Chicago v Louisville Challenge Cup Pre Match Thoughts

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Louisville will try to start another winning streak on Wednesday in Chicago, but will probably treat the upcoming match in Washington DC with a higher priority. Chicago has been poor this year but somehow won 1-0 vs. Orlando on Saturday while managing only 2 shots (with Yuki getting the goal). Chicago rotated some in their other Challenge Cup match, so that can be expected again.

Louisville on the other hand absolutely has to rotate their squad very deliberately on Wednesday. If Pickett starts on Wednesday there has to be a serious inquiry. She has played every minute of every match this season and for a left back that likes to go forward that's a lot of minutes. Erceg needs a rest too, but as a central defender might not need a break as much as Pickett. I think we could see some combination of Pikkujämsä, Murray, Holloway, Lester, and Wyne get a start on the back line. There are some interesting combinations in that group, so personally I would be fine with some experimentation. Louisville basically doesn't ever set up to win 1-0, so why not?

Up front, Kgatlana has still only played for Louisville while they were either leading or trailing so I would like to see what she can do with the scoreline all square. I like the idea of giving Goins another shot, but she hasn't made the match day squad for the last couple of matches. Chidiac and Baggett need a start as well.

I would like to see Louisville press hard for points in Chicago. A win would put them 3 points clear through 2 matches. With the highest-placing group runner-up advancing to the knockout stage, point accumulation, especially early in the competition, is important. Personally I think a real run at the shield or championship is probably a long shot, so the Challenge Cup is probably Louisville's only real shot at silverware this season.