The MLS is Back Tournament is just over the horizon, and ESPN brings you everything you need to know about Major League Soccer’s return to action.
Major League Soccer is nearly back, with the aptly named MLS is Back Tournament kicking off July 8 in Florida. After the league suspended play on March 12 amid the coronavirus pandemic, the regular season will resume in a tournament format at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the Walt Disney World Resort, just outside Orlando. (ESPN is owned by The Walt Disney Company.)
All 26 clubs will take part, as the league breaks them up into five groups of four and one group of six. The top two in each group, and the four best third-place finishers, will advance to the round of 16 en route to the final taking place on Aug. 11.
In the group stage, the MLS is Back Tournament works just the same as the regular season. Results from each team’s three matches will count toward the 2020 standings.
Those who advance from their groups will move into the knockout rounds. These matches will not count toward regular-season points totals, but the tournament’s winner will earn a place in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League. Players also will be eligible for bonuses from a $1.1 million prize pool.
MLS is hoping that by the time the tournament ends on Aug. 11, restrictions around the country will have loosened up enough that games can be held in a team’s home stadium. Those games are likely to happen without fans, although there is hope that if the situation improves enough, fans might be able to attend games before the season is done.
All individuals deemed « essential members » of a team’s delegation will be tested both before and after traveling to Orlando. Prior to travel, these tests include two Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests 24 hours apart. Players will also undergo a baseline serology (antibody) test as part of a physical exam that also includes a temperature check and the completion of a screening questionnaire.
Players, coaches and support staff will be tested every other day for two weeks after arriving in Florida. Those individuals, as well as referees, will then be tested regularly, including prior to each matchday.
Group A (Eastern Conference)
1. Orlando City SC
2. Inter Miami CF
3.
