MLS Preps For Return As First Club Arrives In Orlando Bubble

The Earthquakes arrived in Orlando last night and passed through screening “before becoming the first team to enter the quarantined ‘bubble’ at ESPN Wide World of Sports” ahead of the MLS Is Back tournament, according to Julia Poe of the ORLANDO SENTINEL. The number of positive coronavirus tests in recent weeks “have climbed throughout Central Florida following the phased reopening of Florida businesses,” and that is causing “concerns for fans and players throughout the league.” That was magnified when the Orlando Pride pulled out of the NWSL Challenge Cup, set to begin Saturday. However, Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said that he feels MLS is "creating a safe space for players and teams." He "described the start of tournament as a festive moment for the league" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 6/25). The AP’s Anne Peterson noted teams and select staff “will be sequestered during the tournament at two Disney resorts for the duration” of the event (AP, 6/24).

QUESTIONS ABOUT ANNOUNCED RESULTS: THE ATHLETIC’s Stejskal & Tenorio report several MLS clubs “have had players or team staff test positive for COVID-19 but have not announced said results.” Both the Revolution and Sounders confirmed that they “each had one player test positive,” though those results “were previously not disclosed.” Sources said that MLS teams are “not required by the league to announce when a player or team staff member tests positive” (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/25).