NWSL Challenge Cup: How to watch, standings: Thorns' Sophia Smith squares off with Waves' Naomi Girma

Challenge Cup returns with week 2 action as two former Stanford stars meet

By Sandra Herrera

Mar 24, 2022 at 8:14 pm ET • 2 min read

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The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup continues Friday as week 2 action rolls on in the tournament. This weekend will feature all 12 clubs competing in six matches. Fans can watch 2022 Challenge Cup games live and on demand with Paramount+.

Friday features NWSL 2021 Champions Washington Spirit against NJ/NY Gotham FC, Racing Louisville FC face Houston Dash, and Chicago Red Stars host Kansas City Current. Saturday closes out week two with another triple header as Angel City host OL Reign, North Carolina Courage meet Orlando Pride, and San Diego Wave FC face Portland Thorns FC.

All clubs are divided into three groups, and will play six group matches among four teams. Group winners and the top second place finisher will participate in semifinals to determine two cup finalists.

Here's how you can watch the upcoming matches this weekend:

Viewing information

Friday, March 25

Racing Louisville FC vs. Houston Dash, 7:30 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC, 7:30 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
Chicago Red Stars vs. Kansas City Current, 8:30 p.m. ET (Paramount+)

Saturday, March 26

Angel City FC vs. OL Reign, 4:00 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
North Carolina Courage vs. Orlando Pride, 7 p.m. ET (Paramount+)
San Diego Wave FC vs. Portland Thorns FC, 10 p.m. ET (Paramount+)

Individual battles to watch

Naomi Girma vs. Sophia Smith: The league's newest team will face off against the 2021 Challenge Cup champions this weekend as the Wave host the Thorns. The West region is up for grabs as all teams in the division are level on points after drawing in their opening matchups.

Look for an individual battle on the pitch as two former Stanford cardinals go head to head. Expect Thorns forward Sophia Smith and Wave defender Naomi Girma to battle it out on opposite sides of the pitch, the two players were part of Stanford's 2019 NCAA College Cup Championship team. Then Smith went on to get drafted number one in the 2020 draft while Girma went in the top slot in 2022. They know each other's games well, and this will likely be the first of many NWSL battles to come over the years for these two.

Debinha vs. Marta: When it comes to players who know each other well, you're unlikely to find a pair that fits the bill better than these two Brazilians. North Carolina Courage lead the East region after a 2-0 win over Gotham FC last weekend. The Pride are searching for their first win after a scoreless draw against Washington Spirit. Look for the two Brazilian internationals to be key figures on their respective teams during week two.

North Carolina created the 2nd-most chances during the opening weekend with 15, while Marta led Orlando with 64 touches, 13 attacking third pass attempts, four shots, and was the only player on Orlando to complete a cross.

Standings

Chicago and North Carolina are on top of their respective groups heading into match week 2 with the West region level on points. Expansion teams Angel City and San Diego will play their first games against established clubs after playing each other to a 1-1 draw last weekend. Take a look at how the groups have settled out ahead of the matches this weekend.