Courage are the team to beat
The National Women’s Soccer League will be the first American team sport to resume play during the coronavirus when matches kick off Saturday in Utah.
With 10 of 11 starters from the 2019 NWSL championship team returning, the North Carolina Courage remain heavy favorites entering the Challenge Cup. However, the league features a wealth of talented teams that could thrive during the singleelimination round of the tournament.
Between star departures and banner trades, the offseason saw a major shakeup of rosters across the league.
Here’s a breakdown of what each team will bring to Utah:
Dunn, Abby Erceg, Debinha, Sam Mewis, Jessica McDonald, Lynn Williams, Kristen Hamilton, Ally Watt
Players missing: None
The Buzz: The back-to-back champs reloaded in the offseason to bring one of the most formidable rosters to Utah. … The Courage led the league in scoring (54) and defense (23 goals allowed) last season. … Although the retirement of veteran Heather O’Reilly leaves a gap in the team’s leadership, the Courage added four talented players through the college draft, including valuable striker Ally Watt. 2019 record: 10-6-8
Players to watch: Lauren Barnes, Alana Cook, Shirley Cruz, Jess Fishlock, Allie Long, Bethany Balcer, Sofia Huerta Players missing: Megan Rapinoe (opted out)
The Buzz: The Reign went through major offseason changes after the club’s acquisition by OL Groupe, including the hiring of coach Farid Benstiti … The team will miss the star power of Megan Rapinoe, but the midfield will remain formidable with the help of Jess Fishlock and Allie Long. … After winning NWSL Rookie of the Year in 2019, Bethany Balcer will be looking to prove herself in her sophomore season with assistance from Sofia Huerta and new acquisition Shirley Cruz.
youngsters. 2019 record: 5-14-5
Players to watch: Kailen Sheridan, Midge Purce, McCall Zerboni, Paige Monaghan
Players missing: Carli Lloyd (injury), Mallory Pugh (injury), Caprice Dydasco (injury)
The Buzz: Sky Blue will be the most heavily impacted by absences, with the team’s strongest goal-scoring threats — Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh — sidelined due to injury and seasoned fullback Caprice Dydasco also out due to an ACL tear. … The tournament will also serve as a testing ground for new coach Freya Coombe, who served as the team’s interim head coach for the final five games of the 2019 season. 2019 record: 10-10-4
Players to watch: Rachel Corsie, Kelley O’Hara, Desiree Scott, Amy Rodriguez, Vero Boquete Players missing: Christen Press (opted out)
The Buzz: The Royals are another team awash with young talent that will look to mold a new identity quickly in the midst of the tournament. … Rookie Tziarra King could make a splash immediately after a strong career at North Carolina State. … Spanish midfielder Vero Boquete showed her worth in her first season, notching six assists, and will look to continue her partnership with veteran striker Amy Rodriguez. … Defender Kelley O’Hara will lead the backline after the Royals traded Becky Sauerbrunn to Portland in the offseason.