NWSL Challenge Cup: Top Plays From the Weekend

5. MEWIS STARTS THE FOURTH OFF WITH A BANG(ER)

For your halftime enjoyment ????#HoldItDown pic.twitter.com/a9R5S4fqVL

— Houston Dash (@HoustonDash) July 5, 2020

Houston Dash’s Shea Groom gets played a slip ball from the flank, which she then deals out to Mewis who hammers home an absolute banger, giving her team the extra edge in their 2-0 win against OL Reign. This was Mewis’ first goal of the season, on a play that almost looked just a little too easy.

 

4. BELLA BIXBY GIVES HER FANS AN EXTRA FIREWORK SHOW

Another big night from @bellageist in net. ????

Her full reach stop on ???? earns tonight's @Verizon Save of the Match!#NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/BwFozDFZUE

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) July 6, 2020

Washington Spirit’s Ashley Hatch takes a line-drive shot to the front post, but the Portland Thorns’ rookie keeper Bixby makes a full-extension dive to deny a should-have-been goal. Bixby’s composure in goal helped the Thorns secure a 1-1 draw against the Spirit.

 

3. SANCHEZ AND STAAB’S COMBINATION IS ONE IN A MILLION

Back heel flick from @ashleynsanchezz ✅
Equalizer from @SamStaab_ ✅pic.twitter.com/jPXSsTeQIu

— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) July 6, 2020

Sorry Portland, but there was no way you could have stopped this combination from ending up in the back of the net. Sanchez uses her back heel to flick on a corner ball to her teammate Staab, who heads the ball into the goal. It’s a goal that’s equal parts beautiful and absurd, and it drew the Spirit even in their 1-1 draw.

 

2. RED, WHITE, AND THE GREAT HORAN

Good morning.

In case you missed it last night, Lindsey Horan did THIS. #NWSLChallengeCup (???? @nwsl) pic.twitter.com/B1sbjCLJze

— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) July 6, 2020

Meghan Klingenberg chips a beautifully weighted ball over the top, finding her teammate, Horan, who lays out to head the ball into the back of the net. You’re not supposed to be knocking in headers from this far out. Lesson: don’t lose sight of Horan… ever.

 

1.  “WHAT EVEN IS GRAVITY?” ASKS SHEA GROOM

???? @sheabayy2 WITH AUTHORITY ????@HoustonDash double their lead.

2-0 | #HOUvRGN

Tune in now on @CBSAllAccess and @Twitch.#NWSLChallengeCup pic.twitter.com/UqCoJGOOXC

— National Women's Soccer League (@NWSL) July 5, 2020

Houston Dash’s Rachel Daly, hits a bomb from way outside to find her wide open teammate, Groom, inside the box. Groom takes flight and crushes the ball into the back of the net, helping Houston run away with a 2-0 win over OL Reign. With flights like this one, Groom will be dropping a new airline soon.