MLS Western Conference FC Dallas has been hit hard by COVID-19, with nine players and one coach being tested positive for the virus. The team arrived to Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando on June 27, and has been under quarantine since, preventing FCD from training and preparing for the MLS is Back Tournament.
FC Dallas Head Coach, Luchi Gonzalez told ESPN: “It’s been tough, I can’t sugarcoat it, but I don’t have time to feel sorry me or ourselves.”
Gonzalez added that he does appreciate all that his club, and Major League Soccer are doing and how they are handling things amid the positive coronavirus cases in his team. “I’m lucky to have owners that really support us as human beings, not just as players and coaches.” He added.
When asked about how he thinks that things should be handled amid the concerns for health and safety, Gonzalez said that for now his objective is still to play and compete in the tournament, but that player safety still comes first. “Right now it’s about getting the guys healthy, feeling safe, so that we can be strong for the long term,” he said.
Vancouver Whitecaps, who were scheduled to face FC Dallas on both teams’ first match as part of Group B of the MLS is Back Tournament also saw their arrival to Orlando being postponed due to inconclusive COVID-19 testing, however results did come back negative and the Whitecaps are now planned to arrive to Orlando later today (Monday).
The match between the two sides was originally scheduled to Matchday 2, July 9 but the MLS has postponed the game and said in a statement: “The later match will allow both teams additional training days in Orlando in advance of their first match.” Both teams are now expected to play their first match on July 15, with FC Dallas facing Seattle Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps will take upon San Jose Earthquakes.
More teams that have been affected by COVID-19 are Colorado Rapids that have delayed their arrival to Florida after two positive test results, and will arrive to Orlando on Tuesday July 7, and Nashville SC that saw five of its players test positive for coronavirus.
The MLS is Back Tournament is scheduled to open on Wednesday, July 8 in Disney’s ESPN complex in Orlando, Florida. All 26 MLS teams will compete in a World-Cup style format tournament starting with Group Stages, moving onto Round of 16 and finished by a Finals Series. All players and staff will stay in nearby hotels for the duration of the tournament and no fans will be attending games.
