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Sporting Kansas City will launch the Sporting Community Kitchen next week, providing 1,000 hot meals each day through a partnership with City Foods & Events and Operation BBQ Relief.

On Monday, the kitchen will begin distributing 250 four-pack meal kits each work day to families and people who are unable to work due to the coronavirus pandemic. Locals can sign up through online registration, then pick up the meals at the curb of Children’s Mercy Park.

The meals will consist of a barbecue entree, two sides and bread for four people prepared by Plowboys Barbeque, an American Royal champion based out of Blue Springs, Mo. 

Daily registration will open at 8 a.m. CT and stay open until all 250 slots are filled. Families and individuals who sign up can pick up their meal outside the Budweiser Brew House at Children’s Mercy Park from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on their assigned day. 

Heath says sports will bring communities together after coronavirus

Former Orlando City coach Adrian Heath weathered plenty of adversity during his nearly seven years as the Lions’ manager, including the shooting that killed 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in the final month of his tenure.

In a conversation with Orlando Sentinel columnist Mike Bianchi, Heath compared that tragedy to the current challenges faced by the Orlando and greater U.S. community due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heath said he believes sport will be able to unify many communities, including that of Orlando.

“When this is all over, I think we’re going to see a tremendous amount of people rallying together,” Heath said. “One thing that this has shown me is how much I love my job and how much I miss sports… We’re all waiting for the day that we can get back to normalcy, and when that happens, I think sports is one of the things that will bring everybody together again.”

Read the full column here.

Column: Ask club owners to save staff from furlough

One of the main storylines for clubs and leagues throughout the global shutdown of sports has been the question of how to support employees. From stadium workers who are contracted for game days to club personnel, many teams have chosen to furlough or otherwise suspend payment to these employees.

The Premier League clubs have faced major backlash from their supporters after failing to pay staff during the halt in play. Many athletes have stepped up to donate funds to these workers.

Pro Soccer USA writer Pardeep Cattry argues the expectation for supporting these workers should fall to the owners of individual clubs, rather than the generosity of players. 

Read the full commentary here.

Throwback: New England rookie Zack Schilawski breaks record with 11-minute hat trick

Only three rookies have ever recorded a hat trick in New England Revolution history, and none have done it with quite the same style as Zack Schilawski in 2010 — three goals in 11 minutes in his home town.

Pro Soccer USA writer Julian Cardillo took a look back at a key date in Revs history when Schilawski netted three second half goals for a 4-1 win over Toronto FC in the team’s home opener.

Read the full article here.

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Edinson Cavani has a lot of options regarding his potential destination when the transfer window opens, according to his mother. The 33-year-old signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli back in 2013, and between then and now he has scored 200 goals in 301 appearances in all competitions for the French champions. However, this season he […]

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USWNT and OL Reign star Megan Rapinoe is hosting a documentary series called “Prodigy” on the new short form video streaming service Quibi.

The eight-episode series focuses on the lives of talented young athletes and the strength they drew from their families to succeed. The first three episodes feature basketball phenom Jalen Green, Olympic gold medal-winning snowboarder “Red” Gerard and five-time national champion boxer Chantel Navarro. 

“I love watching sports, but it’s always the stories behind it,” Rapinoe said in an interview with People Magazine. “At the Olympics, I remember as a kid always watching every single backstory about all the athletes, then getting to watch the athlete you’re just so much more invested.”

Former Canadian keeper Karina LeBlanc separated from newborn after possible coronavirus exposure

Longtime Canadian women’s soccer goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc shared an emotional story of pregnancy in the midst of coronavirus on social media during the weekend. LeBlanc — who is the current head of women’s soccer for Concacaf — gave birth to her first daughter, Paris, on March 24.

After returning home, she began to face shortness of breath due to a pre-existing heart condition and when she returned to the hospital, LeBlanc said she was possibly exposed to the COVID-19 virus. 

Due to this exposure, LeBlanc is currently self-quarantined in her own home, unable to make physical contact with her husband or her daughter.

“I can’t hold her, touch her, put her down for bed at night which is really difficult for a mom who has just given birth,” LeBlanc said.

