And that’s all folks.
On Sunday, the Houston Dash were crowned the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Champions, defeating the Chicago Red Stars with a 2-0 shutout victory.
The Dash got things going early and sealed it late, with Kristie Mewis drawing a foul in the box in the fourth minute, allowing Canadian international Sophie Schmidt to step up to the spot and convert for the early lead.
Following that finish, the two sides played to a pretty even contest with 50.1% possession for the Red Stars to 49.9% for the Dash. Chicago would take 14 shots in the match followed by 12 for Houston, with both sides registering four on frame, but the Dash proved the more clinical side on the day in the end.
Houston added the insurance goal late, however, to secure their Challenge Cup title with Shea Groom finding the back of the net in the 91st minute, her third finish of the tournament. That goal was assisted by Rachel Daly, the tournament’s MVP and Golden Boot winner.
The trophy served as the first title in team history for the Dash since joining the NWSL in 2014, the side using the underdog tag as fuel to their fire throughout the entirety of the competition.
As for the Pride Stan, we opted to root for both sides in this one with the double stan. Frankly, we just wanted both teams to have fun.
While we wish we could have seen the Pride on the pitch in the Challenge Cup, we so enjoyed following along as fans and continuing our commitment to growing the women’s game.
Until next time, we stan.
