The league allowed clubs to resume small group training two weeks ago with full team training allowed last Saturday. Clubs were required to fulfill certain health and safety requirements as well as follow individual state and local COVID-19 restrictions.  This latter requirement resulted in several teams needing to relocate their squads to other grounds or even states in order to resume training.

 

This has not been the case for van Egmond.  The Orlando Pride was able to remain in Orlando and train at their facility until they relocate to Utah for the Cup.  They have been been in full team training for a week.

 

Van Egmond spoke to the Orlando Sentinel about the return to training:

 

“I think everyone’s just excited now that we have something to look forward to and to play for,” van Egmond said. “We’re working really hard every single day. We don’t have a lot of time to prepare, so we’ve just got to use that time smartly, which we are.”

 

Prior to the beginning of the tournament, squads will be tested for COVID-19.  Upon the return of those results, COVID-19 negative members will relocate to Utah where they will remain in quarantine in a so-described "NWSL village", with housing and amenities included for the entirety of the cup.

 

The league will allow individual players the option of participating in the upcoming tournament.  Players who chose not to play for health and safety concerns will still be given guaranteed pay, housing, and benefits through the end of 2020.

 

While it has been rumoured that several players may choose this option, including several prominent USWNT players, the only player to reportedly have pulled out of the Cup is 2019 Ballon D'Or winner Megan Rapinoe.  Her club OL Reign's coach Farid Benstiti stated her intention not to attend.

 

Clubs have until June 21 to finalize their squads.  Twenty-eight players will be allowed for each team.  While Ellie Carpenter and Alanna Kennedy have yet to confirm their participation, Emily Van Egmond will be there.  In the same Orlando Sentinal interview she went on to say:

 

"Just to be able to help the team in this Cup we’re about to play in Utah, and just enjoy it and have fun. It’s gonna be a good thing that we’re able to go out and play.”