Union Player Tests Positive for COVID-19; What Does It Mean for MLS?
On Wednesday, Apr. 1 the Philadelphia Union released a statement that announced a player had tested positive for COVID-19.
This was the first player in MLS who had tested positive for the contagious virus.
The press release went on to say, “The Union medical staff has been working directly with Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials to treat the player who experienced mild symptoms and is feeling well and in good spirits. The player is observing appropriate isolation protocols.”
The statement further revealed that “No other cases or symptoms within Philadelphia Union soccer operations have been identified at this time. No Philadelphia Union players or technical staff have trained or been at the Power Training Complex facility or Subaru Park since Thursday, March 12.”
The team did not announce which player was suffering from the Coronavirus, but both Union and MLS fans are hoping that the player quickly recovers from the virus and heals accordingly. Everyone at Union Nation will continue to pray for the healing of this player in addition to everyone suffering from COVID-19.
Also on Apr. 1, “MLS announced that they would be cutting the salaries of most of its headquarters employees by as much as 25% due to the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed to ESPN. The extent of the cuts will vary across the organization, with senior executives, including commissioner Don Garber and deputy commissioners Mark Abbott and Gary Stevenson, taking 25% reductions in pay.”
This was a surprising move to many soccer analysts and fans as the league decided to make a tough decision, following in the path of the NBA and their top executives. This is a storyline that we will continue to keep an eye on as more and more days pass without MLS action.
On Friday, Mar. 27 the Union established and funded a Game Day Employee Assistance Fund to financially assist part-time game day staff due to the postponement of the Major League Soccer season. Read about the details of the Union’s decision.
On Apr. 2, Major League Soccer announced that it would be extending the team training moratorium through and including, Friday, Apr. 24.
“MLS training facilities remain closed to all players and staff with the exception of players requiring medical treatment or rehabilitation, under the direction of the team medical staff, that cannot be performed from the safety of their residence.”
This will be something to keep an eye out for as MLS continues to extend the training moratorium in response to the outbreak and global pandemic. It could be something that would put the players at a disadvantage without the ability to practice or strengthen their skills on a daily basis. Luckily the Union have been honing on their skills and keeping up with little drills inside the safety of their own homes. Check out midfielder Jamiro Monteiro perfecting his dribbling skills in a hallway here.
As for everyone out there who are worrisome or anxious about the situation, we will all get through this and come back stronger than ever!
Continue to follow the safety guidelines and remain positive through these tough times.
Featured Image: Skyler Hoffner/Philadelphia Sports Nation
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