THE KICKOFF: NWSL Challenge Cup starts on March 18

The National Women’s Soccer League Monday announced the schedule for the NWSL Challenge Cup.

The expanded 39-game tournament is set to kick off March 18 with a rematch of last year’s regular-season opener between the Kansas City Current and Racing Louisville FC. The match, to be hosted at Lynn Family Stadium, is slated for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff.

“We’re pleased to once again open this year’s campaign with the Challenge Cup,” NWSL managing director of competition and player affairs Liz Dalton said in a statement. “The Cup is an exciting competition to kick off our tenth anniversary season and we are thrilled to provide another opportunity to crown a champion. Many thanks to all those who have helped make this year’s tournament possible.”

OL Reign and Portland Thorns FC round out the opening night with the first installment of the Cascadia rivalry in 2022. The two teams will break in OL Reign’s new home stadium with a 10 p.m. ET matchup at Lumen Field.

In what is sure to become an intriguing rivalry, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC square off in their respective NWSL debuts Saturday, March 19 at Titan Stadium at California State Fullerton. Titan Stadiu will serve as the site of Angel City’s Challenge Cup home games before the team moves to Banc of California Stadium for the regular season. The match is slated for a 9 p.m. ET kickoff.

Additional matches on opening weekend include a contest between Orlando Pride and the defending NWSL champion Washington Spirit, an east-coast battle between NJ/NY Gotham FC and the North Carolina Courage, and a rematch of the 2020 Challenge Cup final between the Chicago Red Stars and the Houston Dash.

The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup will feature three regional groups of four teams. The East region includes NJ/NY Gotham FC, the North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit. The Central region features the Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current and Racing Louisville FC. Angel City FC, OL Reign, Portland Thorns FC and San Diego Wave FC make up the West region.

The groups will compete in double round-robin matches ahead of the semifinal round and the NWSL Challenge Cup Final on Saturday, May 7. Details regarding broadcast schedule for the tournament are forthcoming.

2022 NWSL CHALLENGE CUP SCHEDULE