MLS: No group training until at least April 24th Major League Soccer had hoped to begin play in mid-May. On April 2nd, MLS announced a target retu
MLS: No group training until at least April 24th
Major League Soccer had hoped to begin play in mid-May. On April 2nd, MLS announced a target return date of May 10th. League officials, however, announced today that the mid-May restart is unlikely. A training moratorium is still in effect for all clubs through April 24th. Players are being encouraged to train and stay fit in their own homes, upholding social distancing guidelines that are in place in most states and cities across the country.
MLS Commissioner on ESPN: “abridged regular season”
In an interview on ESPN, MLS Commissioner Don Garber described a possible return to play, but without fans in “MLS Studio” games: “From tournament formats and neutral locations, ultimately playing an abridged regular season, but doing everything to get as many games,” Garber said.
What about USL Championship? No team training until at least April 19
Unlike larger leagues, USL Championship does not enjoy large income streams from television contracts. Ticket sales make up a much larger portion of USL Championship income than MLS.
The USL’s training moratorium closely matches the MLS. USL Championship teams are not allowed to train together until at least April 19th. That date could change, however, since COVID19 news seems to change by the hour.
Andrew Vassiliadis: “There will be a 2020 season”
In a FaceTime interview leading up to the USL eCup, SD Loyal chairman Andrew Vassiliadis was clear. Vassiliadis said, “I can tell you this on the record. I was on a conference call with all of the USL Championship chairmen. … There will be a 2020 season. With a champion. It may look a little different. It may be shorter. But there will be games. There will be a season, with a champion. We are very confident about that.”
