FC Dallas Faced Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and San Jose Earthquakes in MLS is Back Tournament
Updated: MLS is Back Tournament Group Stage matches kick off July 8in Orlando
FC Dallas will play Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and San Jose Earthquakes in Group B of the MLS is Back Tournament that will be held at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida beginning July 8.
“The team that wins this is the team that wants it the most.”
Luchi Gonzalez, Head Coach FC Dallas
“We are going to take it one moment at a time, one training session, one game, and there is a feeling of something new … and we are excited,” said Luchi Gonzalez, Head Coach FC Dallas.
“The kick-off times are not normal. And, while everyone talks about the heat in Dallas, the humidity in Orlando is different,” said Gonzalez. “We are going to do our best to adapt. The team that wins this is the team that can sustain their efforts.”
The team will also be away from their families for an extended time frame, and Gonzalez acknowledges that this is something that the players are not used to.
“We need to enjoy the uncomfortable.”
Luchi Gonzalez, Head Coach FC Dallas
The tournament schedule, including specific matchup dates and full broadcast details, will be announced at a later date.
| Group A | Orlando City SC Inter Miami CF New York City FC Philadelphia Union Chicago Fire FC Nashville SC | Group D | Real Salt Lake Sporting Kansas City Colorado Rapids Minnesota United FC |
| Group B | Seattle Sounders FC FC Dallas Vancouver Whitecaps FC San Jose Earthquakes | Group E | Atlanta United FC FC Cincinnati New York Red Bulls Columbus Crew SC |
| Group C | Toronto FC New England Revolution Montreal Impact D.C. United | Group F | Los Angeles FC LA Galaxy Houston Dynamo Portland Timbers |
FC Dallas enters the tournament with a 1-0-1 record after defeating the Philadelphia Union, 2-0, in the season opener on Feb. 29 and drawing, 2-2, against the Impact on March 7.
MLS is Back Tournament Key Dates
June 24: Teams begin arriving in Florida
July 8:MLS is Back Tournament group stage begins
July 25-28: Round of 16
July 30- Aug. 1: Quarterfinals
August 5-6: Semifinals
August 11:MLS is Back Tournament Final
Clubs will begin arriving in Florida on June 24 for preseason training. Clubs that can conduct full team training in their markets pursuant to the league’s medical and testing protocols must arrive no later than seven days before their first match.
In response to the draw, FC Dallas Head Coach Luchi Gonzalez said, “Seattle is the current MLS Cup champions and we were very disappointed to lose to them in the playoffs last year, so this is a great opportunity for us to play against a good opponent.”
“It is an exciting event. I am sure it will be an emotional one as well. This is a new trophy,” said Gonzalez.
“All positive — and we are focused on Game 1 and what we can control. Our mentality on the field.”
Luchi Gonzalez, Head Coach FC Dallas
Similar to a FIFA World Cup format, matches will be featured for 16 consecutive days from July 8-24 with games played at 8 AM, 7 PM and 9:30 PM CT. The top two teams from each group along with the best third-place finishers will move on to the knockout stage that includes a Round of 16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals and the Championship match. Any match that is tied at the end of regulation during the knockout phase will proceed directly to a penalty kick shootout.
The group stage matches will count towards the 2020 MLS regular season standings with the winner of the MLS is Back Tournament earning a 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League berth. Players will also have the opportunity to earn additional bonuses as part of a $1.1 million prize pool.
