Utah Royals FC Manager Craig Harrington ‘Excited’ At The Thought Of Soccer Returning

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah Royals FC manager Craig Harrington is buzzing at the thought of coaching again. His team was dealt with the four preliminary games that will determine whether or not they qualify for the knockout stages of the upcoming 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. The tournament, which will be hosted in Utah is expected to begin on June 27.

The Royals will first set their sights on defeating the Washington Spirit on June 30, then their focus will be solely placed on the Chicago Red Stars on July 1, on July 8 they will host the OL Reign before finishing against the reigning two-time NWSL Champions the North Carolina Courage on July 12.

The preliminary round of the #ChallengeCup is set!

Which matchup do you have your 👀 on?#NWSL pic.twitter.com/deqBoaH96B

— NWSL (@NWSL) June 1, 2020

“I am delighted with the list of games and cannot wait until June 30th,” Harrington said during a media briefing.

All nine NWSL clubs have less than a month to adequately prepare for their first match, a daunting task for all managers, players and athletic trainers. Nonetheless, Harrington believes in his roster and the athletic trainers at Utah Royals FC and has faith that his players will be as fit as humanly possible come June 30.

Furthermore, Harrington is well aware that one of his toughest tasks lies in managing the health and safety of his players.

“I do not think any of my players will have played 90 minutes prior to the opening game. It is unlikely that will happen for our players,” Harrington said.

See you soon, @WashSpirit. #SoccerIsBack pic.twitter.com/XccfkjXetP

— Utah Royals FC (@UtahRoyalsFC) June 1, 2020

Harrington’s excitement levels could not be higher, however, the first-year Utah Royals manager is eager to take charge of his team and guide them to victory.

The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup will mark the first time the league has returned to the pitch following the conclusion of the 2019 NWSL season in which North Carolina Courage defeated the Chicago Red Stars 4-0 to cement their second consecutive NWSL title.

Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.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.