LeBlanc received an outpouring of support from the soccer community on social media, and said this is helping her stay positive as she faces 10 more days of the self-quarantine.

Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts.
You are all giving us strength during this time.

“Walk by faith and not by sight”#10moredays#HaveToKeepBloodPressureDown#TryingToStayPositiveandStrong pic.twitter.com/ZVLzxTdtxI

— Karina LeBlanc (@karinaleblanc) April 6, 2020

Announcer Phil Schoen looks back on first MLS match

Monday marked the 25-year anniversary of the first MLS match between the San Jose Clash (now the San Jose Earthquakes) and D.C. United, and no one had the same vantage point as announcer Phil Schoen of the day.

Pro Soccer USA reporter Julian Cardillo took a look back at that day with Schoen, who recalled his favorite memories of the 1-0 San Jose victory, including the phone call inviting him to call the game and Eric Wynalda’s thrilling last-minute goal.

He also shared the importance of PBS in building up a television audience for soccer in the U.S. for both commentators and viewers before the start of MLS.

“I think it was ethereal in a sense, like it wasn’t really happening,” Schoen said. “When I showed up to the stadium, I felt great anticipation and excitement. I think all the fans did. There was this excitement of finally having a soccer league again.”

Read Schoen’s full recollection of the game here.

Orlando Pride conditioning coach finds creative ways to keep team mentally, physically healthy

With the NWSL training moratorium extended for another month, Orlando Pride strength and conditioning coach Ivi Casagrande is utilizing technology to find new ways to challenge her players through at-home workouts.

From GPS tracking units to group workouts over Zoom, Casagrande said she’s just as focused on maintaining her team’s emotional health as she is on their physical fitness throughout the league suspension.

“It goes beyond assigning them workouts,” Casagrande said. “It’s about controlling the things we can control. It’s about giving them these things in the middle of that chaos, that’s what these players need.”

Read the full story here.

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Major League Soccer extended its training moratorium for an additional week through Friday, April 24. During this time, players are restricted from using club training facilities unless they require medical treatment or rehabilitation that can’t be performed safely from home.

During this time, players are also expected to remain within their team’s market. Some players have been granted individual requests to travel via car, but the trips are at the discretion of the league.

The MLS season is currently slated to resume on May 10, with an eight-week suspension announced two weeks ago to comply with CDC guidelines that called for the cancellation or postponement of all gatherings of more than 50 people. That number has since been reduced to 10 people, with The 39 states issuing stay-at-home orders across the U.S. 

Last week, MLS commissioner Don Garber said the league still hopes to play every game of the season, with the expectation of pushing back the MLS Cup into late December.

“Once we are comfortable that we can get our players with three to four weeks of training, and that we have the guidance that we can get crowds back into our stadiums, then we will then begin the relaunch of our season,” Garber said. “Our intent is to play as many games as we possibly can.”

The league continues to coordinate its decisions with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the Public Health Agency of Canada.

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Major League Soccer has launched a new MLS Unites initiative, showcasing all the league’s efforts in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The league released a video featuring teams and players throughout MLS offering support to fans and thanking doctors and other health workers who are helping fight the spread of COVID-19.

MLS also launched a new page on its website to host information about MLS Unites, including educational tools and its clubs’ community support efforts.

It’s time to rally and inspire. #MLSUnites pic.twitter.com/QFA1TFrN3R

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 30, 2020

MLS Unites will focus on three areas — education, entertainment and community involvement. The league will continue to promote health and safety messages with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and other public health officials. With MLS play suspended through May, the platform will also offer content from around the league to entertain fans.

MLS also plans to showcase “community heroes” from each team’s market, highlighting a different hero each week. 

“Bringing together our Major League Soccer community, all while staying apart, is the spirit of MLS Unites,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said. “During this challenging moment in history, I know we can count on the MLS family to come together when we need each other most. Together with our fans, players, teams and partners, we will shine a light on what can be done, and on the heroes leading the way.”

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Every day MLS, the NWSL and the USL are suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pro Soccer USA will provide the latest news and updates, examples of what the soccer community is doing to pass time and some recommendations for readers to keep busy while hunkering down at home.

