Gotham FC to open the third-annual tournament against North Carolina Courage

HARRISON, NJ – (February 7, 2022) – NJ/NY Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) today announced the club’s full schedule for the upcoming 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup. Gotham FC opens the expanded 39-game tournament against the North Carolina Courage on Saturday, March 19, 2022. The match, to be hosted at Sahlen's Stadium at Wakemed Soccer Park, is slated for a 7:00 p.m. ET kick off.

“We’re pleased to once again open this year’s campaign with the Challenge Cup,” said NWSL Managing Director of Competition and Player Affairs Liz Dalton. “The Cup is an exciting competition to kick off our tenth anniversary season and we are thrilled to provide another opportunity to crown a champion. Many thanks to all those who have helped make this year’s tournament possible.”

The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup will feature three regional groups of four teams. The East region includes NJ/NY Gotham FC, the North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit. The Central region features the Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current and Racing Louisville FC. Angel City FC, OL Reign, Portland Thorns FC and San Diego Wave FC make up the West region.

The groups will compete in double round-robin matches ahead of the semifinal round and the NWSL Challenge Cup Final on Saturday, May 7. Details regarding broadcast schedule for the tournament are forthcoming.

As part of the tournament, Gotham FC will host three home matches at Red Bull Arena. Those matches will be held at 3 p.m. EST on April 3 (North Carolina Courage), 3 p.m. EST on April 17 (Washington Spirit), and 7 p.m. EST on April 23 (Orlando Pride).

For the full 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup rules and regulations that differ from NWSL’s regular season policies and procedures, click here.