Match Forecast: OL Reign Face Houston Dash to Begin NWSL Challenge Cup
OL Reign will begin the 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup presented by Secret Deodorant, when the club faces the Houston Dash on Friday, April 16 at 7:00 p.m. PT at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. In their last meeting—which took place in the preliminary round of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup—the Dash beat OL Reign 2-0, and eventually went on to win the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup.
OL Reign Challenge Cup Roster
OL Reign unveiled its 28-player roster for the tournament on Monday, April 5. The roster includes many returning players from 2020, including OL Reign originals Lu Barnes, Steph Cox, Jess Fishlock and Megan Rapinoe. The roster also includes as several new faces, including forward Tziarra King and Brazilian midfielder Angelina, two players that hope to aid the OL Reign attack, as well as English international Karen Bardsley in goal.
OL Reign may be without Megan Rapinoe, Nicole Momiki, Jess Fishlock, Quinn, and Karen Bardsley for the match, as all have just returned from duty with their respective national teams during the April FIFA international window.
“The coaches and players are excited to get back to playing football after a long preseason,” said OL Reign head coach Farid Benstiti. “We have worked hard to come together as a team and are looking forward to competing in this tournament and against Houston on Friday in front of fans.”
Houston’s squad has not seen many changes from the 2020 cup-winning team, though they did lose midfielder Cece Kizer and defender Erin Simon to Racing Louisville FC in last November’s NWSL Expansion Draft. During the offseason Houston managed to increase the depth of their already strong roster, adding the likes of Denisha Blackwood, Gabby Seiler, and Emily Ogle to the squad.
The Houston side also had several players called into their national teams over the FIFA window, including Canadians Allysha Chapman, Sophie Schmidt, and Nichelle Prince, England international Rachel Daly, and U.S. internationals Jane Campbell and Kristie Mewis.
The Dash played the Chicago Red Stars in their first Challenge Cup match on April 9, battling to a 0-0 draw at home in Houston. The Dash defense was solid, but the team only produced three shots total, zero of which were on target.
The 2021 Challenge Cup Explained
The 2021 NWSL Challenge Cup will see the league’s ten teams—divided into two divisions—competing in 20 matches across a three-week time frame.
OL Reign will feature in the West division, which includes the Houston Dash, Kansas City, Portland Thorns FC, and Chicago Red Stars. OL Reign’s complete Challenge Cup schedule can be viewed here.
Unlike last year, teams will be playing in their home markets, with a reduced number of fans allowed at each match. The preliminary round of the Challenge Cup is set to conclude on Sunday, May 2.
At the end of the preliminary round, the top team from each division will face off in the championship game on Saturday, May 8. The location for the championship match will be determined at a later date.
New Year, New Look
OL Reign unveiled their new jerseys on Wednesday, April 14 in a virtual celebration with season ticket members. The kits for the 2021 season highlight the club’s commitment to social justice by featuring the logo of the Black Future Co-op Fund on the front of the jersey. The secondary jerseys also feature the names of season ticket members, which were added to show the club’s appreciation for their support over the past year.
Primary and secondary jerseys are available to order at OL Reign’s online shop. Prices start at $99.95.
MultiCare Injury Report
OUT
Ally Watt – ACL
Sam Hiatt – Head
QUESTIONABLE
None
How to Attend
Tickets to Friday’s match are available at Ticketmaster or by calling (866)99-REIGN. Ticket prices start at just $16.
How to Watch
Fans can watch the match on Paramount+ in the U.S. and on Twitch internationally.