The Latest

Major League Soccer extended its league-wide training moratorium an additional week through Friday, April 3. Under this moratorium, team training facilities are expected to remain closed and players are expected to remain in their market and not train in groups.

The MLS season is currently slated to resume in less than seven weeks, with a target return date of May 10. This extended suspension was announced last week in accordance with CDC guidelines that called for the cancellation or postponement of all large group gatherings of 50 people or more during the ensuing eight weeks.

On Tuesday morning, MLS commissioner Don Garber emphasized that the league still hopes to play every game of the season and is currently brainstorming solutions to make this possible.

“Once we are comfortable that we can get our players with three to four weeks of training, and that we have the guidance that we can get crowds back into our stadiums, then we will then begin the relaunch of our season,” Garber said. “Our intent is to play as many games as we possibly can.”

U.S. Soccer president prioritizes settling with USWNT

In her first-ever press conference in her new role yesterday, U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said the top priority for the federation is to reach a settlement in its equal pay lawsuit with the U.S. women’s national team before the case goes to trial.

Parlow Cone doubled down on her dismissal of the sexist language used by U.S. Soccer lawyers that caused the resignation of former president Carlos Cordeiro and her assumption of the role. Claiming a “fundamental error” in the federation’s internal process, Parlow Cone said U.S. Soccer is investigating the issue while seeking settlement to begin the process of rebuilding players’ and fans’ trust of the federation.

However, she continued to support the U.S. Soccer defense that the men’s and women’s national teams perform different jobs, claiming the pay disparity came from separate collective bargaining agreements, not gender-based discrimination.

USWNT spokeswoman Molly Levinson fired back a firm response to Parlow Cone’s comments: “The solution here is clear, simple and unequivocal. Equal. Pay.”

Liga MX president tests positive for coronavirus

Liga MX president Enrique Bonilla tested positive for COVID-19 last week. In an interview with Adrenalina, Bonilla said he woke up with a sore throat several days after returning from a FIFA meeting in Zurich. He self-quarantined at home until he received the positive result and will remain home for the recommended 14 days.

Liga MX president Enrique Bonilla tested positive for #coronavirus last Friday. He spoke last night to @adrenalina about how he believes he contracted COVID-19, why he got tested and the conclusion of the 2020 Clausura.

Quotes in the photo below #ligamxeng pic.twitter.com/wAOXQtg6z7

— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) March 24, 2020

The Liga MX season is currently suspended, and the league has not set a date for its return. Teams will undergo a “mini-preseason” before returning to action, and each team is expected to report on the health of individual players during the suspension. In the meantime, the league is creating the “E-Liga” to support online game play between the 18 clubs in Liga MX to fill the time until play can resume.

Inter Miami changes logo to support social distancing

Inter Miami will sport a new graphic in the coming weeks as the team made a slight change to the logo to support social distancing practices. The design pushed the two birds on the team’s crest apart, creating space between them.

The team shared the new logo on social media on Monday, calling for fans to “stay home, be smart and practice social distancing.”

We miss you and we want to see you 𝘀𝗼𝗼𝗻. For that to happen we all need to stay home, be smart and practice 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴.

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) March 23, 2020

The post Life without soccer: MLS extends training moratorium one week appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

Every day MLS, the NWSL and the USL are suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, Pro Soccer USA will provide the latest news and updates, examples of what the soccer community is doing to pass time and some recommendations for readers to keep busy while hunkering down at home.

The Latest

In accordance with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommended mass gatherings of 50 or more people be postponed for eight weeks, Major League Soccer extended the suspension of its season.

MLS, which initially suspended the season for 30 days, has a new target return date of May 10.

In a statement Thursday, the league said it is still committed to playing a full 34-game season and is examining the possibility of MLS Cup being played in December.

“MLS remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season,” the statement read. “The league is also identifying other available dates. Throughout the process, MLS will continue to prioritize the safety of our fans, players, employees and partners and to coordinate with federal and local public health authorities as well as other sporting organizations.”

The announcement comes a day after the USL Championship and League One was postponed through at least May 10.

Concacaf, which had already postponed the Champions League and the Men’s Olympic Qualifiers for 30 days, has also delayed the Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship from April 18 to May 3 in Toluca, Mexico.

The confederation also moved the Concacaf Futsal Championship in Guatemala from May 1 to May 10.

“Both competitions require significant international travel for a number of our member associations and their teams and we have made this decision with their welfare in mind,” Concacaf said in a statement.

New York City FC became the second MLS team to have a staff member test positive for coronavirus. A member of the club’s sporting department is feeling well after displaying mild symptoms and is observing appropriate isolation protocols, according to a club statement.

“I would like to sincerely thank all those who have offered the club medical advice and support throughout this process. As a club, we are closely following all advice and taking all possible preventative measures,” NYCFC CEO Brad Sims said. “Thankfully, I am pleased to say that the individual affected is at home and is feeling better after only a short illness.”

Because NYCFC played Tigres UANL in a Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal game at Red Bull Arena, the New York Red Bulls consulted club medical officials since some staff members worked the game.

“In consultation with club medical officials, it has been determined that our staff working the match were at low risk for exposure, given the limited interaction with NYCFC personnel and the time between the match and beginning of symptoms,” the statement read. “We will continue to monitor and take all necessary precautions.”

A 34-year-old LAFC season ticket-holder died Thursday morning after a battle with pneumonia caused by COVID-19. Jeffrey Ghazarian was a Los Angeles FC season ticket-holder,  the club confirmed Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of LAFC Member Jeff Ghazarian,” LAFC said in a post with a photo of him at a fan event. “Our thoughts are with his family and all those affected during this difficult time.”

We are deeply saddened by the loss of LAFC Member Jeff Ghazarian.

Our thoughts are with his family and all those affected during this difficult time. #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/eWDnFxXEuO

— LAFC (@LAFC) March 20, 2020

Ghazarian reportedly developed a cough after a visit to Disney World and Universal Studios, and was hospitalized when he developed a high fever. He tested positive for COVID-19 and scans showed his lungs were as much as 70% blocked by pneumonia. Both theme parks have since temporarily shut down due to the coronavirus.

Although most soccer professionals in North America have acted responsibility, heeding warnings about mass gatherings and social distancing, not all millennials have gotten the message, apparently.

Bars and beaches during spring break in Florida remain crowded despite the worldwide pandemic. Sky Blue FC and USWNT midfielder Midge Purce, a 24-year-old Harvard graduate doesn’t understand and took to Twitter to pen what she called “a message to my generation.”

COVID19-A message to my generation:

— Margaret "Midge" Purce (@100Purcent) March 19, 2020

FC Dallas outside back Reggie Cannon was hoping for a transfer in the summer transfer window, but the 21-year-old, who has emerged as a USMNT regular, believes the coronavirus pandemic may sidetrack those plans.

“Yeah, it’s obviously a concern,” Cannon told reporters on a conference call Thursday. “Being transparent, I want to be present in my situation and give Dallas my 100 percent for however long I’m here. But the goal was to be transferred in the summer, and obviously teams are in a scramble right now because it’s a tough time for transfers at the moment. Now the most important thing is safety and health.”

Meanwhile at Colorado, Pro Soccer USA’s Marco Cummings reports Rapids coach Robin Fraser said the league’s suspension hasn’t halted a battle for the club’s No. 1 goalkeeping job between Clint Irwin and William Yarbrough, who joined the club on loan earlier this month.

“I think right now Clint has been good and solid and offers the maturity, composure and obviously good goalkeeping ability. He has been the number one to this point,” Fraser said. “I do think bringing in Will just opens up the competition.”

The Canadian MLS teams offered TSN a glimpse into what it’s been like at their clubs during the suspension of play.

In Montreal, Impact president and CEO Kevin Gilmore said its important for his club to set an example for the Impact fans.

With @MLS on hold, @impactmontreal President & CEO @kgilmore88 updates us on what's happening at the club while they wait for play to resume #IMFC pic.twitter.com/3pz6VHrZzo

— TSN Soccer (@TSNSoccer) March 19, 2020

“We know that we have an influence on people,” he said. “Fans have a passionate and emotional connection with teams and clubs and leagues and players, and if we can use that connection to send a message to stay home and follow the precautions and guidelines of the public health authorities — if we can do that — we will do our best to pass that message along.”

