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The NWSL Challenge Cup dates have been finalized, with the first game set to kickoff at 12:30 p. m. EST on Saturday, Jun. 27th in Utah. Being the first major sports league back in action in the U.S. has created a major buzz for the tourney. Rumors of high-profile players sitting out of the Cup have also been circulating. So you may be wondering if there are any noteworthy players worth watching.
Well we’ve got some good news for you. With some major players sitting out, rookies and lesser known players have a chance to be in the spotlight. Here are 7 exceptional players you need to keep your eyes on during the Challenge Cup.
Yūki Nagasato
Yūki Nagasato is a current Chicago Red Stars striker in the NWSL. She also is a former member of the Japan National Team, where she became a World Cup Champion back in 2011. Nagasato’s play is quick and unpredictable. She reads the game well and isn’t afraid to share the ball, making her the ultimate team player. In 2019 she was named the NWSL week 4 player of the week. She’s dangerous on the pitch because of her versatility. Keep your eyes peeled for her.
Debinha
Débora Cristiane de Oliveira, also known as Debinha Miri, is a forward for the North Carolina Courage. She also plays for the Brazil National Team and is one of their most capped players. In 2018 she was featured as a player with some of the best skills in the NWSL. She’s feisty and tenacious. Watch out for her as she tears up the pitch and breaks ankles.
Ifeoma Onumonu
Ifeoma Onumonu, another unselfish and unpredictable player in the NWSL. She currently plays for Sky Blue FC as a forward/midfielder. She reads the game like none other, slotting balls into the net and threading perfect passes. In 2019 she was named the NWSL week 10 player of the week, and rightfully so! Overall, Onumonu is just a stellar player.
Paige Monaghan
Paige Monaghan is a relatively new player to the NWSL. She signed with the Sky Blue FC squad back in February 2019. She’s an exceptionally hard worker and she’s not afraid to drive to the endline for a cross into the box. Monaghan was named the week 18 player of the week in 2019 after she netted two goals against the Chicago Red Stars. Even though she’s still a bit of a rookie with some work to do, I think the time she gets at the Challenge Cup will be exciting to watch.
Amy Rodriguez
Amy Rodriguez might be a somewhat familiar face. She plays for the USWNT, won the world cup in 2015 where she appeared in two matches. After that she took a bit of a hiatus after her pregnancy and later on an ACL injury in 2017. Now, she’s back in action playing as a forward for Utah Royals FC. In 2019 she was named with the week 9 and 17 goals of the week. Rodriguez is a bulldog, she works incredibly hard on the pitch and gets the job done. Watch out for this firecracker.
Aubrey Bledsoe
Aubrey Bledsoe is a dynamite goalkeeper for the Washington Spirit squad. She has lightning fast reflexes which make her a brick wall in the net. 2019 was a great year for her, she was named the NWSL player of the week for weeks 4 and 7. She also made the save of the week for weeks 4 and 16 . Overall she was named the 2019 keeper of the year.
Kristen Hamilton
Last but not least is Kristen Hamilton, another forward for North Carolina Courage. She’s got a rocket of a shot and quick feet on the dribble. Back in 2019 she was named the NWSL player of the week for weeks 12 and 15. She was also named the player of the month for July 2019. She’s a really exciting player with a lot to offer.
This list is by no means exhaustive, there are so many incredibly talented players in the NWSL. I can’t wait to watch this tournament. If you aren’t excited for all of the brilliant upcoming soccer then you have no idea what you’re missing.
