OL Reign v. Racing Louisville: Challenge Cup semifinal gamethread
OL Reign has another big knockout match tonight. The Reign host Racing Louisville in the NWSL Challenge Cup semifinal at Lumen Field, with the winner advancing to the final on Saturday.
Tonight's match kicks off at 7 PM PT and will air on CBS Sports Network. That means it won't be available on Paramount+ for fans in the U.S.
OL Reign earned the top seed after going undefeated in the Challenge Cup group stage. The team rotated heavily and didn't concede a goal in six matches. Racing Louisville went 4-2-0, scoring 10 goals and conceding six.
Due to its kickoff at 9:30 AM PT, Saturday's final will be held at the home stadium of either the North Carolina Courage or Kansas City Current – whoever wins the other semifinal – despite the Reign earning the top seed. The Courage and Current kick off at 5 PM PT tonight, also on CBSSN.
There's a $1.1 million prize pool to be split among all four semifinalists, with the largest portion going to the top two teams.
What to Watch
- How Seattle deals with Racing's early pressure
- Can Seattle consistently send balls behind Racing's backline
- Let's score early – and often
Officials
⚽// @OLReign vs @RacingLouFC (10PM ET)#PRO | #NWSL | #ReignSupreme | #RacingLou pic.twitter.com/SuBVVEsSif
— PRO (@PROreferees) September 6, 2023
Lineups
Your Starting XI 🆚 Racing Louisville FC
— OL Reign (@OLReign) September 7, 2023
🏆 2023 UKG NWSL Challenge Cup Semifinal#ReignSupreme pic.twitter.com/pTMZFw5t9Y
Our semifinal starting lineup 💪
— Racing Louisville FC (@RacingLouFC) September 7, 2023
After missing last match, @Savannah_DeMelo slots back into the XI. For more news and notes on tonight's lineup 👉 https://t.co/GIiGe6jOkF#RGNvLOU | @BreezeAirways pic.twitter.com/gyZaZz7ddF
Highlights
28' - Sam Hiatt accidentally passes to Kirsten Davis on a free kick, and she has no trouble finishing into the far corner. 1-0 Racing Louisville.
Pick your spot, @kirstendavis22! 🎯
— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) September 7, 2023
A quality finish gives visiting @RacingLouFC the lead! pic.twitter.com/fJ4vUYfu5Y
Injury / Availability Report
OL Reign
OUT: Bethany Balcer (leg), Rose Lavelle (leg)
Racing Louisville
OUT: Taylor Alymer (suspension), Jordan Baggett (lower leg), Jordyn Bloomer (D45 – back), Jess McDonald (maternity leave), Carson Pickett (lower leg)
QUESTIONABLE: Jaelin Howell (hip)
INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Wang Shuang (CHN)
How to Watch
Date/Time: Wednesday, September 6, 7 PM PT
Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
TV: CBS Sports Network
Streaming: NWSL Website (International)
Join the Discussion
This is your NWSL Challenge Cup semifinal gamethread. Join the discussion in the comments, or on our Discord for paid subscribers, and follow @RoValks on Twitter for live updates.