The NWSL will make its return this weekend as the first pro sports league to return to play in 2020. Eight NWSL clubs will participate in the Challenge Cup in Utah. You can catch every game on CBS All Access.
Team rosters were revealed on Tuesday. Prior to any official rosters, the league presented players with an option to participate or withdraw due to concerns over a pandemic. While a number of players made the choice and were absent from those official rosters, they have the support of the league and will not face any implications regarding contracts.
There is a mix of U.S. national team players, internationals, club veterans, and draftees looking to make their debuts across all rosters. Here’s a look at five players to keep an eye on during the Challenge Cup.
Top American player to watch
Rose Lavelle, midfielder, Washington Spirit: The 25-year-old is coming off a 2019 World Cup where she scored in the final against the Netherlands, and the Bronze Ball award for being the third-most outstanding player in the tournament. Playmaking and passing are a proven part of her resume, as she has helped navigate the pitch with fellow Spirit midfielder Andi Sullivan. With limited time at the club level last season due to the World Cup, Lavelle has the opportunity to build on a strong season and establish herself as a crucial cog in the midfield for the Spirit during the Challenge Cup.
Challenge Cup games:
Top Canadian player to watch
Christine Sinclair, forward, Portland Thorns FC: The 37-year-old veteran is already the all-time leading goalscorer in all of international soccer with 186, and she’s looking for more. Sinclair will be a reliable part of a Portland squad that saw the departure of several players during the offseason. Her positioning on the pitch always makes it difficult for backlines to defend, and allows her teammates to be fluid on the pitch. She’s someone that could easily leave Utah with the Golden Boot, presented to the top scorer of the tournament.
Challenge Cup games:
Top International player (outside of North America) to watch
Debinha, midfielder, North Carolina Courage: The Brazillian international has become a household name for the North Carolina faithful. The 29-year-old midfielder appeared in 21 games last season with 19 starts. Her ability to read the game and connect with teammates or create her own shot gives the Courage an added talent to their fully stacked roster. She is a threat on set pieces, and her 10 goals last season helped North Carolina eventually capture back-to-back NWSL titles.
Challenge Cup games:
Top rookie to watch
Tziarra King, midfielder, Utah Royals FC: Named to the All-ACC first and second teams during her sophomore, junior, and senior years, King is a name to watch coming out of this draft class. King made 88 appearances for NC State, scoring 48 goals. She’s a former track star who has the ability to make things difficult for defenders in a foot race, but it’s her technicality and dribbling that will likely confuse backlines and dazzle fans at home.
Challenge Cup games:
Top breakout candidate to watch
Bianca St. Georges, defender, Chicago Red Stars: The Quebec product out of West Virginia was drafted by the Red Stars in 2019 with the 20th overall pick. Her arrival to Chicago in 2019 did not include time on the pitch, as she was rehabbing from injury, and is now poised to possibly breakout for Chicago in the tournament. The former West Virginia defender was a two-time team captain, and a part of the Mountaineers team that won the Big 12 title in 2018.
Challenge Cup games:
