Exploria Stadium is one of the multiple venues in Orlando that could host MLS playGETTY IMAGES
MLS is "weighing several options for returning to competition, including all teams in Orlando or splitting between two cities," according to sources cited by the Washington Post's Steven Goff. The discussed timetable would be for a June/July return, with "everyone tested and quarantined." At some point, clubs "would return to home markets for matches." The MLSPA "would have to go along" with the plan, which still has many "logistical challenges and of course health and safety concerns." Orlando "offers multiple playing facilities, accommodations, ESPN presence." The Wide World of Sports "set-up allows more flexibility" with broadcasts and "behind-the-scenes features" (TWITTER.com, 5/7). MLS Commissioner Don Garber said, "We're more optimistic about what a return to play plan could look like." He added, "A month ago, we were very pessimistic, but I think our country has done a pretty good job of flattening the curve, which is what the objective was" (ESPN.com, 5/8). Orlando City Exec VP/Soccer Operations Luiz Muzzi said, "If this was a league in Orlando, man, I feel like we could have started last week because conditions are different" (PROSOCCERUSA.com, 5/8). In Philadelphia, Jonathan Tannenwald wrote under the header, "MLS, NWSL Resisting Short-Term Benefits Of Making Soccer First American Sport To Restart" (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 5/10).
