Orlando Pride Forced To Quit Inaugural Challenge Cup
On Monday, Orlando Pride announced its withdrawal from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup due to positive Coronavirus COVID-19 test results.
Sadly, on June 22, Orlando Pride withdrew from the upcoming National Women’s Soccer League 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, pulling out after six players and four of its staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
U.S. National Team players Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris, and Emily Sonnett, are on Pride’s roster as well as Brazilian star Marta. Former national team player Sydney Leroux Dwyer expressed her sentiments on Twitter sharing that she was “heartbroken.”
I’m heartbroken. The majority of our team & staff worked our asses off to put us in the best position to play the game we love again. Not just for ourselves but for our families, friends, fans & our city. Good luck to the teams going to UT. Wish we were there with you. Stay safe.
— Sydney Leroux Dwyer (@sydneyleroux) June 22, 2020
Read: Orlando Pride Statement Regarding 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Participation
“This was obviously a difficult and disappointing outcome for our players, our staff and fans, however, this is a decision that was made in order to protect the health of all involved in the Challenge Cup,” said Orlando Pride EVP Amanda Duffy.
“While we were all excited to see the 2020 Pride on the field this weekend, our priority is now making sure our players and staff safely recover and providing any support wherever and however possible,” added Duffy.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, the impacted players and staff will be isolated for at least 14 days.
On June 18, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) had announced a player tested positive for COVID-19 and that the impacted team has begun contact tracing with the player is in quarantine. That team was Orlando Pride. The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup is scheduled to be the first pro contact sports event since the pandemic has been declared and starts this weekend, June 27, in Utah.
In the MLS, Atlanta United has had two players test positive plus one player from Inter Miami has tested positive for COVID-19 last week.
