As you may already know, the Houston Dash lifted the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup trophy after defeating the Chicago Red Stars 2-0. But before that, the NWSL revealed the winners of some awards and the tournament's best IX.
Rachel Daly won the tournament MVP award going into the final with three goals and one assist to her name. She was Houston's engine going forward and proved to be key when she was needed the most.
A @Lionesses that has roared loud since the very first minute of play in Utah @RachelDaly3 is the Most Valuable Player, presented by @budweiserusa, award winner. #NWSLChallengeCuppic.twitter.com/xUFg9p99tY
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 25, 2020
A bit of a controversial pick, Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was chosen over Jane Campbell, who secured her fourth clean sheet of the season – tournament best. To be fair, the award was given before the final. Sheridan had the same number of clean sheets and more saves than Campbell by that point.
class saves are synonymous with this goalkeeper @Kailen_Sheridan is the Golden Glove, presented by @Verizon, award winner. #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/WkYNExDkVQ
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 25, 2020
The Future Legend award was handed to Washington's 2020 No. 4 overall pick Ashley Sanchez. Imagine getting an award called Future Legend. Now that must be satisfying. But knowing Ashley, she will keep looking to improve.
A young player that played well beyond her years @ashleynsanchezz is the Future Legend award recipient. #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/x4v7UIRlwy
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 25, 2020
The last mentions before the tournament final kick-off came in the form of the NWSL Challenge Cup Best XI. Big shout out to Portland goalkeeper Britt Eckerstrom who defied all odds when she went up against the North Carolina Courage.
The league's talent has been on display all summer.
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
Introducing your #NWSLChallengeCup Best XI, Presented by @Google! pic.twitter.com/BWgSviin7d
Vlatko Andonovski was watching all along. Not only games but practices, too. Do not be surprised if you see some new faces at future USWNT training camps.
Time to hear from the boss @Pilla_Talk catches up with @USWNT's Vlatko Andonovski, and @LoriLindsey6 tries to solve the mystery of what gets written in the #NWSLChallengeCuppic.twitter.com/jVYtPaxSqZ
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
And let us not forget a group of MVPs who kept everyone safe before, during and after the tournament before diving into the match highlights.
Four weeks.
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
Twenty-three games.
More than 2,000 tests: no positives.
All of this is because of you.
Thank you for being the heroes. #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/WPuzwd29ez
Like promised, here are the match highlights.
The @HoustonDash are Challenge Cup
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
Relive how they got there in the @Verizon Match Highlights!#HOUvCHI | #NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/lEZP2TGvYA
Like many predicted, the Dash showcased another impressive performance to take their first-ever NWSL trophy to H-Town. Houston led the tournament in goals (8) and assists (6). Let's go down the list of awards handed to the players.
Shea Groom was the Budweiser USA Woman of the Match recipient after a solid performance. And like Fernando Torres' goal against Barcelona in the 2012 Champions League semifinal, Groom's goal was the icing on the cake.
A shift worthy of a @sheabayy2 is the @budweiserusa Woman of the Match!#NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/7u8EVTf4Uz
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
Campbell did end up receiving an award for the best save of the final.
Doing what she's done all summer @jane_campbell1 earns the @Verizon Save of the Match!#NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/JB58KHu6Rt
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
Rachel Daly received the Golden Boot award for scoring a tournament-best three goals – tied with Groom and Lynn Williams – and two assists – tied with Savannah McCaskill and Veronica Boquete.
Heading back to H-Town with a few
— NWSL (@NWSL) July 26, 2020
Congratulations to @RachelDaly3 on capturing the #NWSLChallengeCup Golden Boot! pic.twitter.com/WVZk1OWM1W
And then came the celebrations…
We all know there are two major celebrations when professional teams win a competition. Stage celebrations.
CHALLENGE CUP CHAMPIONS #HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/DVbNGdDMdy
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 26, 2020
And locker room beer madness.
Think we speak for everyone when we say:
— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 26, 2020
WOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/ArjQa2H8za
After the madness was over, players picked up their phones and noticed all the congratulations messages from teams, organizations, fans, friends and family members.
The FIFA Women's World Cup official twitter account congratulated commissioner Lisa Baird, the NWSL, the teams and players, but forgot the medical teams and broadcasters. Many can attest that they did a fantastic job as well.
Houston.
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) July 26, 2020
W̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶v̶e̶ ̶a̶ ...
Not this time.
Congratulations @HoustonDash on the .
Thank you @lisainog, @NWSL, the teams & players for entertaining us during unprecedented times. pic.twitter.com/vNfvx6ucR7
Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya shared a heart-felt congratulations tweet for fellow Boston College graduate Kristie Mewis for her run in the tournament.
Congrats to @KristieMewie and the rest of the @HoustonDash for winning the @NWSL Challenge Cup tournament. #WeAreBC
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) July 26, 2020
Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore voiced his support for the women's game as he usually does.
First pro sports league back No postive cases Entertaining play
— Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore) July 26, 2020
Hats off to everyone involved in the @NWSL restart. Great job
And Houston Dynamo midfielder Memo Rodriguez took some of his time to cordially congratulate his Houston sisters for bringing a trophy back home.
Huge congrats to @jaclarkson and @HoustonDash for the winning the NWSL Challenge Cup.#HoldItDown
— Jose Memo Rodriguez (@40_jrod) July 26, 2020
And of course, last but not least… THE NWSL CHALLENGE CUP STAN XI!
Finally, the #NWSLChallengeCup Stan XI #PrideStan pic.twitter.com/SggzGwfRa0
— Challenge Cup Stan Account (@ORLPride) July 25, 2020