MLS suspends season for 30 days due to coronavirus

Major League Soccer has suspended its season for 30 days, effective immediately, due to COVID-19.

Major League Soccer Suspends Season for 30 Days pic.twitter.com/FLUqzttwrK

— MLS Communications (@MLS_PR) March 12, 2020

“Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season — based on the advice and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials, and employees,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a media release. “We’d like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time.”

The move should not come as much of a surprise, as MLS follows the lead of the NBA’s decision to suspend play following one of its players testing positive for COVID-19. The NHL is expected to follow suit today as well.

Unlike the NBA, which is in the home stretch of its season, the MLS was just kicking off with every team each having played just two matches. The MLS had 10 games scheduled for Saturday, including a match at BMO Field in Toronto and BC Place in Vancouver.

The Montreal Impact were scheduled to play a Concacaf Champions League game in Honduras on Tuesday. They were supposed to have three MLS away matches scheduled before their next game at Saputo Stadium in Montreal on April 18.

The Seattle Sounders previously announced they would postpone their March 21 home match following Washington State’s decision to restrict large gatherings in the Seattle area.

More to come.