Coach: No players opt out of tournament

NWSL Challenge Cup to kick off June 27 in Salt Lake City

As Orlando Pride players decide whether to play in the NWSL Challenge Cup, coach Marc Skinner says his team is teeming with questions.

The league announced the return-toplay tournament on Wednesday. The event will kick off on June 27 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The tournament came with an important caveat — participation is voluntary for all players due to safety concerns during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

With teams set to report to Utah on June 21, players now have less than a month to make their decision.

When the league began initial plans for the tournament, it raised concern among players. Several U.S. national team members have reportedly declined to play.

However, Skinner said details of the plan are helping his players open up to the idea of participating.

“We haven’t had any nos yet,” Skinner said. “We’ve had quite a few yeses. There’s a couple of players that just want a few more logistical things answered.”

Skinner couldn’t confirm the names of players who have already signed on for the tournament, but prominent national team players — including U.S. national team defenders Ali Krieger and Emily Sonnett — were active during practice Thursday.

Scottish winger Claire Emslie posted on Instagram that she was frustrated with travel restrictions and eager to get back with the team. Midfielder Emily van Egmond also returned to Orlando from Australia on Friday.

At her first training with the team, defender and New Zealand captain Ali Riley expressed her excitement to play in the