The NWSL Challenge Cup was a test run for one club, a feat of survival for the other

Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

The National Women’s Soccer League has never quite known what to do with the Challenge Cup.

First it was a COVID-driven tournament to keep players fit. Then it was a preseason tournament that didn’t really reflect teams’ true talent level. Then it was an in-season tournament that most clubs used to get squad players some playing time.

For the past two seasons, the NWSL Challenge Cup has settled into a community shield-style match that gives the previous year’s Shield winner and Championship winner a chance to square off for some extra cash. The game still doesn’t count toward the regular season results, but at least it comes just before opening day, and thus might show us the qualities of the two teams involved.