MLS Is Back Tournament limping toward start

MONTREAL — The announcement, almost a month ago, was heralded when Major League Soccer unveiled plans for its return to competition with a five-week tournament in Orlando.

But now, as it embarks on its MLS Is Back tournament at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, it might not be the best team that captures the trophy. Instead, it might be the last club that’s standing due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Samuel Piette, the Impact’s Repentigny-born midfielder, laughed at the notion when it was mentioned during morning video conference call this week from the league’s media hub. But this is proving to be no laughing matter, the worldwide health crisis making it difficult for many pro sports to resume.

“Obviously, we hear things,” Piette said. “We understand there’s a possibility of risk. We’re getting tested every two days. Until we have multiple cases on our team, maybe then we’ll start to worry.

“Obviously, it’s a thing we’ve talked about among ourselves,” he added.

“But until, or unless, someone gets infected in the club, I think it’s something we want to put aside and stay focused on the football side.”

The tournament, which began Wednesday, was to have all 26 MLS clubs involved. But already the league was forced to withdraw FC Dallas after 10 players and one coach tested positive for COVID-19.

The league will also evaluate the participation of Nashville SC after five of its players tested positive since arriving in Florida last week. Four other Nashville players received test results that were inconclusive and require an additional procedure.

A scheduled Wednesday game between Nashville and Chicago has been postponed. Vancouver was to have met Dallas in its opening game, but on Tuesday the Whitecaps announced five players won’t make the trip for various reasons.