

|team2 = Racing Louisville FC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = SeatGeek Stadium

|location = Bridgeview, Illinois

|attendance =

|referee = Calin Radosav

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 30

|team1 = Houston Dash

|time = 20:30 ET

|score = 0–3

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/houston-dash-vs-kansas-city-current-2022-03-30/stats

|team2 = Kansas City Current

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Leach {{goal|2}}
• Hamilton {{goal|28}}
• LaBonta {{goal|60}}

|stadium = PNC Stadium

|location = Houston, Texas

|attendance = 2,229

|referee = Laura Rodriguez

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 2

|team1 = Kansas City Current

|time = 15:00 ET

|score = 0–3

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/kansas-city-current-vs-racing-louisville-fc-2022-04-02/stats

|team2 = Racing Louisville FC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Mace {{goal|9|o.g.}}
• Milliet {{goal|60}}
• Bonner {{goal|65}}

|stadium = Children's Mercy Park

|location = Kansas City, Kansas

|attendance = 6,310

|referee = Alyssa Nichols

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 2

|team1 = Chicago Red Stars

|time = 20:00 ET

|score = 2–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/chicago-red-stars-vs-houston-dash-2022-04-02/stats

|team2 = Houston Dash

|goals1 =

• Pugh {{goal|32||82}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = SeatGeek Stadium

|location = Bridgeview, Illinois

|attendance = 1,741

|referee = Katja Koroleva

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 15

|team1 = Kansas City Current

|time = 20:00 ET

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/kansas-city-current-vs-houston-dash-2022-04-15/stats

|team2 = Houston Dash

|goals1 =

• Hamilton {{goal|4}}
• Pickett {{goal|80}}

|goals2 =

• Groom {{goal|59}}

|stadium = Children's Mercy Park

|location = Kansas City, Kansas

|attendance = 5,022

|referee = Jeremy Scheer

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 16

|team1 = Racing Louisville FC

|time = 19:30 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/racing-louisville-fc-vs-chicago-red-stars-2022-04-16/stats

|team2 = Chicago Red Stars

|goals1 =

• Ekic {{goal|76}}

|goals2 =

• Kowalski {{goal|7}}

|stadium = Lynn Family Stadium

|location = Louisville, Kentucky

|attendance = 4,409

|referee = Laura Rodriguez

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 24

|team1 = Kansas City Current

|time = 17:00 ET

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/kansas-city-current-vs-chicago-red-stars-2022-04-24/stats

|team2 = Chicago Red Stars

|goals1 =

• Loera {{goal|50}}
• Hamilton {{goal|76}}

|goals2 =

• St. Georges {{goal|52}}

|stadium = Children's Mercy Park

|location = Kansas City, Kansas

|attendance = 5,107

|referee = Adorae Monroy

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 24

|team1 = Houston Dash

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/houston-dash-vs-racing-louisville-fc-2022-04-24/stats

|team2 = Racing Louisville FC

|goals1 =

• Prince {{goal|24}}
• Prisock {{goal|35}}

|goals2 =

• Howell {{goal|29}}

|stadium = PNC Stadium

|location = Houston, Texas

|attendance = 3,073

|referee = Brad Jensen

}}

{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL|use_tie=y|draw_before_tie=true

|show_matches=yes

|section=West Division

|source=[https://www.nwslsoccer.com/standings NWSL]

|team_order=RGN, POR, SD, LA

|result1=KO

|update=complete

|win_LA=1 |draw_LA=1 |loss_LA=4 |gf_LA=6 |ga_LA=13 |status_LA=

|win_RGN=4 |draw_RGN=2 |loss_RGN=0 |gf_RGN=11 |ga_RGN=5. |status_RGN=

|win_POR=3 |draw_POR=1 |loss_POR=2 |gf_POR=8 |ga_POR=5 |status_POR=

|win_SD=1 |draw_SD=2 |loss_SD=3 |gf_SD=9 |ga_SD=11 |status_SD=

|name_LA = Angel City FC

|name_RGN = OL Reign

|name_POR = Portland Thorns FC

|name_SD = San Diego Wave FC

|class_rules = 1) Total points; 2) Total goal differential; 3) Total number of goals scored; 4) Head-to-head points record; 5) Head-to-head goal differential; 6) Head-to-head number of goals scored; 7) Fewest disciplinary points; 8) Drawing of lots

