NWSL Challenge Cup news: Ricketts makes history in Spirit win, OL Reign and Racing clinch

NWSL Challenge Cup Central Division news: Bottom-of-division teams earn results, but Racing still clinch while Current edge closer to semifinals

Houston Dash vs. Racing Louisville — 1-0, Houston Dash

For the first time during this Challenge Cup campaign, Racing Louisville dropped points. Ebony Salmon’s right-footed finish in the 26′ failed to have any meaning when it came to the semifinal participants. Despite that, it without a doubt has some significance mentally for Houston Dash.

Salmon’s goal against her former club was Houston’s second goal in the last seven games. Sam Laity’s side desperately needed this, and with the team just three points out of the NWSL playoffs, these are moments that can flip the page for a team going through some sort of struggle.

The Texas outfit was winless in its previous seven heading into this fixture at home against Racing. Lauren Milliet beat Jane Campbell in the second half, but it was ruled offside. Danish legend Nadia Nadim came off the bench to make an instant impact, and if it was not for Campbell, this match could have concluded in a 1-1 draw.

It was the end of a streak of three straight contests of two or more goals for Louisville, a team that has numerous players starring for their nations in the World Cup. Washington and Angel City helped out Racing by scoring multiple goals and defeating Gotham FC and Portland in their respective matchups.

The Kentucky side encounters Kansas City this upcoming weekend at Children’s Mercy Park in a match that will decide the Central Division champion. Last time the two encountered one another, Racing outshot Caroline Sjöblom’s side 27 to six in a 2-0 victory which included a world-class strike by Paige Monaghan.

Kansas City Current vs. Chicago Red Stars — Scoreless draw

Both goalkeepers in this match had quality outings. Emily Boyd for Chicago Red Stars saved a Lo’eau LaBonta penalty in the 24′ in addition to a stunning denial of Kristen Hamilton’s shot from close range. In her third match starting between the posts for Kansas City, Adrianna Franch registered her first clean sheet after two impressive outings including an eight-save performance against Racing. Franch had three stops on the night with the save in the 68′ of Sarah Griffith’s shot being the best of the bunch.

Though KC is still in the driver’s seat when it comes to second-place teams, Gotham FC having two matches remaining could be a deciding factor. LaBonta had the opportunity to almost sure up her side’s presence in the semifinals, but ultimately came up short. Last season, Matt Potter’s Current won the Central Division on 13 points but were ousted by the eventual winners, North Carolina Courage. Racing vs. KC Current this Saturday at 8:00 pm EST is going to be must-watch TV.

Tune in to the UKG NWSL Challenge Cup this week to see how the semifinal matchups shake out. The semifinals are on September 6, 2023, on CBS Sports, and Paramount+.