The NWSL Challenge Cup, presented by e.l.f. Cosmetics, made its Ohio debut as current league champions Gotham FC faced off against NWSL Shield winners Kansas City Current.
Originally launched in 2020 as a one-off event marking the National Women's Soccer League’s (NWSL) return following the COVID-19 hiatus, the Challenge Cup has since evolved into an annual fixture. Over the last three years, it has transitioned from a league-wide tournament into a single high-stakes encounter between the reigning NWSL champions and the Shield holders.
The match serves as a continuation of the previous season’s success, offering teams and players another opportunity to claim silverware. This year, the Challenge Cup was held in Columbus, Ohio, one of the NWSL’s newest expansion cities. On Friday evening at Lower.com Field, Gotham FC defeated Kansas City Current 2-0, marking the first-ever professional women’s football match in the state.
Despite the rainy and humid weather, a passionate crowd, including Gotham FC’s supporters group Cloud9, turned up to witness the occasion. Gotham’s performance was a reminder that, even as the World Cup unfolds, domestic women’s football remains vibrant. The team secured their first Challenge Cup trophy, powered by goals from Esther González and rookie Jordynn Dudley.
This victory held special meaning for Gotham FC, adding another piece of silverware to their growing collection.
What’s at stake in the Challenge Cup?
The Challenge Cup mirrors the prestige of the NWSL Championship, featuring pre-match activations, halftime performances, and multiple brand partnerships that enhance the spectacle between the league’s top two sides. Unlike the NWSL Championship, which spans an entire weekend of festivities, the Challenge Cup is a one-day affair. Although its condensed format limits its grandeur compared to the Championship or the Shield, this year’s edition successfully leveraged a summer filled with major football action.
This year’s tournament, backed by e.l.f. Cosmetics, saw brand ambassadors Lo’eau LaBonta of Kansas City Current and Gotham FC’s Jaedyn Shaw and Jess Carter participating. The event included an e.l.f. Match Day Carpet, a Fan Zone, performances from International Dance League dancers, and a halftime show by singer-songwriter Amber Mark. Latin Grammy-winning artist Joaquina delivered the national anthem. Additionally, the league hosted a Pride celebration and invited three players from other NWSL teams to engage with fans in the Fan Zone before the game.
The league’s commitment to investing in and elevating the Challenge Cup is evident. Yet, one lingering question remains: does the competition truly matter?
From a sporting perspective, the match carries weight—it’s effectively a clash between two of the league’s strongest teams. However, its outcome doesn’t affect the ongoing season standings. The reward lies in the prize money and the prestige of lifting another trophy. Despite this, the NWSL Championship and Shield continue to hold greater honour.
The winning team of the NWSL Challenge Cup receives $3,500, the runners-up take home $2,200, and the match MVP earns a $2,000 bonus.
Do the players value the competition?
The timing is challenging since the fixture takes place during the league’s midseason break. Still, despite travel and scheduling hurdles, the chance to compete for silverware keeps players motivated.
“From my position as the head coach, I’ve been extremely proud of the players and staff,” said Gotham FC manager Juan Carlos Amorós after the triumph. “Today we faced arguably the best attacking team of recent years, and we managed to limit their chances and secure another clean sheet. I’m immensely proud because of how hard they work every day—whether in New Jersey, on the road, or through all the challenges we face. When Tierna [Davidson] and Mandy [Freeman] lifted that trophy, it was a proud moment for the whole club since it’s a trophy we didn’t yet have. It was a big day for us.”
Emily Sonnett, who recently extended her contract with Gotham FC ahead of the Challenge Cup, said, “Having this competition is great because it helps you get back into rhythm before the league resumes.” Sonnett, also a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, exemplifies players balancing club and international duties. The USWNT are only months away from their World Cup qualifiers.
Fellow USWNT and Gotham defender Tierna Davidson also reflected on the midseason pause. “Being able to step away and recharge was invaluable. We returned with renewed energy and enthusiasm, which shows how beneficial the break was for everyone.”
That rejuvenation was evident as Gotham FC kept Kansas City Current—one of the most prolific scoring sides in the league—goalless throughout the contest.
‘We truly rely on everyone’
Throughout the season, a manager can only count on players who are fit and available. For Gotham, the road to recovery has been long, with key figures such as Emily Sonnett and Rose Lavelle returning from injuries, and Tierna Davidson and Midge Purce completing ACL recoveries. Despite those setbacks, Amorós spoke confidently about his squad’s condition and the timing of the Cup.
“We’re probably in one of the best positions we’ve been in. We’re still missing Kayla [Duran], but everyone else has been training this week. Players are at different stages of return—[Emily] Sonnett is back in training, Mandy [Freeman] is with the group, and Bruninha is fit again. That’s important for us because we really depend on everyone, and having all players available makes a big difference.”
Friday’s match featured a balanced lineup of veterans and emerging talents, including the standout rookie goal-scorer Jordynn Dudley.
What’s next?
The NWSL returns to regular-season action this weekend, beginning Friday when fourth-placed Washington Spirit take on the Houston Dash at 8 p.m. ET.
