Orlando Pride drop out of 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup after positive COVID-19 tests

The team announced that they would not be participating in the NWSL’s summer tournament after several players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19. 

There is less than one week until the NWSL’s 2020 Challenge Cup is scheduled to kick off, but complications are already arising.

On Monday, the Orlando Pride announced that they will not be participating in the Challenge Cup after six players and four staff members tested positive for COVID-19. The club said that those who tested positive were asymptomatic, but in the interest of the health and safety of all involved in the tournament, the team decided to withdraw from the tournament.

“While we were all looking forward to seeing the Pride return to the field, we are unfortunately facing a decision that is necessary and in the best interest for the health of our players and staff. The decision goes far beyond just the positives, but also taking into consideration roommates or partners,” said Daryl Osbahr, M.D., team doctor for Orlando Pride. “I commend the Club for its diligence and reaction following the initial positive test, as well as how the safety of players and staff was prioritized during this difficult and uncertain time. However the guidelines and process that are put in place, including the important protocols and timelines for contact tracing, make it logistically impossible for the Club to participate in the Challenge Cup in Utah.”

What impact will Orlando Pride dropping out have on NWSL Challenge Cup schedule?

The Orlando Pride dropping out of the tournament knocks the number of teams competing in the Challenge Cup down from nine to eight. The Chicago Red Stars, the North Carolina Courage, and Sky Blue FC were all scheduled to play Orlando in the preliminary round. But it isn’t even clear at this point if a preliminary round will still be necessary. It is possible that the teams could go right into the quarterfinals or that the preliminary round could be restructured.

“An updated tournament schedule will be distributed as soon as possible to reflect an eight-team format,” the NWSL statement said.

The Challenge Cup is currently scheduled to kickoff on Saturday, June 27th, with the North Carolina Courage taking on the Portland Thorns at 12:30pm ET. The preliminary round is set to wrap up on July 13th, with the quarterfinals kicking off on July 17th.

The tournament is set to be played in Salt Lake City, Utah, where there has been a steady rise in COVID-19 cases.