Toronto FC president Bill Manning said although there’s a pause in games and a training moratorium that extends through Friday, it doesn’t mean the players aren’t staying fit and as sharp as possible.

What are @TorontoFC doing to keep their players ready to play during this break? Club President Bill Manning fills us in and provides some updates on Michael Bradley and Pablo Piatti #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/KAxB8g1fB2

— TSN Soccer (@TSNSoccer) March 19, 2020

“We’re trying to stay in steady communication,” Manning said. “We set up home workout programs for all our players, we’re actually looking into having our chef prepare meals that we can deliver to our players. Every day, every other day [we send] an email just making sure they’re aware of what’s going on and anything new that’s coming from the league. And just trying to make sure the guys take every precautionary measure they can, they stay at home and are safe and doing their part to make sure that we don’t spread this.”

In Vancouver, Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said the business of soccer still continues and his “phone’s not stopping” with his vast European connections.

What is happening with @WhitecapsFC during this break? Their leadership team joins @LukeWileman to provide an update #VWFC pic.twitter.com/F0gUL98mvT

— TSN Soccer (@TSNSoccer) March 19, 2020

“You have to be creative,” he said. “Now is not the time to discuss in the wrong way, everybody has to be open to give up on some things and I think that shows now. And that’s a good thing, that football is united all over the world, that anybody is open to help everybody and to find the right solutions to come back to the game at the right time and to give back the joy to the people to be in the stadium, to follow our game.”

Around Town

Austin FC co-owner Matthew McConaughey took to Twitter to offer an inspirational message about dealing with the COVID-19 crisis. And if you stick around until the end, you just might catch a quote from his classic film “Dazed and Confused.”

because every red light eventually turns green pic.twitter.com/x05GuITW4J

— Matthew McConaughey (@McConaughey) March 17, 2020

MLS clubs continue to give back to their affected communities during the league’s hiatus.

The RSL Foundation is donating food originally intended for Real Salt Lake matches, as well as $5,000, for a total of $38,300 to Utah Food Bank

“In this difficult time that everyone is facing, we wanted to take the opportunity to help those in need,” RSL foundation executive director Mary Van Minde said in a statement. “In delivering food that may have gone to waste to the Utah Food Bank, the RSL Foundation aims not only to help people affected by the pandemic, but also create awareness for a giving opportunity right here in our community.”

FC Dallas partnered with Toyota to provide meals, originally intended for upcoming matches at Toyota Stadium, for local volunteers who have been feeding needy middle school students meals since the outbreak.

“We’re proud to work with Legends Hospitality and the food and beverage team at Toyota Stadium to provide these meals to the volunteers who are tirelessly working to ensure that FISD students do not go hungry during this unprecedented time,” FC Dallas foundation manager Brooke Leverette said in a statement.

Pictures and videos of animals help provide a sense of calm during these troubled times. Yesterday, we saw San Jose Earthquakes coach Matias Almeyda with his Yorkie.

Well, how about a soccer-playing horse?

Need a football fix? Our equine premier league is kicking off! Today's practice: working on sending it and bending it @MenInBlazers pic.twitter.com/imaRtwqAEk

— Melissa Merrick (@M_J_Merrick) March 19, 2020

Keeping Busy

What to watch has been a big theme during the break from soccer here and across the world.

With that in mind, some New York Red Bulls players provided their Netflix and chill favorites.

With everyone at home, we asked our guys what they're streaming on @netflix?

What are you watching? // THREAD

— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) March 19, 2020

“The English Game,” a new Netflix series about the birth and growth of the game worldwide from the creator of Downton Abbey, debuts Friday.

Also on Friday, FS1 is showing a replay of the 2019 Women’s World Cup final between the United States and Netherlands at 8 p.m. ET.

No spoilers.

The back-to-back champs come to FS1 on back-to-back nights

Relive the action and excitement of the 2015 and 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals Thursday and Friday on FS1 pic.twitter.com/xn3TdZ1u9o

— FOX Sports PR (@FOXSportsPR) March 19, 2020

The post Life Without Soccer: News and Updates for Friday, March 20 appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – With the Major League Soccer season at a standstill until at least May 10, Colorado Rapids coach Robin Fraser is making one main ask of his players: be ready.

