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NWSL: Breaking down each team’s 2020 Challenge Cup outlook

By Drew Hubbard

NWSL (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
NWSL (Photo by Brad Smith/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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ORLANDO, FL – JUNE 30: Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) beats Chicago Red Stars forward Katie Johnson (33) to the ball during the soccer match between the Chicago Red Stars and the Orlando Pride on June 30, 2019, at Exploria Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – JUNE 30: Orlando Pride forward Marta (10) beats Chicago Red Stars forward Katie Johnson (33) to the ball during the soccer match between the Chicago Red Stars and the Orlando Pride on June 30, 2019, at Exploria Stadium in Orlando FL. (Photo by Joe Petro/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Portland Thorns

After failing to host a playoff game and falling in the semi-finals, the Portland Thorns will be itching for an opportunity to return to championship level soccer, something that the Rose City has grown accustomed to. The Thorns face the North Carolina Courage, OL Reign, Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit.

Similar to the Courage, any draw doesn’t seem impossible for a team of Portland’s caliber. They will again have goal-legend Christine Sinclair, who finished with nine goals in 17 games last year, – and Tobin Heath, if they choose to report. Portland did lose USWNT center-back Emily Sonnett to Orlando but picked up fellow USWNT defender Becky Sauerbrunn. They have established themselves as a constant title contender in the NWSL and will look to do it again in the 2020 Challenge Cup.

OL Reign

OL Reign — previously Reign FC– made a surprise trip to the 2019 playoffs after enduring several season-ending injuries. Now, after tasting the postseason last year, they expect to make it into the knockout round of the Challenge Cup. Reign face the Washington Spirit, Sky Blue FC, Portland Thorns and Utah Royals.

Leading Reign in goal scoring was 2019 Rookie of the Year Bethany Balcer with six goals. Before going down with a season-ending injury, Jess Fishlock scored three goals and earned an assist in only five games. Fishlock recently signed a two-year extension with the club but time will tell if her fitness is ready to play in Utah. If she plays, she will be a vital part in a team with high expectations in 2020. Reign’s focus is not on merely getting to the knockout round, but winning the trophy.

Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride finished last year in dead last and conveniently earned the nine seed in the random drawing for the 2020 Challenge Cup. Not only is the team going through its fair share of struggles, but their draw also does them no favors. The Pride face the Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns.

Next. NWSL: 3 takeaways from 2020 season plans. dark

There isn’t a whole lot to look to in the 2019 season, either, except that it can’t get any worse. Brazilian legend Marta led the team in scoring with six goals in 14 appearances. Orlando already was one of the favorites to finish last, but the draw makes it a lot more plausible that they could be the lone team outside the knockout round.

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