The National Women’s Soccer League hosted the first NWSL Skills Challenge, presented by CarMax, at Surf Sports Park in Del Mar, California yesterday.

The National Women’s Soccer League hosted the first NWSL Skills Challenge, presented by CarMax, at Surf Sports Park in Del Mar, California yesterday.The event was free and open to the public, as over 500 fans and media members attended to watch ten NWSL players compete in two teams in a series of friendly competitions including a Shootout, 2-on-2 TeqBall and a Crossbar Challenge. Fans who stayed after the competitions were able to meet their favorite players who signed autographs and took pictures. The East’s roster featured Chicago Red Stars forward Penelope Hocking, Kansas City Current midfielder Lo’eau LaBonta, North Carolina Courage captain Denise O’Sullivan, Orlando Pride forward Messiah Bright and Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. The West’s roster featured Houston Dash defender Michelle Alozie, Racing Louisville FC keeper Katie Lund, Portland Thorns FC defender Crystal Dunn, San Diego Wave FC forward Jaedyn Shaw and Angel City FC keeper DiDi Haracic, who competed as a field player in the shootout. The Skills Challenge created many memorable moments, including Haracic scoring twice in the Shootout to help the West win the first competition of the day. TeqBall saw NWSL competitors join forces, as LaBonta and O’Sullivan teamed up for the East, beating Dunn and Shaw in an entertaining game. The West won the second TeqBall matchup, with Alozie and Lund defeating Hocking and Bright. The competition wrapped up with the Crossbar Challenge. Though there was not a goalkeeper in net for this challenge, all three showed out, as Haracic, Lund and Kingsbury all hit the crossbar, with Kingsbury hitting the final shot from long distance to secure the $25,000 prize from CarMax for the East team.