Chicago Red Stars head coach Rory Dames said his team is coming into the NWSL Challenge Cup with three big goals: One, keep everyone healthy. Two, use the tournament as a chance to evaluate the team’s rookies and other new players. And three, with Orlando out of the tournament and all teams now guaranteed a spot in the quarterfinal, make sure he knows his best 11 players by the knockout stage, and make sure those 11 are rested and ready.
Here’s what else Dames had to say when he met with reporters today:
On facing the Washington Spirit in the opening match:
“It’s a really challenging Washington team who’s a year older.