The Orlando Pride withdrew from the NWSL Challenge Cup yesterday after 6 players and 4 staff members, all of whom were asymptomatic, tested positive COVID-19. Due to the need to isolate the entire team for 14 days, the team had to withdraw from the tournament.
The NWSL still plans to proceed with the Challenge Cup, and it is expected to begin Saturday.
In some ways the Pride withdrawal can be seen as a blessing. The NWSL can now form 2 groups of 4 and play a traditional World Cup format instead of juggling in an extra team. Whether or not they'll choose to do this will be revealed later this week.
Additionally every team will now advance to the knockout stage instead of one team heading home early.
At the same time the Pride's withdrawal does hurt potential television and streaming viewership. The loss of the Pride and changing the schedule costs the NWSL 6 matches.
Preparations for the Challenge Cup continue today as rosters for the tournament are being announced. Teams will fly into Salt Lake City later this week for the tournament.
As soon as the new schedule is released I'll post the information here.
No comments:
Post a Comment