|res_col_header=Q

|col_KO=green1 |text_KO=Advance to knockout stage

|match_LA_RGN = 1–3

|match_LA_POR = 1-0

|match_LA_SD = 1–1

|match_RGN_LA = 2-1

|match_RGN_POR= 1–1

|match_RGN_SD= 3–1

|match_POR_LA = 3—0

|match_POR_RGN= 0-1

|match_POR_SD= 3–2

|match_SD_LA= 4-2

|match_SD_RGN= 1–1

|match_SD_POR= 0–1

}}

{{football box

|date = March 18

|team1 = OL Reign

|time = 22:00 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/ol-reign-vs-portland-thorns-fc-2022-03-18/stats

|team2 = Portland Thorns FC

|goals1 =

• Huerta {{goal|18}}

|goals2 =

• Sinclair {{goal|28}}

|stadium = Lumen Field

|location = Seattle, Washington

|attendance = 7,343

|referee = Kevin Broadley

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 19

|team1 = Angel City FC

|time = 21:00 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/angel-city-fc-vs-san-diego-wave-fc-2022-03-19/stats

|team2 = San Diego Wave FC

|goals1 =

• McCaskill {{goal|49}}

|goals2 =

• Riehl {{goal|82}}

|stadium = Titan Stadium

|location = Fullerton, California

|attendance = 6,307

|referee = Elvis Osmanovic

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 26

|team1 = Angel City FC

|time = 16:00 ET

|score = 1–3

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/angel-city-fc-vs-ol-reign-2022-03-26/stats

|team2 = OL Reign

|goals1 =

• Lussi {{goal|67}}

|goals2 =

• Latsko {{goal|12}}
• Cook {{goal|18}}
• Angelina {{goal|50}}

|stadium = Titan Stadium

|location = Fullerton, California

|attendance = 4,156

|referee = Katja Koroleva

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 26

|team1 = San Diego Wave FC

|time = 22:00 ET

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/san-diego-wave-fc-vs-portland-thorns-fc-2022-03-26/stats

|team2 = Portland Thorns FC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• S. Smith {{goal|5}}

|stadium = Torero Stadium

|location = San Diego, California

|attendance = 6,000

|referee = Luis Guardia

}}

----

{{football box

|date = March 30

|team1 = Portland Thorns FC

|time = 22:00 ET

|score = 3–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/portland-thorns-fc-vs-angel-city-fc-2022-03-30/stats

|team2 = Angel City FC

|goals1 =

• S. Smith {{goal|31}}
• Ryan {{goal|53}}
• Weaver {{goal|78}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Providence Park

|location = Portland, Oregon

|attendance = 9,902

|referee = Mark Allatin

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 2

|team1 = San Diego Wave FC

|time = 16:00 ET

|score = 4–2

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/san-diego-wave-fc-vs-angel-city-fc-2022-04-02/stats

|team2 = Angel City FC

|goals1 =

• Taylor {{goal|19}}
• Morgan {{goal|45+3||72}}
• Ali {{goal|81}}

|goals2 =

• McGrady {{goal|38|o.g.}}
• Press {{goal|59}}

|stadium = Torero Stadium

|location = San Diego, California

|attendance = 5,158

|referee = Brad Jensen

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 2

|team1 = Portland Thorns FC

|time = 22:00 ET

|score = 0–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/portland-thorns-fc-vs-ol-reign-2022-04-02/stats

|team2 = OL Reign

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Lavelle {{goal|74}}

|stadium = Providence Park

|location = Portland, Oregon

|attendance = 12,034

|referee = Elijio Arreguin

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 14

|team1 = OL Reign

|time = 22:00 ET

|score = 3–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/ol-reign-vs-san-diego-wave-fc-2022-04-14/stats

|team2 = San Diego Wave FC

|goals1 =

• Stanton {{goal|2}}
• Balcer {{goal|8}}
• Hiatt {{goal|11}}

|goals2 =

• Morgan {{goal|24}}

|stadium = Lumen Field

|location = Seattle, Washington

|attendance = 4,803

|referee = Adorae Monroy

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 17

|team1 = OL Reign

|time = 18:00 ET

|score = 2–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/ol-reign-vs-angel-city-fc-2022-04-17/stats

|team2 = Angel City FC

|goals1 =

• Balcer {{goal|34}}
• Van der Jagt {{goal|90+4}}

|goals2 =

• Charley {{goal|83}}

|stadium = Lumen Field

|location = Seattle, Washington

|attendance = 5,660

|referee = Brandon Stevis

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 17

|team1 = Portland Thorns FC

|time = 19:00 ET

|score = 3–2

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/portland-thorns-fc-vs-san-diego-wave-fc-2022-04-17/stats

