Union player tests positive for virus

The Philadelphia Union Wednesday confirmed that a player on the team has tested positive for coronavirus.

The players has experienced “mild symptoms” and is in self-isolation. No other cases or symptoms have been seen within the Union’s soccer operations.

MLS has been on a training moratorium since March 12, when the season was suspended, a span that will last through at least May 10. Because it has been longer than 14 days since the player’s last interactions with teammates or coaches, no other members of the team required testing. The player’s name was not released. From the club statement: “The Union medical staff has been working directly with Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials to treat the player who experienced mild symptoms and is feeling well and in good spirits. The player is observing appropriate isolation protocols. No other cases or symptoms within Philadelphia Union soccer operations have been identified at this time.

“No Philadelphia Union players or technical staff have trained or been at the Power Training Complex facility or Subaru Park since Thursday, March 12. Based upon guidance from Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials, infectious disease specialists and Major League Soccer health officials, this case does not present a risk to our fans, our most recent opponent, LAFC, or any of the other Union players, staff, or personnel and Union players and personnel do not need to be tested as the team is outside of the 14day window where anyone with team related interactions with the player would have reported symptoms.

“In addition to working with our infectious disease specialist, we remain in consultation with the CDC, local health authorities and Major League Soccer regarding this situation. The health and safety of our players, coaches, and staff remain our top priority. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”

This is believed to be the first case of an MLS player contracting COVID-19. A member of the Seattle Sounder’s support staff was reported as testing positive in mid-March.

The Union were two games into the season when MLS pulled the plug March 12, joining other leagues in halting operations due to the coronavirus pandemic. The club hasn’t trained since that day, with successive extensions of training moratoriums. The league has subsequently changed its 30-day suspension until at least May 10, following the guidance set by the Centers for Disease Control. Players and coaches remain in contact remotely.

MLS is planning to play a full 34-game schedule, depending on when play resumes.

The Union have been active in the community during the crisis, setting up an employee assistance fund for gameday workers. The club has also making its parking lots available to CrozerKeystone or other organizations if they need space for a drive-thru testing facility.

PETE BANNAN - MEDIANEWS GROUP FILE The Philadelphia Union announced Wednesday that one of its players tested positive for COVID-19. The player’s identity was not revealed.