After missing Sunday’s semifinal game due to COVID-19 protocol, the Chicago Red Stars’ Mallory Pugh and Kayla Sharples are questionable for the NWSL championship game on Saturday.
Chicago head coach Rory Dames said after the game that Pugh and Sharples are both “symptom-free” but he does not know whether they will be available next weekend. The Red Stars will meet the Washington Spirit in the final in Louisville after upsetting the Portland Thorns 2-0 on the road.
Rory Dames says it is too early to know what Kealia Watt's injury is. He does not know whether Mallory Pugh or Kayla Sharples will be available for the final, but says they are both "symptom-free" while in COVID-19 protocol. #NWSL— Jeff Kassouf (@JeffKassouf) November 15, 2021
Rory Dames says it is too early to know what Kealia Watt's injury is. He does not know whether Mallory Pugh or Kayla Sharples will be available for the final, but says they are both "symptom-free" while in COVID-19 protocol. #NWSL
Pugh and Sharples were first ruled out of the semifinal game this past Saturday after being placed in COVID-19 protocol. Sharples addressed the injury report on social media on Sunday, revealing that she is fully vaccinated against the virus and has received her booster shot.
“I wish I could be with my team today but I have so much belief in them,” the defender wrote.
Forward Kealia Watt is also questionable for the championship game after exiting Sunday’s semifinal early with a knee injury. Dames said he did not yet know the extent of the injury.
The Red Stars take on the Spirit in the NWSL Championship on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.