MIDFIELDER HYNDMAN GLAD TO BE FOCUSING ON PLAYING AFTER TESTING POSITIVE

Atlanta United’s Emerson Hyndman said Tuesday he was one of the two players on the team who tested positive for COVID-19 a few weeks ago. The team selfreported two positive tests June 18 and June 20.

Hyndman said he remained asymptomatic and doesn’t know how he contracted the virus.

“Pretty much the whole team has kept a simple life,” he said.“It could have been anything. Could have walked by someone and ended up getting it. The training ground is very protocol driven. I was confident that training ground was safe place.”

The midfielder missed two weeks of training while in quarantine. After testing negative several times, he rejoined the team and started Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls in the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando. Atlanta United will play Cincinnati at 9 a.m. Thursday in the second game of the group stage.

Before teams could begin the three phases of training (self, small group and team), the league required a long list of guidelines to be met and protocols to be followed.

Hyndman said that he tested positive and was immediately isolated is a testament to the protocols working. He paid the same compliment to the league for how it is handling the bubble in Orlando. Teammate Franco Escobar described Hyndman testing positive as “unlucky” because everyone followed the safety measures.

Hyndman said it was frustrating being away from the team and physically he felt fine. He said he is doing everything possible to prevent testing positive again.

“Now I can focus on the football, which is nice,” he said.