MLS is Back Tournament Schedule Update
The pandemic has created unparalleled havoc on soccer at every level of the game. Holding a tournament in the unrelenting and unprecedented days of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has special challenges — none the least is having two entire teams drop out due to players testing positive for the Coronavirus COVID-19.
Here is the latest information on the #MLSisBACK men’s soccer tournament which starts July 8 and runs through August 11 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida — this is the long-awaited return of top tier American professional soccer. The Semifinals are scheduled for August 5th and 6th with the final to be held on August 11th.
Updated: On July 10, Sporting Kansas City‘s player received a pair of consecutive positive test results for COVID-19.
Beginning on June 30, MLS is providing regular testing updates with aggregated COVID-19 testing results for all members of the MLS is Back Tournament delegation staying at the host hotel in Florida. No one expected the results to include so many players testing positive and forces two MLS teams to be dropped from the competition.
On July 9, MLS confirmed that Nashville SC has withdrawn from the competition as nine players on the squad have tested positive for COVID-19.
On July 8, MLS announced that from July 7-8, 1,888 players, coaches, referees, club staff, league staff and other individuals who are part of the MLS is Back Tournament delegation have been tested for COVID-19. Of that group, four individuals tested positive, all coming from two different clubs.
Read: Major League Soccer announces COVID-19 testing update
There have been numerous clubs impacted … and even Columbus Crew SC has reported on July 2 that a first-team player received a positive test result.
However, the #MLSisBACK continues and is entertaining America and soccer lovers around the world with great soccer action.
All 26 teams have now arrived in Orlando and all MLS players have been tested at the host hotel for COVID-19. In addition to MLS required screening protocols, all players are wearing masks to stay safe and minimize the spread of the pandemic … Are you wearing a mask?
Major League Soccer has made daily announcements adjusting the schedule and informing soccer fans of the results of coronavirus tests impacting the MLS is Back Tournament. Unfortunately, Nashville players were hit hard with positive test results right after Dallas dropped out.
Since arriving in Orlando on July 3, five Nashville players have had confirmed positive tests for COVID-19.
Two of the players received the confirmed positive results during the weekend and three players received confirmed positive results last night. In addition, four other players have received inconclusive test results, and require further testing.
And, because of Toronto FC‘s late arrival in Orlando, their match against D.C. United originally scheduled for July 10 will now be played on July 12 at 9 a.m. ET (ESPN2, TSN, TVA Sports ).
Also, the San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC match on July 10 will now be played at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN, TSN, TVA).
Players Testing Positive for Coronavirus COVID-19
In conjunction with the club, MLS will continue to evaluate Nashville SC’s participation in the MLS is Back Tournament following the results of additional testing.
In addition to the five Nashville players, as announced yesterday, 10 FC Dallas players and one player from a third club have also received confirmed positive tests. All players who have tested positive are unidentified.
Testing results from the five clubs that arrived on July 6 will be available later today. For more information on MLS’ extensive testing procedures and their health, safety and medical protocols for Orlando, please CLICK HERE.
SoccerToday applauds the MLS efforts to restart the season and be sensitive to the issues of racial injustice.
“The opportunity to have clubs in a controlled environment enables us to help protect the health of our players, coaches, and staff as we return to play. We also recognize that the death of George Floyd and others has focused our country on issues of racial injustice, inequality, and violence against black men and women. Together with our owners, players, and staff, the League and its Clubs are deeply committed to creating meaningful and impactful programs to address these issues that have plagued our society for far too long.”
— MLS Commissioner Don Garber
Further details regarding when this match will be played will be announced at a later date. For more information about the MLS is Back Tournament, please CLICK HERE.
