MLS Extends Postponement of Matches
On Thursday, Mar. 19 MLS announced that it would be extending the postponement of its matches in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance to cancel all mass gatherings of 50 or more people for the next eight weeks.
The league plans to return on May 10 and complete the full 2020 season schedule.
The full statement can be viewed here.
This announcement came a week after MLS postponed matches for 30 days in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. With this most recent announcement, teams would have to reschedule about nine to 10 matches once they return to action. As for the Union, they would have to reschedule 10 matches due to the postponement. The Boys in Blue played their last game on Sunday, Mar. 8 as they tied LAFC 3-3 in an exciting nationally broadcasted matchup.
Philadelphia was scheduled to play seven of those matches on their home turf at Subaru Park but will have to wait to play in front of their faithful. Three of the 10 matches were to be played against inter-conference opponents including San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy, and Portland Timbers. The league may wipe away inter-conference matches in regards to this two-month postponement of games.
If the season were to resume on May 10, the Union’s first match would be against the expansion side Nashville SC on the road on Wednesday, May 13. But due to the players’ disdain for weeknight matches, MLS may take that into account and move those games to weekends or completely cancel them. If that were to happen, in their first game back Philly would take on Sporting Kansas City at home on Saturday, May 16.
The postponement may also force the cancellation of tournaments such as the Leagues Cup and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Friendly matches could also be wiped out due to the fact that the teams will have a lot of regular-season games to make up. It will certainly be interesting to see if each team will be capable of completing the 34-game regular season campaign.
MLS also extended its team training moratorium through and including March 27.
“During this time, MLS players are expected to remain in each club’s respective market and have been advised to exercise safe social distancing measures. At this time, team training facilities may only be accessed for physical therapy purposes at the direction of club medical staff to ensure adherence to safety protocols.”
All in all, fans of their favorite MLS teams will have to wait sometime before they are able to see them take the field again. Here’s hoping that any injured Union players recover from their injuries and are able to return to full strength once the season resumes. I would like to extend my thoughts and prayers to anyone who is suffering from the Coronavirus and wish that those people are able to make a full recovery in the coming weeks. Stay safe everyone, and be sure to follow the guidelines posted by the CDC.
Featured Image: mlssoccer.com
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