|team2 = San Diego Wave FC

|goals1 =

• S. Smith {{goal|4}}
• Sugita {{goal|21||41}}

|goals2 =

• Briede {{goal|46}}
• Kornieck {{goal|67}}

|stadium = Providence Park

|location = Portland, Oregon

|attendance = 12,440

|referee = Ricardo Fierro

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 23

|team1 = San Diego Wave FC

|time = 22:00 ET

|score = 1–1

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/san-diego-wave-fc-vs-ol-reign-2022-04-23/stats

|team2 = OL Reign

|goals1 =

• Morgan {{goal|45+1|pen.}}

|goals2 =

• Watt {{goal|13}}

|stadium = Torero Stadium

|location = San Diego, California

|attendance = 6,000

|referee = Samantha Martinez

}}

----

{{football box

|date = April 24

|team1 = Angel City FC

|time = 21:00 ET

|score = 1–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/angel-city-fc-vs-portland-thorns-fc-2022-04-24/stats

|team2 = Portland Thorns FC

|goals1 =

• Press {{goal|29|pen.}}

|goals2 =

|stadium = Titan Stadium

|location = Fullerton, California

|attendance =

|referee = JC Griggs

}}

The best second-placed team from the group stage advanced to the knockout stage.

{{#invoke:Sports table|main|style=WDL|use_tie=y|draw_before_tie=true

|section=Ranking

|source=[https://www.nwslsoccer.com/standings NWSL]

|show_groups=T

|group_GrA=East |name_GrA= Washington Spirit

|group_GrB=Central |name_GrB= Chicago Red Stars

|group_GrC=West |name_GrC= Portland Thorns FC

|update=complete

|win_GrA=2 |draw_GrA=4 |loss_GrA=0 |gf_GrA=12 |ga_GrA=7

|win_GrB=2 |draw_GrB=2 |loss_GrB=2 |gf_GrB=8 |ga_GrB=6

|win_GrC=3 |draw_GrC=1 |loss_GrC=2 |gf_GrC=8 |ga_GrC=5

|class_rules=1) Total points; 2) Total goal differential; 3) Total number of goals scored; 4) Fewest disciplinary points; 4) Drawing of lots

|team_order= GrA, GrC, GrB

|res_col_header=Q

|result1=Q

|col_Q=green1 |text_Q=Advance to knockout stage

}}

The seeding of the division winners was determined by points accumulated in the group stage, followed if necessary by any applicable tiebreakers. The advancing second-place team was automatically made the #4 seed.

{{football box

|date = May 4

|team1 = OL Reign

|time = 20:00 ET

|score = 0–0

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/ol-reign-vs-washington-spirit-2022-05-04/stats

|team2 = Washington Spirit

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|penaltyscore = 8–9

|penalties1 =

• Lavelle {{pengoal}}
• Cook {{pengoal}}
• Miramontez {{pengoal}}
• Rapinoe {{pengoal}}
• Balcer {{pengoal}}
• Huerta {{pengoal}}
• Watt {{pengoal}}
• Stanton {{penmiss}}
• Hiatt {{pengoal}}
• Fishlock {{penmiss}}

|penalties2 =

• {{pengoal}} Hatch
• {{pengoal}} Sonnett
• {{pengoal}} Kingsbury
• {{pengoal}} Sanchez
• {{pengoal}} Rodman
• {{pengoal}} Bailey
• {{pengoal}} Roddar
• {{penmiss}} Alexander
• {{pengoal}} Heilferty
• {{pengoal}} Staab

|stadium = Audi Field

|location = Washington, D.C.

|attendance = 3,015

|referee = Greg Dopka

}}

----

{{football box

|date = May 4

|team1 = Kansas City Current

|time = 20:30 ET

|score = 1–2

|report = https://www.nwslsoccer.com/game/kansas-city-current-vs-north-carolina-courage-2022-05-04/stats

|team2 = North Carolina Courage

|goals1 =

• Hamilton {{goal|79}}

|goals2 =

• Debinha {{goal|19|pen.}}
• Ordoñez {{goal|36}}

|stadium = Children's Mercy Park

|location = Kansas City, Kansas

|attendance = 4,093

|referee = Natalie Simon

}}

{{Main|2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship}}

{{:2022 NWSL Challenge Cup Championship}}

{{Goalscorers

|goals=106 |matches=39

|source=[https://www.nwslsoccer.com/stats NWSL]

|6 goal=

• {{flagicon|USA}} Ashley Hatch, WAS

|5 goal=

• {{flagicon|BRA}} Debinha, NC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Kristen Hamilton, KC

