They may not be the only club with COVID-19 issues.
The MLS is Back Tournament suffered a setback after it was announced on Monday that FC Dallas has been forced to withdraw due to a number of its players and staff testing positive for the coronavirus (COVID-19). Ten players and a staff member have tested positive for the virus with all of them occurring either upon the club’s arrival in Orlando or within a few days prior.
“Given the impact of the number of positive tests on the club’s ability to train and play competitive matches, we have made the decision to withdraw FC Dallas from the MLS is Back Tournament,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a league statement. “The health of everyone involved in our return to play has always been our top priority, and we will continue to make decisions consistent with that priority.”
FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez and club president Dan Hunt released the below statement:
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) July 6, 2020
FCD had been drawn into Group B with Seattle, Vancouver, and San Jose. FCD’s opening match with Vancouver had already been postponed. It is unclear as to what will happen in this group going forward.
They may not be the only ones whose tournament is in peril before it begins. Reports out of Nashville state that Nashville SC have had five positive tests upon their arrival in Orlando. The club has declined to comment. Nashville are due to open the tournament on Wednesday against Chicago Fire FC.
LAFC, LA Galaxy, and Vancouver were due to arrive on Monday and Colorado on Tuesday. It is unknown when Toronto FC will arrive after a member of its staff reported symptoms to the club medical staff.
