NWSL players and fans are still waiting on the 2023 schedule
The NWSL season begins March 25.
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OL Reign and the Portland Thorns began their respective Challenge Cup campaigns on Friday night, playing to a 1-1 draw in front of a 7,343-person crowd at Lumen Field in Seattle.
The hosts started off on the front foot, applying steady pressure to Portland’s defense. OL Reign broke through in the 19th minute when defender Sofia Huerta delivered a strike from long range to put her side up 1-0.
Looks like @schuerta is picking up right where she left off in 2021 🚀@OLReign | #BoldTogether pic.twitter.com/gz1AmhSNj6
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 19, 2022
Christine Sinclair responded for the Thorns just minutes later, finishing a deflected Sophia Smith shot for the equalizer.
The 🐐 said game on ⚽️💥@sincy12 | #BAONPDX pic.twitter.com/lSloROofeR
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) March 19, 2022
Despite a flurry of chances for both sides in the second half, the scoreline remained at 1-1 until the final whistle.
Next up: Challenge Cup play continues on March 26, with OL Reign taking on Angel City FC and Portland meeting San Diego Wave FC.
The NWSL season begins March 25.
Press has been rehabbing an ACL injury since June.
She could return for the team's April camp.
Vlatko Andonovski also provided updates on Christen Press and others.