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The 21-game tournament will feature all 10 teams in the league, including the expansion side Racing Louisville
The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup kicks off on April 9 with a rematch of last season’s tournament final.
Kicking off the tournament will be a clash between the Houston Dash and the Chicago Red Stars, who met in last season’s final with the former victor in a 2-0 victory.
The Challenge Cup will consist of a total of 21 matches, including a group stage and a final.
What is the NWSL Challenge Cup?
The first Challenge Cup took place from June 27 to July 26, 2020 as the NWSL became the first American professional sports league to make its comeback from the coronavirus pandemic.
Last season’s tournament featured eight teams, with Orlando Pride being forced to withdraw from competition due to coronavirus concerns.
This time around, the league will count on its 10 teams, including Orlando and expansion club Racing Louisville for their inaugural season.
The teams will be split into groups by division, with Racing Louisville, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Sky Blue FC and Washington Spirit in the East group and the Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City, OL Reign and Portland Thorns FC. in the West.
Each team will play four matches in the domestic markets, with the top team from each group facing off on May 8 at a location to be determined in the tournament final.
“We are ready to build on our success from last year and I couldn’t be more excited to open the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by Secret in the same way we left it there. ‘summer 2020, watching Houston and Chicago showcase the best of professional women’s soccer, ”said Lisa Baird, NWSL Commissioner.
What happens after the Challenge Cup?
Following the conclusion of the tournament, the NWSL will begin a 24-game regular season starting May 15.
The league will play throughout the Olympic period, having chosen not to take a break during this summer’s tournament, with the regular season ending October 30.
After that, six of the league’s 10 teams will advance to the playoffs, which will start on November 6 and end on November 20.
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