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Megan Rapinoe will not play for OL Reign in 2020 NWSL tournament

One of the biggest names in women’s soccer is skipping the NWL tournament later this month. We take a look at what it means.

By David Fucillo
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Megan Rapino playing in an NWSL match for Reign FC vs. the North Carolina Courage.

The National Women’s Soccer League has finalized plans for a nine-team tournament in Utah starting June 27th, and we already know it will not include one of the game’s biggest stars. OL Reign left winger Megan Rapinoe will not take part, according to her coach Farid Benstiti.

“Too bad. I understand her motivations but I am disappointed and frustrated that she is not with us to compete in this tournament. Megan is important to the group and we could have accomplished something important with the club, if she had joined the rest of the group. She will be greatly missed by the team but also by women’s football.”

Rapinoe remains one of the best players in the world, but as All For XI writer Kim McCauley noted, she’s reaching a point in her professional career where load management is going to be critical to extending it.

Rapinoe won’t be the only player sitting out, but thus far she’s the most high profile. Tournament odds have been starting to open at sportsbooks over the past week, and William Hill installed the Reign at +600. They opened with the fourth best odds, behind North Carolina (+160), Chicago (+300), and Portland (+500).

It is unclear if the OL Reign odds baked in Rapinoe skipping, as it was never entirely clear if she would play. But don’t be surprised to see at least a slight adjustment with the reigning Ballon d’Or winner skipping the tournament.

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