Carli Lloyd will miss NWSL Challenge Cup

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jun 22, 2020

U.S. women's national team star Carli Lloyd won't be playing for Sky Blue FC in the NWSL Challenge Cup, which begins on Saturday.

In a statement, the club said Lloyd is suffering from a minor injury on her left knee sustained during the offseason and has been undergoing rehab since then.

“It’s unfortunate that Carli has suffered this injury,” said Sky Blue FC coach Freya Coombe. “We have been talking throughout the preseason and remained hopeful about her return. We’ll continue to support her throughout the recovery process. Right now, I’m excited about the opportunity that our younger players and new signings have to step up, and I have full confidence in this squad.”

Lloyd, 37, joined Sky Blue from the Houston Dash in 2018. She began her NWSL career with the Western New York Flash in 2013 before moving to Houston in 2015. She played in six of the USA's eight games in 2020, all wins.

At least three other U.S. women's stars are expected to miss the tournament in Utah:

-- Megan Rapinoe, who co-hosted the ESPYs on Sunday night, will not play for OL Reign, according to her coach, Farid Benstiti.
-- The Salt Lake Tribune reported that forward Christen Press will not play for the host Royals;
-- Alex Morgan, who plays for the Orlando Pride, recently gave birth to her first child, daughter Charlie Elena Carrasco.