FC Dallas withdrawn from MLS tournament

FC Dallas has been withdrawn from the MLS is Back tournament in Florida after 10 players tested positive for coronavirus.

The league said Monday that of the 557 players sequestered at a pair of Walt Disney World hotels, 13 have tested positive: 10 from Dallas, two from Nashville and one from Columbus.

The decision was made by the league in the interest of the other players at the tournament. The number of positive cases also meant that Dallas could not play competitive games.

“The decision to have them not participate in the tournament is in the best interests of everyone, of the Dallas players and the other 25 teams, and allows us to continue to manage the health and safety of our players while continuing to go forward with our plan,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber told The Associated Press in a telephone interview Monday.

FC Dallas announced last week that six players had tested positive upon arrival in Florida for the tournament, and the entire team was quarantined. As a result, the team’s opening match on Thursday against the Vancouver Whitecaps was postponed.

MLS MVP Carlos Vela will skip LAFC’s trip to Orlando tourney

LOS ANGELES » Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Vela will not accompany Los Angeles FC to the league’s return tournament in Orlando this month.

Vela announced his decision Monday, citing his concern for the health of his family, including his pregnant wife.

“I always want to give everything I have to my club, our fans and supporters and the city of LA,” Vela said in a statement. “However, it is in the best interest of the health of my family to stay home and be with my wife during what is a risky pregnancy. I will miss being with my teammates and coaches, but I will be cheering and supporting LAFC from a distance.”

Vela scored two goals in the first two games of this season before the coronavirus pandemic forced the suspension of competition. The Mexican forward was coming off the most spectacular offensive season in MLS history, setting league records with 34 goals and 49 combined goals and assists in 2019. He led LAFC to the Supporters’ Shield as the league’s top regular-season team.

“We stand behind Carlos,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “It’s important for him to be with his family.”