FC Dallas players were quarantined in their hotel rooms pending the results of additional testinggetty images
MLS has confirmed that six FC Dallas players "have tested positive for the novel coronavirus since the team arrived in Orlando," but the numbers "may actually be higher, leaving the team's participation in the MLS is Back Tournament in doubt and raising questions over whether the completion should go forward at all," according to Kevin Baxter of the L.A. TIMES. The tournament is "scheduled to start next Wednesday," with FC Dallas playing its first game next Thursday. But the club "canceled its training sessions until at least Friday and its players were quarantined in their hotel rooms pending the results of additional COVID-19 testing." An MLS official said that the league "remains optimistic the tournament will go forward, although consideration might be given to rescheduling FC Dallas' first game until later in the competition or forcing the team to pull out altogether" (L.A. TIMES, 7/2).
ISOLATING THE ISSUE: In Orlando, Iliana Limon Romero cites a source as saying that MLS "took steps to isolate FC Dallas' delegation from other players and staff inside the league's bubble in Orlando once two Dallas players tested positive for COVID-19." The two players who tested positive were immediately quarantined, but a source said that the league took extra steps to assure no one else in the MLS bubble at Swan and Dolphin Resort and ESPN Wide World of Sports "came near the FC Dallas group that was allowed to hold team training sessions while follow-up testing was conducted." Within the past two days, "four more FC Dallas players tested positive for COVID-19." When they received their positive COVID-19 test results, the six players "all went through a clinical assessment by a healthcare provider and were moved to the isolation area of the hotel." The rest of the FC Dallas delegation is "following MLS protocol and quarantining in hotel rooms pending the results of additional COVID-19 testing." League rules call for entire delegation, which had "contact with the six players who tested positive, must be tested daily for 14 days." MLS on Wednesday announced that it has "tested 392 people and received six positive results." MLS is scheduled to "provide testing updates every two days" for the duration of the MLS is Back Tournament. The next test results are "slated to be announced Thursday" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 7/2).
DRIVE-IN VIEWING: In Boston, Christopher Price notes the Revolution "will host drive-in watch parties on the Gillette Stadium field" for team's matches in the MLS is Black Tournament. Fans will "park on the stadium field and be able to view the game on the north and south end zone video boards in a socially distanced environment." Tickets are $40 a vehicle, and proceeds are going to charity. Cars will "undergo security screening prior to entering the stadium, which will open two hours prior to kickoff." Restrooms will be available on the "lower concourse with proper social distancing protocols in place." Fans are "encouraged to bring their own lawn seating and non-alcoholic refreshments, as concessions will not be available" (BOSTON GLOBE, 7/2).
