The NWSL has unveiled its schedule for the annual 2022 Challenge Cup, with the competition kicking off on March 19th at 11:30 am AEDT.
Emily van Egmond's San Diego Wave FC will make their NWSL debut in this year's Challenge Cup, coming up first against fellow newcomers and the other side from California Angel City FC.
The 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup will feature three regional groups of four teams.
The East region: NJ/NY Gotham FC, North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit.
The Central region: Chicago Red Stars, Houston Dash, Kansas City Current and Racing Louisville FC.
The West region: Angel City FC, OL Reign, Portland Thorns FC and San Diego Wave FC.
Van Egmond's San Diego Wave will face off with Angel City FC first up, with both teams making their NWSL debuts in what will be a fierce rivalry.
Since swapping Newcatle beaches for California waves, the Matildas midfielder has seen a number of new faces join her new club. Alex Morgan, Jodie Taylor and Taylor Kornieck have made the move alongside van Egmond from Orlando Pride to San Diego.
Their opening game against Angel City will see van Egmond face off against a few familiar foes, inaugural signing Christen Press played with the Aussie at Chicago Red Stars in 2014, while Kiwi Ali Riley makes the move from Pride to Angel City.
Here are San Diego Wave FC first three fixtures for the 2022 Challenge Cup:
Angel City FC v San Diego Wave FC
Date: Sunday, March 20
Kick-off: 1:00 pm AEDT
San Diego Wave FC v Portland Thorns FC
Date: Sunday, March 27
Kick-off: 2:00 pm AEDT
San Diego Wave FC v Angel City FC
Date: Sunday, April 3
Kick-off: 7:00 am AEDT
All games will be live and free for Australian audiences on the NWSL twitch page.