Sure, it’s a rematch of the two 2019 NWSL finalists, but if the NWSL Challenge Cup has taught us anything, it’s that previous form, rivalries and matchups don’t matter much in the middle of a short, quick tournament.
Except for North Carolina. They’re still really good. The champs beat the Portland Thorns 2-1 in the opening match, and followed it up with a 2-0 win over the Washington Spirit. After a 2-1 loss to the Spirit and a 0-0 draw with the Thorns, the Red Stars are looking for their first win of the tournament.
Chicago was the only team in the tournament to swap out all 11 starters from match one to match two, and today’s XI looks quite a bit like the veteran team that played the Spirit.