“We’ve been talking and trying to maintain our fitness and I think, regardless, we will have to do things to maintain fitness,” Fraser explained to reporters via conference call on Thursday. “The first step has just been keeping guys in frame of mind where they need to stay fit.”

Nonetheless, Fraser took time to be thoughtful about the severity and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, with soccer just being one of the many facets of day to day life that the virus has impacted. Fraser has said the league’s suspension “makes perfect sense” and he has been supportive of it.

“Obviously, this whole thing is way bigger than soccer,” he said. “And we understand obviously are taking every precaution possible to be safe and keep our families safe. But at the same time, it’s a difficult time for the world. For us to look at this as something positive for us individually can be extremely short sighted.”

When players do return from the break from play however, Fraser emphasized that every position on the field will be up for grabs, including goalkeeper.

“Every job is up for grabs every week,” Fraser explained. “That type of competition is what ultimately is going to drive you.”

Clint Irwin backstopped Colorado in its two wins to open the season, but the Rapids gave up a second half goal in each fixture, meaning there could be an opening for William Yarbrough, who joined the Rapids on loan earlier this month.

The pair, both 30 years old, competed in goalkeeper drills prior to the league suspension, but nothing seemed to clearly separate the two during open practice sessions.

Conversely, Irwin is no stranger to goalkeeping competitions.

The Rapids’ incumbent starter beat out MLS Cup winner Matt Pickens and Steward Ceus to win the Rapids starting job originally in 2013.  A season later, he survived a goalkeeping carousel with Joe Nasco and John Berner before returning as the regular No. 1. In Toronto, he platooned with Alex Bono before eventually losing the starting job due to injury.

Last season, Irwin returned to Colorado, posting a record of 4-4-2 in 11 appearances (nine starts) in relief of an injured Tim Howard.

“I think right now Clint has been good and solid and offers the maturity, composure and obviously good goalkeeping ability. He has been the number one to this point,” Fraser said. “I do think bringing in Will just opens up the competition.”

Yarbrough brings an arguably more accomplished career resume, having competed with the U.S. National Team and in Liga MX, where he won titles with Leon – the club he is currently on loan from.

“I think my biggest ability is my mental toughness,” Yarbrough said during his first week of training in Colorado. “And my ability to read the game. Being able to read the game and understand what a player can do to score.”

Mental toughness is another quality which Fraser alluded to as important as each ‘keeper battles for the chance to start when play resumes.

“It’s a tough job to be a goalkeeper,” Fraser said.  “You come in and you know that if you get the opportunity and you do really well then you probably have the ability to keep it for a while. They understand that’s how it works. I think there’s no goalkeeper next level that doesn’t understand that.”

The Rapids’ starting goalkeeper could be whoever returns to training the most fit, regardless of when that actually happens. For now, the competition continues, albeit with home workouts.

“I think there’s constant competition everywhere,” said Fraser. “I think that’s real, real necessary factor. For all the years that I’ve played, and I know there’s nothing that gets that little extra bit out of you like competition.”

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Major League Soccer extended the temporary suspension of its season to May 10, is still committed to playing a full season and is examining the possibility of holding MLS Cup in December. 

The hiatus extension comes after the Center for Disease Control and Prevention outlined new guidelines earlier this week on limiting mass gatherings of more than 50 people to eight weeks in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The original suspension was supposed to last until at least April 11. 

Every game that was supposed to occur before the suspension is expected to be rescheduled. MLS was in its third match week when the decision was made to halt the season. 

“In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance to postpone events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks, Major League Soccer has extended the postponement of its matches during this period of the time,” the league said in a statement. “MLS remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season.

“The league is also identifying other available dates. Throughout the process, MLS will continue to prioritize the safety of our fans, players, employees and partners and to coordinate with federal and local public health authorities as well as other sporting organizations.”

Major League Soccer Statement on CDC Recommendation pic.twitter.com/XRXGfUEtz0

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 19, 2020

MLS joins other leagues around the U.S. and around the world who have decided to extend their temporary suspensions of seasons. The USL announced on Wednesday it was extended its suspension of the USL Championship and USL League One through at least May 10. 

