The NWSL Challenge Cup’s preliminary rounds are in the books with knockout play beginning Friday. It’s win or go home each game, with these the players to watch from each club based on MVP type of performances so far.
Abby Erceg, North Carolina Courage
With the star power that the two-time defending champions have in their attack, it’s easy to overlook this side’s defense. Erceg, a New Zealand international who regularly wears the captain’s armband, has been the rock in the back line for coach Paul Riley for quite some time, dating back to their Western New York Flash days. North Carolina has conceded just one goal in four Challenge Cup games, plus Erceg registered a game-winning goal for the Courage against the Chicago Red Stars that kept her squad’s unbeaten streak alive. Erceg is the only Courage player to have played every minute of the tournament, too.
Stephanie Cox, OL Reign
Up until last May, Cox had been retired for more three years. During the 2019 Women’s World Cup, she was signed as a national team replacement player for Reign FC (now OL Reign) after spending time on the coaching staff. Since then, Cox has been huge for the Reign at the left back position. Cox has provided the experience that a somewhat young team also featuring a new coaching staff needs. Cox started three out of the four games in the preliminary round for OL Reign, who haven’t conceded a goal with her on the pitch.
Shea Groom, Houston Dash
The Texas A&M alum found herself back in the state for the 2020 season after an offseason trade. Houston is Groom’s fourth team in the league and her third team in as many years. She seems to have found her old form, fitting in well with the Dash system. During her last two seasons, Groom tallied four total goals. Four games into her Dash stint, she’s already scored two more, plus assisted another, making her a part of three of Houston’s five goals. If the Dash are to make a deep Challenge Cup run, they’ll need Groom to continue her ways.
Kailen Sheridan, Sky Blue FC
Since drafted in 2017, Sheridan has been a constant in goal for Sky Blue FC. The Canadian international has played every minute in net this tournament and been the leader of an improved defense. Sheridan registered 14 saves through four games and only conceded three goals. She also earned two shutouts in the preliminary round. Sheridan has come up with the big saves needed to keep Sky Blue in the games so far. With the knockout rounds going straight to penalty kicks if tied after regular time, Sheridan’s skills between the post could push Sky Blue to an upset.
Casey Short, Chicago Red Stars
The Red Stars have been a bit of a surprise this tournament with only one win in the preliminary round. A constant for them is the defender Short. It was Short’s header in the 85th minute against Utah that earned Chicago its first win of the tournament and helped them to avoid last place for the knockout round seeding. Short is able to get up and down the flanks to join in the attack and help out a struggling Red Stars front line.
Verónica Boquete, Utah Royals
The Spanish international has been the leader in the midfield for the Royals. Boquete scored a set piece goal in the thrilling, come-from-behind 3-3 draw against the Houston Dash. She has also registered two assists in the first four games for Utah. Boquete will need to continue to direct the midfield and create chances for the Royals in the knockout rounds.
Ashley Hatch, Washington Spirit
The Spirit are a young team with a lot of attacking power. Hatch is leading that charge. She has seen time in all four matches for the Spirit, registering a goal and an assist in a system where Washington is trying to keep possession to create chances. Hatch makes dangerous runs and has great movement off the ball.The connection between her and Rose Lavelle is much improved as well, making for a more dangerous group in the final third.
Bella Bixby, Portland Thorns
An injury to Adrianna Franch allowed Bixby to see playing time during the Challenge Cup, and she has been terrific for the Thorns. Bixby has played every minute for Portland so far and has only conceded three goals. The Thorns are struggling offensively to create and score goals, but Bixby and the defense are shining in this tournament. Bixby has registered 11 saves through four games. The Oregon native has quickly established herself as a player to watch going into the next round of the tournament.