|4 goal=

• {{flagicon|USA}} Mallory Pugh, CHI
• {{flagicon|USA}} Alex Morgan, SD
• {{flagicon|USA}} Trinity Rodman, WAS

|3 goal=

• {{flagicon|USA}} Sophia Smith, POR

|2 goal=

• {{flagicon|USA}} Christen Press, LA
• {{flagicon|USA}} Taylor Smith, NC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Kristie Mewis, NJY
• {{flagicon|USA}} Darian Jenkins, ORL
• {{flagicon|ISL}} Gunny Jonsdottir, ORL
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Hina Sugita, POR
• {{flagicon|USA}} Bethany Balcer, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Ashley Sanchez, WAS

|1 goal=

• {{flagicon|USA}} Vanessa DiBernardo, CHI
• {{flagicon|USA}} Amanda Kowalski, CHI
• {{flagicon|CAN}} Bianca St-Georges, CHI
• {{flagicon|USA}} Arin Wright, CHI
• {{flagicon|ENG}} Rachel Daly, HOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Shea Groom, HOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Katie Naughton, HOU
• {{flagicon|CAN}} Nichelle Prince, HOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Ally Prisock, HOU
• {{flagicon|MEX}} María Sánchez, HOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Marisa Viggiano, HOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Lo'eau LaBonta, KC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Taylor Leach, KC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Alex Loera, KC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Hailie Mace, KC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Addie McCain, KC
• {{flagicon|CAN}} Victoria Pickett, KC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Simone Charley, LA
• {{flagicon|USA}} Tyler Lussi, LA
• {{flagicon|USA}} Savannah McCaskill, LA
• {{flagicon|ENG}} Gemma Bonner, LOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Kirsten Davis, LOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Emina Ekic, LOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Jaelin Howell, LOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Cece Kizer, LOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Jessica McDonald, LOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Lauren Milliet, LOU
• {{flagicon|USA}} Malia Berkely, NC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Jaelene Daniels, NC
• {{flagicon|NZL}} Abby Erceg, NC
• {{flagicon|BRA}} Kerolin, NC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Merritt Mathias, NC
• {{flagicon|MEX}} Diana Ordoñez, NC
• {{flagicon|USA}} Brianna Pinto, NC
• {{flagicon|JPN}} Nahomi Kawasumi, NJY
• {{flagicon|NGA}} Ifeoma Onumonu, NJY
• {{flagicon|USA}} Midge Purce, NJY
• {{flagicon|USA}} Yazmeen Ryan, POR
• {{flagicon|CAN}} Christine Sinclair, POR
• {{flagicon|USA}} Morgan Weaver, POR
• {{flagicon|BRA}} Angelina, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Alana Cook, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Sam Hiatt, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Sofia Huerta, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Veronica Latsko, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Rose Lavelle, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Nikki Stanton, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Olivia Van der Jagt, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Ally Watt, RGN
• {{flagicon|USA}} Amirah Ali, SD
• {{flagicon|USA}} Belle Briede, SD
• {{flagicon|USA}} Taylor Kornieck, SD
• {{flagicon|USA}} Kaleigh Riehl, SD
• {{flagicon|ENG}} Jodie Taylor, SD
• {{flagicon|USA}} Andi Sullivan, WAS

|1 own goals=

• {{flagicon|USA}} Hailie Mace, KC (against LOU)
• {{flagicon|USA}} Megan Montefusco, ORL (against NC)
• {{flagicon|USA}} Tegan McGrady, SD (against LA)
• {{flagicon|USA}} Taylor Aylmer, WAS (against NC)

}}

Statistics do not include penalty-shootout goals.

A player was 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 group play;
• Direct red card suspensions were carried over to the 2022 NWSL regular season. Suspensions as a result of indirect red cards were not carried over.

The following suspensions were served during the tournament:

Debinha was named the MVP for the second consecutive Challenge Cup.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/national-womens-soccer-league-announces-2022-nwsl-challenge-cup-all-tournament-team|title=National Women's Soccer League Official Site | NWSL|website=www.nwslsoccer.com}}

^# Tournament MVP

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://nwslsoccer.com}}

{{NWSL Challenge Cup}}

{{2022 NWSL season by team}}

{{2022 in American women's soccer}}

{{2022–23 in North and Central America, and Caribbean women's football (CONCACAF)}}

{{National Women's Soccer League}}

2022

2022 in American soccer leagues

Category:2022 National Women's Soccer League season

NWSL