The Orlando Pride withdrew from the upcoming National Women’s Soccer League tournament after six players and four staff members tested positive for Covid-19.
League-wide sources said a group of younger Orlando players had not followed social distancing protocols and went to bars and nightclubs, which are open in Florida as the state reopens. Infections are not believed to have occurred during training.
Caitlin Murray
(@caitlinmurr)Speaking to some sources, it seems that #NWSL players were supposed to isolate themselves, but a group of younger Orlando Pride players went out to nightclubs and bars, which have been open in Florida. Transmission was determined not to be through training, which was the primary concern.
June 22, 2020
NWSL is the first professional team sport in the USA. USA Scheduled to return in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. The month-long Challenge Cup tournament will begin Saturday in Utah.
Another round of testing will be conducted to confirm the results, the league said in announcing the positive tests on Monday. Due to the number of positive results and shortly before the start of the tournament, Pride withdrew.
The names of the players and employees who tested positive were not disclosed. Members of the Pride roster include US national team players Ali Krieger, Ashlyn Harris and Emily Sonnett, as well as Brazilian star Marta. Players who tested positive were asymptomatic. They will be isolated for 14 days and those who have had contact with them will be monitored.
Orlando was supposed to play its first game on Saturday night against the Chicago Red Stars.
“The health and safety of our players and staff is our number one priority and our thoughts go out to those players and staff struggling with this infection, as well as the entire Orlando club that has been affected as a result,” the NWSL Commissioner Lisa Baird said in a statement. “We are obviously disappointed, but in the current environment, this is a situation we have prepared for and will now adjust our plans and schedules to reflect circumstances.”
Sydney Leroux Dwyer
(@sydneyleroux)I’m heartbroken. Most of our team and staff worked hard to put us in the best position to play the game we love again. Not only for us but for our families, friends, fans and our city. Good luck to the teams going to UT. I wish we were there with you. Stay safe.
June 22, 2020
Orlando forward Sydney Leroux expressed his disappointment on Twitter. “My heart is broken. Most of our team and staff worked hard to put us in the best position to play the game we love again. Not just for us but for our families, friends, fans and our city. Good luck to the teams. going to UT. I wish we were there with you. Stay safe, “he wrote.
The league said it would release a schedule for the remaining eight teams as soon as possible. The NWSL was scheduled to release the rosters for participating teams on Monday. Players can choose not to participate in the tournament if they have health problems, while still receiving their season wages and insurance.
“Obviously, this was a difficult and disappointing result for our players, our staff and our fans. However, this is a decision that was made to protect the health of everyone involved in the Challenge Cup, ”said Amanda Duffy, executive vice president of the Orlando Pride. “While we were all excited to see Pride 2020 on the field this weekend, our priority now is to make sure that our players and staff recover safely, and provide any support wherever and whenever possible.” .
The Pride players had no contact with the club’s affiliated Major League Soccer team, Orlando City SC. Pride training facilities are closed for cleaning and sterilization, the club said.
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