Photo by: Craig Mitchelldyer/Portland Thorns FC
Knights in the NWSL: 2020 Challenge Cup Semifinals
Jul 20 | Women's Soccer
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – The stage is set for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Semifinals on Wednesday, July 22, featuring former Scarlet Knights in both contests. The two winning squads of Wednesday's matches will advance to the championship game on Sunday, July 26 live on CBS.
Madison Pogarch and Portland Thorns FC will face the Houston Dash in a 12:30 p.m. ET match at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The Thorns advanced to the semis with a 1-0 upset of the North Carolina Courage in the quarterfinals. Pogarch has seen action in all five games as a defender, starting one for the squad.
Sky Blue FC of New Jersey, which is home to Cassidy Benintente, Carli Lloyd, Erica Skroski, Madison Tiernan, Chantelle Swaby, and Kenie Wright, advanced on penalties following a draw with the Washington Spirit in the quarterfinals over the weekend. The squad takes on the Chicago Red Stars in a 10:00 p.m. ET semifinal match.
Benintente, Skroski, and Swaby are active for the contest, as Skroski leads the Scarlet Knights with four game appearances as a defender for the club.
Casey Murphy started three games for OL Reign during the Challenge Cup, including Saturday's quarterfinal matchup against Chicago. Murphy held strong in net registering two saves in the scoreless shutout, before the Red Stars advanced to the semis 4-3 on PKs. Murphy totaled 270 minutes in net, posting two clean sheets, two catches, and six saves across the tournament.
The two teams to move on to the title game will meet on Sunday, July 26 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET live on CBS.
Additionally, fan voting is now open for the Best XI of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Fans can vote by clicking here.
Follow Rutgers women's soccer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Download the Scarlet Knights App for Apple or Android today.
Madison Pogarch and Portland Thorns FC will face the Houston Dash in a 12:30 p.m. ET match at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah. The Thorns advanced to the semis with a 1-0 upset of the North Carolina Courage in the quarterfinals. Pogarch has seen action in all five games as a defender, starting one for the squad.
Look at @maddiepogarch go 🏃♀️💨
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) July 18, 2020
THIS is just one example of what makes this group so special... hitting 19mph on a recovery run in the 86th minute.
Pure grit. #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/Egiisxi6Zd
Sky Blue FC of New Jersey, which is home to Cassidy Benintente, Carli Lloyd, Erica Skroski, Madison Tiernan, Chantelle Swaby, and Kenie Wright, advanced on penalties following a draw with the Washington Spirit in the quarterfinals over the weekend. The squad takes on the Chicago Red Stars in a 10:00 p.m. ET semifinal match.
Benintente, Skroski, and Swaby are active for the contest, as Skroski leads the Scarlet Knights with four game appearances as a defender for the club.
Big Saves & PKs. Check out the highlights to see all the action from yesterday's match!
— Sky Blue FC (@SkyBlueFC) July 19, 2020
pic.twitter.com/btL5kaJcN9
Casey Murphy started three games for OL Reign during the Challenge Cup, including Saturday's quarterfinal matchup against Chicago. Murphy held strong in net registering two saves in the scoreless shutout, before the Red Stars advanced to the semis 4-3 on PKs. Murphy totaled 270 minutes in net, posting two clean sheets, two catches, and six saves across the tournament.
ICYMI - Here are the highlights from last night's match. pic.twitter.com/RgqWFnM1fV
— OL Reign (@OLReign) July 19, 2020
The two teams to move on to the title game will meet on Sunday, July 26 at Rio Tinto Stadium. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. ET live on CBS.
| Date | TIme | Matchup | Location | Coverage |
| Wednesday, July 22 | 12:30 p.m. ET | Semifinal: Portland Thorns FC vs Houston Dash | Rio TInto Stadium/Sandy, Utah | CBS All-Access |
| Wednesday, July 22 | 10:00 p.m. ET | Semifinal: Sky Blue FC vs Chicago Red Stars | Rio TInto Stadium/Sandy, Utah | CBS All-Access |
| Sunday, July 26 | 12:30 p.m. ET | Final: TBA vs TBA | Rio TInto Stadium/Sandy, Utah | CBS |
Additionally, fan voting is now open for the Best XI of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Fans can vote by clicking here.
Follow Rutgers women's soccer on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Download the Scarlet Knights App for Apple or Android today.
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