Guaranteed quarterfinal game in Challenge Cup taking pressure off NWSL teams while allowing for youth development

The fact that all eight teams competing in the the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup are guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinal round has been a topic of much discussion about the OL Reign. It’s even been fodder for some lighthearted comedy.“We laugh about it a little bit,” Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock said. “Like, ‘Oh it doesn’t really matter, everyone’s through to the quarters.’ And obviously we make our little jokes because we&