Three USWNT players opt out of Challenge Cup
Nine players from the winning Women’s World Cup roster last year will not participate in the National Women’s Soccer League’s Challenge Cup.
The eight teams participating in the Challenge Cup, set for Saturday to July 26 at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah, released their rosters Tuesday, revealing who has decided to play and who has decided to sit out.
The entire Orlando Pride team already announced Monday that it would withdraw from the tournament after several players and staffers tested positive for COVID-19. Pride players Alex Morgan, Ashlyn Harris, Emily Sonnett and Ali Krieger were on the 2019 U.S. women’s national team.
Megan Rapinoe, a member of the OL Reign, was confirmed to be sitting out in her team’s release, which said she was its only player who had opted out. The release did not give an official reason.
Tobin Heath, a member of the Portland Thorns, opted out over concern for COVID-19.
Christen Press of the Utah Royals also opted out for health-related reasons. “It is deeply painful not to be able to play the game I love, and to watch the broader effects of the global pandemic on our league, sports and our world,” Press said in a statement. “Regrettably, given the uncertainty created by COVID-19, I must elect not to participate in this tournament. I know how fortunate I am to be able to make this choice. I have enormous respect and gratitude for those who do not have the luxury to choose whether to report to work, including our selfless and heroic first responders. I look forward to supporting my teammates.”
The general managers of the Royals and Thorns expressed support for their players’ decisions.
Sky Blue FC, based in New Jersey, will be missing national team players Carli Lloyd and Mal Pugh, as well as defender Caprice Dydasco. Dydasco tore her right ACL during training, Pugh is dealing with a hip ailment and Lloyd has a minor knee injury, according to the team’s release.