UPDATE: The Houston Dash shut out the Chicago Red Stars 2-0 to win their first Challenge Cup. Read the highlights by clicking here from Waking The Red.

ORIGINAL STORY: The Chicago Red Stars appeared in their second consecutive National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup Final Sunday, facing the Houston Dash. Despite skeptics who thought the Dash would never get this far, out athletes Rachel Daly, Kristie Mewis and Christine Nairn were out to prove they’ve earned this opportunity.

The Chicago Red Stars, led by Julie Ertz, have been dominant in the NWSL for some time, making the playoffs every year since 2015. But to date they have yet to win a championship.

One thing is for sure: although both teams have a history of hosting Pride Nights, this year only the Red Stars went ahead with a Virtual Pride Night for its LGBTQ fans.

Read how the Red Stars got here from our partners at Hot Time in Old Town, and catch up with the Dash at Dynamo Theory.

Of course, like the semi-final matches, no fans were in attendance at Utah’s Rio Tinto Stadium for this championship game because of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the match was televised on CBS.

Fans also watched the final on Fobu. Click here for details on a special free trial just for Outsports readers.

Outsports has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Outsports and SB Nation may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links. For more information, see our guiding principles.

Don't forget to share: