The Houston Dash won the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup on Sunday, beating the Chicago Red Stars, 2-0, in the final. It’s the first NWSL trophy in Houston’s history, as the Dash got the winning goal from Sophie Schmidt on an early penalty kick. The result wraps up the Challenge Cup, a month-long, eight-team tournament in Utah.
The Dash were able to set the tone early as midfielder Kristie Mewis won a foul in the box against Chicago defender Kayla Sharples. Schmidt, a Canadian international, stepped to the mark, and was able to convert on goal, giving the Dash the lead in the fifth minute. They never relinquished it, and Shea Groom added an insurance goal in the 91st minute on a breakaway.
Groom and Dash captain Rachel Daly both ended the tournament with three goals — tied for the most by any player. Daly, the tournament MVP, won the NWSL Challenge Cup Golden Boot with three goals and two assists.
The Red Stars had shot opportunities throughout, but could never find an equalizer. It was the second consecutive loss in a final for the Red Stars, who fell to the North Carolina Courage in last year’s championship game.
Dash 2, Red Stars 0 (Final)
⚽Dash: Sophie Schmidt – 5′ (PK)
⚽Dash: Shea Groom – 90+1′
Coffee enthusiast. Travel scholar. Infuriatingly humble zombie fanatic. Thinker. Professional twitter evangelist.
