The second edition of the NWSL Challenge Cup will see the Portland Thorns and Gotham FC leave it all on the pitch on Saturday, May 8.
The Thorns, who begun a rebuild as a “New Thorns” side last summer, entered the tournament as favorites and lived up to expectations by reaching the final. Players like Crystal Dunn, Lindsay Horan, Raquel Rodriguez, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelli Hubly, Christine Sinclair, Sophia Smith, among other high-caliber players, make up Portland’s star-studded roster.
Gotham – formerly Sky Blue FC – is looking better than ever after a powerful rebrand days before the start of the tournament. Head coach Freya Coombe relied on a sturdy defense that earned three clean sheets to get to the final. Also, her team proved to be up to par with any other attack in an important 4-3 win against the NC Courage. NJ/NY has what it takes to challenge the Portland Thorns in the grand final on Saturday.
Road to the NWSL Challenge Cup Final
Three wins in Portland’s first three Challenge Cup games secured them a spot in the final. It all started with a heated 2-1 win over NWSL newbies Kansas City on opening day. After, the Thorns took down the Chicago Red Stars 1-0 and OL Reign 2-0. Lastly, a 1-1 draw against Challenge Cup reigning champions, the Houston Dash, closed out Portland’s four-game group stage campaign.
On the other hand, sound defending and a nail-biting 4-3 win over the North Carolina Courage allowed Gotham FC to finish first in the Eastern Division. It all started with a 1-0 against the Orlando Pride on April 14. Six days later, Gotham stunned the Courage with a late game-winner to make it 4-3. Two draws in Gotham’s last two games earned them a spot in the finals.
NWSL Challenge Cup Final players to watch
Both, the Portland Thorns and Gotham FC boast some of the league’s best players, but the following two players are destined to be difference makers for their teams on Saturday.
Lindsey Horan – Portland Thorns
Midfielder Lindsey Horan returned to club action in game three of the group stages and had an instant impact, scoring a free-kick to open the scoring against rivals OL Reign. The 26-year-old has the technical ability and physicality to be the difference. Horan has played all 180 minutes since she got back from international duty and will look to play another full 90 on Saturday.
We're still in awe of this Lindsey Horan free kick tbh #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/7ApFth8nNe
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) April 22, 2021
Midge Purce – NJ/NY Gotham FC
Forward Midge Purce has it all; technical ability, blistering pace, shot power and the intelligence to mesh them all together and make her one of the league’s best players. The 25-year-old made the difference for Gotham FC against the North Carolina Courage, scoring a first-half brace. Purce will look to connect with fellow attackers in Carli Lloyd, Paige Monaghan and Evelyne Viens to bring silverware to New Jersey.
Midge Purce collects this ball about 60 yards from goal and just says 'yep I got this.' #NWSL pic.twitter.com/AeZfY5Baq4
— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) April 20, 2021
