MLS is “suspending its season" due to coronavirus, according to SI.com’s Grant Wahl (TWITTER.com, 3/12). PRO SOCCER USA's Dylan Butler notes the MLS suspension comes "on the heels of the league closing locker rooms to media." MLS is "following other soccer leagues around the world with all domestic sporting events, including Serie A in Italy being suspended until at least April 3." And there are "reports the UEFA Champions League may be suspended and the European championships being moved" until '21 (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 3/12). Meanwhile THE ATHLETIC's Tenorio, Rueter, Maurer & Kloke cite sources as saying that USL owners were "holding a vote via conference call to determine whether or not matches would be played." As a non-single-entity league, any decision to postpone or alter the slate of matches "will be made by the owners." Sources "expect the USL to follow MLS’s lead given the presence of affiliated clubs in the owners’ call" (THEATHLETIC.com, 3/12). MLS confirmed the suspension this morning, noting that it will last 30 days (MLS).
OTHER SOCCER CANCELLATIONS: YAHOO SPORTS' Doug McIntyre cited sources as saying that the USSF has "decided to scrap four upcoming national team matches because of the worsening coronavirus pandemic." The USMNT "will not travel to Europe later this month for friendlies against the Netherlands and Wales." Additionally, the USWNT's games against Australia and Brazil, scheduled for April 10 in Utah and April 14 in San Jose "are also going to be called off" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 3/12). Meanwhile, a source said that tonight's Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal match between LAFC and LigaMX club Cruz Azul at Banc of California Stadium "is being postponed" (TWITTER.com, 3/12).
