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About The Asian reporter. (Portland, Or.) 1991-current | View Entire Issue (June 1, 2020)
SPORTS June 1, 2020 THE ASIAN REPORTER n Page 11 Tottenham star Son completes basic training in South Korea By John Duerden The Associated Press S SEASON SUBSTITUTED. The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is planning a Challenge Cup consisting of a 25-game tournament held entirely in Utah to mark the return to action of its nine clubs. Pictured is Sky Blue FC defender Caprice Dydasco dribbling the ball during a NWSL match against the Orlando Pride in Harrison, New Jersey, in this September 29, 2019 file photo. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano, File) NWSL Challenge Cup to spotlight smaller Asian talent pool Continued from page 10 leadership. They will also lean heavily on their talented core, two of whom joined the team last year. The Reign traded Japanese midfielder Nahomi Kawasumi to Sky Blue before last season, and she appeared in 19 of the team’s 24 matches. Before this season, Sky Blue re-signed Kawasumi, amid acclaim from team leadership. Head coach Freya Coombe said, “Naho is very technical and calm on the ball, which suits the style of the team. She is a great teammate and a fan favorite.” The team’s general manager also praised Kawasumi’s “veteran lead-by-example presence,” calling her “an absolute professional” who “brings so much steady energy.” Behind Kawasumi in the Sky Blue formation — though sometimes ahead of her in an attack — is Caprice Dydasco of Hawai‘i. Acquired in a trade with the Washington Spirit, the offensive- minded fullback set a career high in minutes last season, starting 23 of 24 matches. She also played all over the pitch, from the right and left back spots to one-game stints as right wing and defensive mid- fielder. Dydasco’s flexi- bility and positive attitude will be crucial to the team’s success, though expecta- tions should be moderated. Currently, eight of the nine clubs in the NWSL tournament will advance from the first round; Blue Sky would be delighted to be among these eight. Much as reducing a sauce concentrates its flavors, the NWSL has lowered its overall numbers of Asian players, but those who remain are high impact. Losing Kerr is a disappointment, but Asian-American sports fans still have plenty of talented players to watch beginning June 27. Street dog helps see Chinese nurse through virus traumas Continued from page 5 appeals on social media, and local pet volunteers offered to help. As Zhang’s departure date approached, she needed to tell Doudou that they would be parting. “It doesn’t matter if it is animals or people. You need to let them know what is going on,” she said. Zhang left on April 8, and Doudou was put up for adoption. Home in Chang- chun, the nurse missed her canine companion and asked for videos. There were no suitable takers for the little street dog. Zhang knew she had to give Doudou a home; the deal was done. Doudou arrived in Changchun in May to join her four playmates, and the nurse who came to love her amid the horror of a pandemic. While nonstop global news about the effects of the coronavirus have become commonplace, so, too, are tales of the kindness. “One Good Thing” is a continuing series of AP stories focusing on glimmers of joy and benevolence in a dark time. EOUL, South Korea — Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min last month finished his three-week military training in South Korea and was right near the top of the class. The 27-year-old Son entered the Marine Corps training camp on the southern island of Jeju on April 20 for a basic training period that he undertook while the Premier League was suspended in Britain because of the coronavirus pandemic. Social-distancing restrictions still in place in South Korea meant Son’s graduation ceremony was closed to the public. That didn’t stop dozens of fans waiting outside. South Korean media reported that Son was presented with an award given to the top five performing trainees in the group of 157, and achieved a perfect record in shooting. He was fulfilling requirements of the military service exemption he earned by winning the gold medal for South Korea in the soccer tourna- ment at the Asian Games in 2018. Without the exemption, he would have been required by law to serve 21 months. After basic training, he still has community service obligations to finish by 2023 to complete all military duties. Son returned to London in mid-May. The Premier League is trying to find a way to resume in June CRACK SHOT. In these undated photos provided by South Korea Marine Corps’ Facebook on May 8, 2020, Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min takes part in drills at Marine Corps boot camp in Seogwipo on Jeju Island, South Korea. Son finished his three- week military training in South Korea and was near the top of the class. (South Korea Marine Corps’ Facebook via AP) but group practice sessions have not yet started. South Korea’s K-League kicked off in May with the defending champion Jeonbuk Motors facing the Suwon Bluewings in the southwestern city of Jeonju. The K-League had been scheduled to start February 29 but was delayed because of the virus outbreak. No fans were allowed in stadiums, many which were built for the 2002 World Cup and have capacities of more than 40,000, at least for the first few weeks of competition. NWSL season will be played in Utah without fans Continued from page 10 The NWSL’s Medical Task Force, comprised of a team doctor from each of the league’s nine teams, has worked tirelessly over the last nine weeks, in coordination with public health officials, to develop thorough and detailed medical and testing protocols to ensure the safest environment for a return to play and competition. Each player, official, and essential staff member will be tested 48 hours prior to departure for Utah and upon arrival and will be subject to consistent testing, temperature readings, and symptom review throughout their stay in Utah. The full protocols have received unanimous support from the NWSL board of directors and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA). “As our country begins to safely reopen and adjust to our collective new reality, and with the enthusiastic support of our players, owners, as well as our new and current commercial partners, the NWSL is thrilled to bring professional soccer back to the United States,” said NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird. “This exciting monthlong tournament will showcase our league’s talented players and provide our fans the type of world-class entertainment they’ve come to expect from the NWSL.” Building on the momentum of a record-breaking 2019 and the growing success of women’s sports, on and off the field, the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup is a unique opportunity for players to return to competition with the unanimous support of the league owners and the players association. “The NWSLPA, working closely alongside NWSL, is excited to provide players the opportunity to return to sport, while also securing compensation and other necessities to make sure players’ concerns, feedback, and safety are at the forefront of all conversations,” said NWSLPA executive directors Yael Averbuch and Brooke Elby. “As the plans for the tournament unfolded, it was our priority as the NWSLPA to protect our players, and we feel that NWSL shares those values." The “international-style” tourna- ment allows the league to safely return to the pitch and will be hosted by Dell Loy Hansen, owner of Utah Royals FC, who will accommodate all housing, training, and competition needs for the league’s teams and create an “NWSL Village” to control as much of the environment as possible. “With the efforts of our frontline workers, our state’s early adoption of preventative measures, and our facilities at Zions Bank Real Academy, Rio Tinto Stadium, and America First Credit Union Field, Utah is uniquely prepared to host the nine teams in the NWSL and put on a tremendous tournament,” said Hansen. “With the full support of the governor and the medical experts in our community, we are thrilled to bring the tournament to Utah.” Commissioner Baird and Hansen have met with Utah governor Gary Herbert, lieutenant governor Spencer Cox, the Utah Sports Com- mission, and local health officials, and all parties have enthusiastically endorsed the way forward. To learn more about the upcoming tournament, please visit <www.portlandthorns.com>. or <www.nwslsoccer.com>.