Friday night’s match marks the Orlando Pride’s first game in just under a month. The NWSL took a break for the Olympics, and six Orlando Pride players were chosen to represent their countries. Amongst those that stayed behind was midfielder Kaylyn Kyle, who was chosen as alternate for the Canadian team but chose not to go to Rio.
Some people had asked Kyle why she stayed behind. For most of the Olympic squads, the alternates were traveling with the team. Kyle took to social media this week to explain her reasons for staying.
“Nothing makes me feel more proud to pull on that Canadian jersey and represent my country,” Kyle wrote. “But for me it was very important to first help my club with the four games I would miss being an alternate in Rio.”
While the league stopped play for the actual Olympic matches, many of the national team players missed games due to their travel demands for Rio. The Canadian National Team played a couple of friendlies in Canada and traveled to France to play some friendlies before Brazil. And while Kyle likely wouldn’t have played in those games, her choice to stay behind only proves her dedication to her club.
“I want everyone to know that I am so happy for the Canadian Olympic team,” Kyle wrote. “And proud to be a part of the Orlando Pride organization.”
