NWSL announces Challenge Cup schedule, rosters
U.S. national team stars Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Christen Press opted out of the NWSL Challenge Cup due to safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. USWNT players Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh also will not be available for Sky Blue FC due to injuries.
However, the NWSL released rosters for the tournament Tuesday that still feature a lot of international soccer star power.
Rose Lavelle, Christine Sinclair, Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz and Becky Sauerbrunn are among the highest profile players on board for the tournament, which kicks off Saturday with a rematch between the reigning champion North Carolina Courage squad and the Portland Thorns.
The NWSL adjusted quickly to rearrange and announce its full schedule for the Challenge Cup after the Orlando Pride withdrew from the tournament due to a series of positive COVID-19 test results.
The Pride withdrew on Monday after 10 members of the club — six players and four staff members — received positive or inconclusive test results. Clubs throughout the league were expected to announce their rosters on Monday. Instead, the league had to negotiate an adjusted format.
Following the Pride’s withdrawal, there was concern players might become wary about competing in the Challenge Cup. But team rosters weren’t impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak in Orlando, and a majority of the league’s stars will be in attendance in Utah.
Under the revised schedule, teams will still play four matches in a preliminary round that will count toward seeding for knockout stage. Now, however, all teams will automatically advance to the eightteam single-elimination bracket with a final match slated for July 26.
NWSL Challenge Cup schedule