Portland is in Group F
The Portland Timbers were drawn into Group F for the MLS is Back Tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida beginning July 8. The tournament schedule, including specific matchup dates and full broadcast details, will be announced at a later date.
The Timbers will square off against Los Angeles FC, the top seed in Group F, the LA Galaxy and the Houston Dynamo in the group stage of the tournament. Portland enters the tournament with a 1-1-0 record during the 2020 campaign.
Each team will play three group stage matches, and those results will count in the 2020 MLS regular season standings. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout rounds, as well as the next two best teams overall.
Group stage play will begin July 8 with the tournament opener between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF, the league announced today. The Round of 16 will run from July 25-28, followed by the Quarterfinals (July 30 – Aug. 1), Semifinals (Aug. 5-6) and Championship on Aug. 11. Click here for the MLS is Back Tournament Competition Guidelines.
The tournament, which will be played without fans in attendance, provides a compelling way for MLS to resume its 25th season. Group stage matches will count in the MLS regular season standings and the tournament winner will earn a spot in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League.
In addition to matches that count in the regular season standings and the Champions League berth, players will have the opportunity to earn additional bonuses as part of a $1.1 million prize pool.
What’s at Stake?
- Regular Season points: Each of the 39 group-stage games will count for points toward the 2020 regular-season standings.
- Concacaf Champions League spot: In a one-time change to MLS berths to the annual Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, the MLS is Back Tournament winner will earn a spot in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, regardless of whether it is a U.S. or Canadian club. This berth replaces the one traditionally awarded to the regular-season conference leader that did not win the Supporters’ Shield.
- Prize Money: In addition to matches that count in the regular-season standings and competing for bragging rights, the MLS is Back Tournament will give players the opportunity to earn additional bonuses as part of a $1.1 million prize pool.
Source: Release
