NWSL: Breaking down each team’s 2020 Challenge Cup outlook
By Drew Hubbard
Houston Dash
The Houston Dash ended 2019 as the second=worst team in the league. Any draw was going to be difficult. It is hugely unfortunate, then, that their four games are arguably the hardest for anyone in the NWSL. Houston takes on the Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, defending champions the North Carolina Courage, and the Washington Spirit.
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Houston ended the 2019 season with 21 goals, next to last in the league. The Dash have team-leading goal scorer Rachel Daly but lost Sofia Huerta to OL Reign in the offseason. Goals will have to come from Daly and her teammate Kristie Mewis against some of the best teams in the league. The Dash weren’t granted any favors with their draw and will be one of the final teams in the knockout round, if they make it all.
Utah Royals FC
Similar to Houston, the Utah Royals were handed no favors in the draw. The Royals play the Chicago Red Stars, Washington Spirit, North Carolina Courage and OL Reign. Three of those four teams made the playoffs and the Spirit finished one spot out of the 2019 playoffs.
Utah ended 2019 in sixth with 34 points, tied with the Spirit. One of the biggest questions surrounding the Royals is the presence of Christen Press. Press ended 2019 with eight goals in only 14 appearances, making her one of the most efficient goalscorers in the league. If Press reports, the Royals will be favored to make it to the knockout stages. Utah has the toughest draw in the league, but they should be able to make it out as one of the lower seeds in the knockout round.