In previous seasons, the MLS Cup was played in December, but it changed last season when the league moved it up to November, ahead of the FIFA window to avoid a break in the playoff schedule. 

That was the plan again this year with the start of the season moved up to the beginning of February as two new expansions clubs, Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF, joined the league. 

COVID-19, the name of the disease, has changed things dramatically for MLS, which is in its 25th season. 

MLS commissioner Don Garber released a letter Sunday urging fans to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and be patient as the league deals with the outbreak. He encouraged fans to continue to support the league during the original 30-day hiatus that was set forth by the league. 

“During this rapidly changing time, we will take every necessary precaution, and I ask you to do the same,” Garber stated in his letter. “This moment in our history transcends sport. It is a time for all of us to come together and take care of each other. Your support has always meant everything to us, but never more so than now.”

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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids started the 2020 MLS campaign hot, earning six points from the opening two matches against D.C. United and Orlando City SC. But like the rest of MLS, their campaign came to a standstill following the league’s decision to suspend play due to COVID-19.

Rapids coach Robin Fraser reacted to the situation midweek, speaking with the Moser, Lombardi and Kane Show on Altitude Radio.

“My first reaction was: What?” Fraser said. “It really took a while for it to sink in. After the NBA suspended their season, I knew it was coming, though. At the end of the day, it makes perfect sense. As disappointed as we are to have the season be suspended, it’s obviously not a question that it had to be done. It was the right decision.”

In line with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations for containment of the COVID-19 virus, MLS has also instituted a training moratorium. 

“For us and for the league, as you can imagine, every step has been based on what has happened around the country and what CDC is saying,” Fraser explained. “The league is updating us. The players are sitting and waiting, but our sports science department is working with them on their individual programs and things they can and have to do on their own to stay as ready as possible.”

Fraser also explained all players are in-market until further notice. Colorado has seven international players on its roster.

“It’s such a difficult and strange time,” Fraser said. “For the time being it’s stay here, do what you can to stay fit and wait to see what comes next for us.”

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new guideline Sunday suggesting mass gatherings of more than 50 people be restricted for an eight-week period, which would likely extend the suspension of all sports leagues.

The goal of the mandate is to slow the spread of the coronavirus pandemic by limiting the amount of large events that could spur mass transmission. Restricting these types of events can also reduce the introduction of the coronavirus into new communities.

The CDC listed sporting events as a form of mass gatherings that should avoided and suggested the cancellation or postponement of any event consisting of 50 people or more for the next eight weeks. While the guideline is not a government mandate, MLS, NWSL and USL have all followed previous CDC guidelines closely, including suggestions to self-quarantine players who have traveled from outside of the country.

MLS originally suspended all matches for 30 days and paused training through Friday this week.

The NWSL canceled all preseason matches and restricted training through March 22.

Both leagues issued statements the past week expressing their willingness to adhere to the suggestions of the CDC and other government health officials.

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MLS commissioner Don Garber released a letter Sunday urging fans to practice patience and caution amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The commissioner encouraged fans to continue their support of the league throughout its 30-day hiatus.

“During this rapidly changing time, we will take every necessary precaution, and I ask you to do the same,” Garber said. “This moment in our history transcends sport. It is a time for all of us to come together and take care of each other. Your support has always meant everything to us, but never more so than now.”

Garber said the league is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Public Health Agency of Canada, along with local public health authorities, to create a plan for the coming weeks. Every game set to take place during the suspension period is expected to be rescheduled, and Garber said all previously purchased tickets for those games will be honored on the new dates.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a similar letter to fans last week, promising the NBA would eventually resume play. The league was the first to shut down after a player tested positive for the coronavirus. To date, three NBA players have tested positive.  

Garber’s letter came three days after MLS shut down play to help slow the spread of coronavirus. MLS issued a 30-day suspension of all games on Thursday, a massive step for a league that still heavily depends on game-day revenue to support clubs. The league went on to suspend all training through the weekend to protect the health of players and staff.

Read Garber’s full letter:

A letter from @thesoccerdon regarding COVID-19

https://t.co/u9CDWhXwvB pic.twitter.com/Rzf91LGCUs

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 15, 2020

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