CHICAGO, IL–MLS is Back…..to playing regular season games soon. On Saturday, the league announced Phase 1 of a revamped regular season that was disrupted due to the coronavirus.
Like with the MLS is Back Tournament, the continuation of the season will feature comprehensive health and safety protocols, including regular testing of players, coaches and essential staff for COVID-19.
The revised schedule will see each team will play an additional 18 regular-season games, in a phased approach. The first phase will consist of most teams playing six matches against regional opponents through September 14th. The exceptions to this are FC Dallas and Nashville SC, who will play an additional three games to make up for those missed after they were withdrawn from the MLS is Back Tournament. Two of the matches will be played on August 12th and August 16th with the third to be announced at a later date.
Due to travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada, Major League Soccer is working with the league’s three Canadian clubs regarding plans to continue the regular season. More details on schedules for the Canadian teams will be announced in the near future.
The regular season will culminate on Decision Day on Nov. 8, and the league aims to release the remainder of the schedule in early September.
As far as Fire FC are concerned, their 22nd season will resume on Thursday, August 20th at MAPFRE Stadium against Columbus Crew SC and then the belated home opener at Soldier Field on Tuesday, August 25th against FC Cincinnati. All six matches are kickoff at 6:30pm CT and will air on WGN-TV and stream on ESPN+. Fans will not be permitted for any of the six matches.
“With health and safety as our focus, our Club has made the decision to play our next three home matches at Soldier Field without fans,” said Chicago Fire FC President Nelson Rodríguez. “The limited number of players, staff and workers who need to be at the stadium on those three days will be provided a safe environment as we continue to focus on their well-being. We invite our fans to watch on WGN and ESPN+ and listen on Univision Radio.”
Below is Chicago Fire FC’s schedule for Phase 1 (all matches at 6:30pm CT on WGN-TV, ESPN+, and WOJO-HD2):
8/20 @ Columbus
8/25 vs. FC Cincinnati
8/29 @ New York City FC
9/01 @ FC Cincinnati
9/06 vs. New England
9/12 vs. Columbus
“To be honest it’s amazing to know that we’re going to be playing more games in this 2020 season,” said Fire defender Jonathan Bornstein. “As professional soccer players, that is exactly what we want to do for our job anad for our livelihoods. I’m excited that we are continuing and I’m sure my teammates feel the same way.”
With the group stage matches of the MLS Is Back Tournament counting towards the regular season table, the Fire currently stand at 1-3-1 and 11th place in the Eastern Conference. The top seven in each conference advance to the MLS Playoffs.
