U.S. national team stars Megan Rapinoe, Tobin Heath and Christen Press opted out of the NWSL Challenge Cup due to safety concerns amid the coronavirus pandemic. USWNT players Carli Lloyd and Mallory Pugh also will not be available for Sky Blue FC due to injuries.
Rose Lavelle, Christine Sinclair, Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz and Becky Sauerbrunn are among the highest profile players on board for the tournament, which kicks off Saturday with a rematch between the reigning champion North Carolina Courage squad and the Portland Thorns.
The NWSL adjusted quickly to rearrange and announce its full schedule for the Challenge Cup after the Orlando Pride withdrew from the tournament due to a series of positive COVID-19 test results.