“MLS is a return tournament” is being introduced despite concerns about the coronavirus

MLS paused

In the normal world, FC Dallas would be almost halfway through its season at the moment, and players would look forward to a All-Star break in late July. But of course, we’ve come a long way since February when MLS started season 25.

Before we can enter the present; we should remember how the season goes.

Meanwhile, Nashville SC debutants started a lot of fans, but they could only watch as local rival Atlanta United ruined the game with a 2-1 victory. And on the first day of March in Los Angeles, David Beckham watched his Inter Miami team make its MLS debut, with a slightly smaller 1-0 loss to Los Angeles FC.

How does it work

With the exception of FC Dallas, the other 25 teams will meet in a cup-style competition, with a group stage and then knockout games.

The results of the group stage are calculated in the table for the regular season, which MLS hopes will continue after the end of the tournament.

The finals will be held on August 11 and step into the first place of the Eastern and Western teams.

The tournament winner will have an automatic berth in the CONCACAF 2021 Champions League, a regional club tournament across America and the Caribbean.

Added wrestling in the tournament includes a full video preview available for the referees and five substitutions, as opposed to the usual three.

In line with almost all football leagues around the world that have continued, due to health problems, fans will not be allowed inside the venue.

Inside the “bubbles”

All 25 teams will be staying at Disney Swan and Dolphin Resort and playing their games at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando. MLS has created a series of security protocols to try to avoid coronavirus outbreaks among teams. These measures include regular testing, social distancing, and the use of face masks.

“I think the guys understand why the protocols are there and it’s really important that we stick to them,” said Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Luis Robles. “It’s not just one person; it’s the whole community, so we have to be sure.”

Players will be quarantined at their hotel at all times, and for some players this means being away from their families much longer than they are used to.

“Being away from your family because of a pandemic is always a big concern for players. I think Major League Soccer has done a good job of making sure their protocols are tight,” Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow, who is the father of two young girls, told CNN Sport.

“Having said that, this virus is very unpredictable, so we will ask all of us to strictly adhere to the protocol and do our best to ensure that this tournament is launched in a good way.”

Health and safety issues

The MLS players ’union recognized the complex nature of hosting the tournament during the coronavirus pandemic.

“The removal of FC Dallas from the competition in Orlando is a reminder of how difficult the circumstances of returning to work are still in all sports in the midst of this pandemic,” the players ’union said in a statement posted on Twitter.

And Dallas isn’t the only team dealing with positive tests. Statistics provided in the league say that of the 557 players currently in Orlando, 13 players tested positive for coronavirus – including 10 FC Dallas players.

Teams like Toronto FC and Colorado Rapids were late arriving in Orlando, citing recent test results. The Rapids tested two players positively before the planned arrival.

For players and teams that are already in Orlando, most are trying to stay in the mood and hope that everything will be contained, and the tournament can go according to plan.

“We understand it’s not the most ideal situation, but everyone is excited to go out and play again,” said Zarek player Valentina of Houston, Dinamo.

Portland Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese added: “At first it definitely feels a bit weird … it’s a situation where MLS has tried everything they can to organize in the best possible way. I have to be very proud of our guys because I think we feel very safe around us. ”

However, Matt Lampson, Columbus Crew goalkeeper and cancer survivor, feels more insecure about MLS’s return, tweeting “this is serious”.

Cases of coronavirus spreading across the U.S. and Florida, some wonder if the rapid return of the sport is currently the most sensible thing to focus on right now.

“A big part of me wants the sport back,” CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta said in a recent podcast. “This is how I rest. I wish I could rest now and enjoy the game with my family.

“But at the same time, it’s hard to reconcile that with what’s happening in the country and the world … and with what I do every day – going to the hospital, talking to people on TV and staying at home on this podcast, physically distancing myself, wearing a mask, doing everything what can I do to limit the spread of the virus. “

Dr. Gupta added: “As much as I want the sport to come back – and I do – it is also essential that the health of players and staff comes first, especially when cases of infection spread across the country.”