What Each Goalkeeper Needs to do to Advance in the Challenge Cup

By Bill Reno

Win or go home! After four games each participating NWSL team (RIP Orlando Pride) faces off in a do or die situation. With the group stage done, now it’s time to look ahead to what each goalkeeper needs to do to push their team into the semifinals of the NWSL Challenge Cup.

North Carolina Courage vs Portland Thorns

Stephanie Labbé / Katelyn Rowland (NC Courage) - The Courage split time 50-50 between Labbé and Rowland in the first four matches. Although Labbé is likely the starter against the Thorns, the Courage clearly have intentions of continuing Rowland’s integration. Regardless of who starts, the Thorns gave the Courage a good run for their money in round one and could return the favor in the quarterfinals. While North Carolina finished the group stage undefeated for a reason (they’re very good!), don’t be surprised if the Thorns get one or two dangerous chances on goal. North Carolina needs a goalkeeper who can sit for 89 minutes and make a big save on a moment’s notice.

Bella Bixby (Portland Thorns) - Despite going winless in the first four rounds, Bixby was a big part of why the Thorns only conceded three times in that time span. She read the game extremely well, handled crosses with ease, and doesn’t seem to crumble under a barrage of shots. Most of the chances Bixby faced were from medium to long distance, not seeing many low-placed shots from close range. And although a high number of chances might just result in a goal for the Courage, shots from distance won’t bother Bixby too much unless they’re Sportscenter-worthy. If the Courage can get in behind the defense and force the 6’0” tall Bixby to deal with getting in close to defense low shots outside the ankle, it may be their best chance at securing a win. Otherwise, Bixby might just be a thorn (pun definitely intended) in NC’s side.

Houston Dash vs Utah Royals

Jane Campbell (Houston) - For those familiar with the position, they know “decision making” for goalkeepers covers a variety of situations. But for Campbell specifically, her decision making requiring forward movement (away from the goal line) has been less than desirable. Whether it’s through balls or crosses or oncoming 1v1s, Campbell has struggled to find what works for her. Knowing that the Dash are going to call upon her more than once in any given game, Campbell must find her footing and make confident decisions if she wants to give the Dash any chance of making it past the Utah Royals.

Abby Smith (Utah Royals) - It wasn’t a perfect showing against the Red Stars in the Royals’ last match, but Smith admittedly made a clutch save on a breakaway and overall looked much more comfortable in goal. It wasn’t always textbook with Smith, but her performance in round four gives credence to the idea of “just keep the ball out of the net.” If Smith can continue to find what works in her game, she can help the Royals look to upset the Courage in a potential semi-final upset. But if Smith gets exposed on a costly mistake, Utah’s travel home will be shorter than their stay in the knockout rounds. (Side note: we could potentially see Nicole Barnhart against the Dash but for now it seems Utah are opting for Smith in goal.)

Washington Spirit vs Sky Blue

Kailen Sheridan (Sky Blue) - It’s a mixed back with Sheridan. Sometimes she’s sharp while other moments she struggles with simple situations, specifically with shots inside her “bubble”. Similar to Utah Royals goalkeeper Abby Smith, Sheridan doesn’t need it to look perfect; she just needs to keep the scoreline down. Sheridan’s game can be a little antsy but if she funnels her speed and quick reactions into efficient aggressiveness, it will probably return more than a more passive approach. Although the Spirit aren’t the most dangerous offense, Sky Blue aren’t known as a lockdown defense either. Sheridan will likely be called upon to pick up the slack for the defense on a couple of occasions. She can cover the goal mouth but if she needs intricate, detailed movement, Sheridan could overcomplicate it once again.

Aubrey Bledsoe (Washington Spirit) - Bledsoe has been close to having a really nice tournament run but we’ve seen more misplays than game saving moments thus far. The Spirit’s run in the knockout round will be heavily dependent on which Bledsoe shows up. If the Spirit field the 84th best player in the world, the Spirit should live to see another day. If not, it may hurt Bledsoe’s chances at recapturing the Goalkeeper of the Year Award, if not a shot with the USWNT.

Chicago Red Stars vs OL Reign

Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars) - As predicted, Naeher has rebounded nicely from the error in round one to finish with a strong contention for “Goalkeeper of the Tournament.” The Red Stars usually rely heavily on Naeher and the matchup against the Reign will be no different. Naeher is no stranger to knockout competitions and while the Reign aren’t on par with other opponents Naeher has previously faced, the Penn State alum’s game management could sway the outcome of the game. If Naeher can help organize the defense and prevent dangerous situations from unfolding, her job will be significantly easier than trying to keep 5-10 shots out of the back of the net.

Casey Murphy / Michelle Betos (OL Reign) - Murphy and Betos both received two games apiece in the run-up to the Red Stars match. At this point, you’d think we’d have a good gauge of where both goalkeepers are, but Murphy saw so little action it’s hard to really pin down where her level is. After an injury kept Betos away from the field for most of 2019, one would expect Betos to struggle in her return but she looked more than ready when she received her chance. Betos has lost a step in her speed but her positioning and prep work are the best in the league. OL Reign’s schedule wasn’t too demanding, securing four points by only scoring one goal in four matches, so either goalkeeper will likely be limited to one or two high pressure situations. For such a tedious upcoming match, the veteran pick seems like the logical one but don’t completely count out USWNT hopeful Casey Murphy’s chances.

We’ll be back with knockout round coverage next week. Until then, enjoy the goalkeeping.