The National Women's Soccer League will continue Sept. 5 with the opening of an 18-match fall series.

Three teams in each of the three-team regional pods will play each other and four games apiece to minimize travel.

"Building on the success of this summer's Challenge Cup, I am so excited to smartly and safely take this next step on the NWSL's journey," said NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird. "The women of the NWSL want to compete and we've certainly heard from our fans all over the world looking for more action this year."

As part of the seven-week series, there will be a televised game of the week on CBS.

: OL Reign,&nbsp;Portland Thorns FC, Utah Royals FC

Chicago Red Stars, Sky Blue FC, Washington Spirit

&nbsp;North Carolina Courage, Orlando Pride, Houston Dash

On July 26 in Utah, Canadian Sophie Schmidt scored on an early penalty kick and Shea Groom added a stoppage-time goal to lead Houston Dash to a 2-0 victory over the Chicago Red Stars in the Challenge Cup final.

Upstart Dash win the NWSL Challenge Cup over the Red Stars

Sophie Schmidt scored on an early penalty kick and Shea Groom added a stoppage-time goal to give the Houston Dash the Challenge Cup tournament title with a victory over the Chicago Red Stars on Sunday.

Rachel Daly of the Houston Dash hoists the trophy with her teammates after defeating the Chicago Red Stars to win the championship game of the NWSL Challenge Cup at Rio Tinto Stadium on Sunday.

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Secret to her success: NWSL commissioner guiding league through pandemic

Just five months into her tenure, National Women’s Soccer League commissioner Lisa Baird navigated a return to sport during a pandemic, negotiated a landmark broadcast deal, secured big-name sponsors and announced a flashy new expansion team in Los Angeles. Now just imagine what she can do for the league in a regular year.

Lisa Baird, pictured at an event at the Olympics in South Korea in 2018, officially took the NWSL commissioner’s role on March 10. The sports world came to halt two days later. 

lisa-baird

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The tournament was the NWSL's re-boot after the regular season was shut down by the coronavirus outbreak. It was the first professional team sport to return in the United States.

WATCH | Canadian Sophie Schmidt scores in Challenge Cup final:

B.C.'s Sophie Schmidt scores on penalty for early Dash lead

Sophie Schmidt of Abbotsford, B.C., puts Houston Dash up 1-0 on Chicago Red Stars in the 5th minute of the NWSL Challenge Cup Championship.

Canada's Christine Sinclair, left, and her Portland Thorns FC teammates no doubt are excited about the return of the National Women’s Soccer League for an 18-game fall series that begins Sept. 5.

NWSL returns Sept. 5 with 18-match fall series after successful Challenge Cup

Regional pods

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