SINCLAIR LAUDS NWSL FOR ‘TOP NOTCH’ RETURN
Players feel very safe and are proud to be first pro league to resume action, star says
Canadian soccer icon Christine Sinclair is back in her comfort zone and tormenting opposition goalkeepers.
The greatest international goal scorer of all time is competing with Portland Thorns FC in the National Women’s Soccer League Challenge Cup.
The first North American professional sports league to get back up and running following the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown is well into its second week and things are running smoothly in Utah.
“I think we all had our hesitations and reservations with everything that’s going on in the world, but we’re two weeks in and everything has been top notch,” Sinclair said on Thursday.
“I don’t think anyone has any safety concerns in terms of COVID or anything like that. It’s been very well run.
“As a player, it’s nice to just get some competitive games in this year, obviously not knowing what’s going to happen in the future. But it’s been great to be around the team and play some meaningful games.”
The eight-team tournament has given players, coaches and officials an escape from the global pandemic.
Aptly named, the Challenge Cup didn’t get here without difficulties as the league attempted to rescue a lost season by hosting a tournament in a central location.
Utah has proven to be a good host so far, as all the attention has been on the field and not on the virus. There are more than a dozen Canadian players taking part in the tournament; like Sinclair, most are members of the women’s national team.
“It’s nice, whether it’s training or games, to be able to escape away a little bit,” Sinclair said. “But as soon as we get back to the hotel, you’re quickly reminded of what we’re living through in terms of the restrictions that are in place to make sure everyone is safe, and the amount of times you’re getting tested.
“But for those two hours on the field every day, it’s a nice escape and you can just focus on your job.”
There was plenty of debate on pro leagues’ best path to return, particularly when the virus is still raging out of control in some parts of the U.S.
The NWSL was the first to come up with a format and get on the field, helping to provide a road map for other leagues to follow.
So far, only Major League Soccer has followed, but its event has seen a myriad of problems with two teams already dropping out due to COVID concerns.
The NWSL saw the Orlando Pride drop out after a number of players and staff became infected, something attributed to a few members of the team leaving their training facility to attend a Florida nightclub.
“I think we’re proud of what we’ve done,” Sinclair said. “There were some reservations as to whether the NWSL should be the first league to go, just in terms of resources compared to other leagues. Some of us were thinking, ‘Are we sure this is the best idea?’ But I think we’re showing what’s possible in this day and age, when teams and staff follow rules and follow the restrictions in place.
“Obviously there were some bumps along the road with Orlando and things like that, but these past couple of weeks have gone very smoothly and I believe everyone feels very safe.”
The format has every team playing four games in the preliminary round, which determines rankings for the knockout stage. The final is scheduled for July 26 in Salt Lake City.
Portland wraps up its group stage on Monday against OL Reign. Portland lost the tournament opener 2-1 against Canadian goalkeeper Stephanie Labbe and the North Carolina Courage, conceding the winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time.
Portland tied its next two games against the Chicago Red Stars and Washington Spirit.
“We’re happy where we’re at and how we’ve been playing, but obviously there are things we need to improve upon,” said Sinclair, who is still looking for her first goal of the tournament. “We have a very difficult draw ... playing those first three games in a week, and with injuries and people deciding not to participate in the tournament, our roster has taken a hit.
“But that being said, I’m proud of how we’re performing, I think we’re playing very well in every game and I think we were unfortunate not to get some sort of result against North Carolina, and I would say our other two games we should have won.”
There were questions concerning the calibre of play, considering teams were off for months before being allowed to practice and far from in midseason form.
Yet, the quality of play has been excellent by all accounts.
Some of us were thinking, ‘Are we sure this is the best idea?’ But I think we’re showing what’s possible in this day and age, when teams and staff follow rules.