FC Dallas Withdraws From MLS Is Back Tournament
Jul 6, 2020, 4:17 PM
Real Salt Lake midfielder Albert Rusnak (11) scores on a penalty kick against FC Dallas during MLS soccer in Sandy on Saturday, July 7, 2018. (Ravell Call, Deseret News)
(Ravell Call, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – FC Dallas has withdrawn from the MLS Is Back Tournament just days prior to the tournament starting. The withdrawal comes following 10 players and 1 coach, all members of the clubs traveling party, tested positive for the coronavirus upon arrival to Orlando.
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) July 6, 2020
“As we continue to focus on the well-being of our players, coaches and staff who are in isolation in Orlando, we understand it is not in their best interests to compete at this time,” FC Dallas manager Luchi Gonzalez said in a statement.
The entire Dallas traveling party has been quarantining since last week following the positive tests.
FC Dallas was expected to play their first tournament game on Thursday, July 9 against Vancouver Whitecaps. Their next two opponents were the Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes on July 15 and July 20 respectively.
Major League Soccer is yet to make any announcement regarding the withdrawal of the MLS Is Back tournament.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
Tom Hackett is a Utah and Real Salt Lake Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the It’s Utah’s World Podcast (Utah Football themed) and The Lion’s Den Podcast (Real Salt Lake themed). Follow him on Twitter: @TomCantHackett.
