Utah Royals Announce Strong Roster For Challenge Cup

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Royals FC has announced its roster ahead of the Challenge Cup. The 28 woman selected by head coach Craig Harrington includes marquee players Rachel Corsie and United States Women’s National Team players Amy Rodriguez and Kelly O’Hara.

Christen Press will not play for the Royals in the Challenge Cup. She has instead opted to not participate.

#URFC announces 28-player roster for 2020 @NWSL Challenge Cup

📝 https://t.co/oCjzMbkUVW pic.twitter.com/uXwridNqnR

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) June 23, 2020

“It is deeply painful not to be able to play the game I love, and to watch the broader effects of the global pandemic on our league, sports, and our world,” Press said in a club released statement.

“Regrettably, given the uncertainty created by COVID-19, I must elect not to participate in this tournament. I know how fortunate I am to be able to make this choice. I have enormous respect and gratitude for those who do not have the luxury to choose whether to report to work, including our selfless and heroic first responders. I look forward to supporting my teammates during the tournament in Utah,” Press added.

“We will miss Christen’s presence at the tournament both on and off the field,” URFC General Manager Stephanie Lee said. “Regardless, we respect her decision.”

New faces join the squad for the condensed 2020 season as 2020 NWSL Draft picks Tziarra King and Kate Del Fava look set to make their professional debuts in Utah. A two-sport athlete at Penn State University, Marissa Sheva will feature on the roster for URFC after spending the early part of the 2020 season in the Spanish second division with Deportivo Alavés. Aminata Diallo is expected to join the team this week.

☀️ & 🌑

Learn about all of the doubleheaders during the #ChallengeCup: https://t.co/ksLsCP9lhD#NWSL pic.twitter.com/zcsX9qeMYx

— NWSL (@NWSL) June 18, 2020

The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup campaign kicks off June 27 at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah.  Utah Royals FC will face the Houston Dash on June 30, Sky Blue FC on July 4 and OL Reign on July 8 before concluding the Group Stage on July 12 against the Chicago Red Stars.

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.