Virus-stricken Dallas out of MLS tourney
FC Dallas withdrew Monday from the MLS is Back tournament this month in Orlando, Florida, after 10 players tested positive for the coronavirus.
MLS said that of the 557 players sequestered at two hotels at Walt Disney World, 13 have tested positive: 10 from Dallas, two from Nashville and one from Columbus.
The decision was made in the interest of the other players at the tournament. The number of positive cases also meant Dallas couldn’t 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 said.
FC Dallas announced last week that six players had tested positive upon arrival in Florida for the tournament. As a result, the team’s opening match Thursday against Vancouver was postponed.
◆ In another blow to the MLS’ return tournament, reigning most valuable player Carlos Vela said he won’t accompany Los Angeles FC to Orlando, citing his concern for the health of his family, including his pregnant wife.
‘‘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,’’ Vela said in a statement. ‘‘I will miss being with my teammates and coaches, but I will be cheering and supporting LAFC from a distance.’’
LAFC general manager John Thorrington said Vela expects to rejoin the team when it returns from the tournament.
Two Fever players test positive
Two players on the Indiana Fever were among the seven positive tests for the coronavirus across the WNBA, the team said.
All 137 WNBA players were tested in the last week as the teams prepare for the upcoming season, which is expected to start around July 24 at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
In other WNBA news, the league said players will wear uniforms for the opening weekend of the season featuring the name of Breonna Taylor, who was shot eight times by police in Louisville, Kentucky, in a drug raid on her apartment March 13. No drugs were found.
No fans at Memorial after all
The PGA Tour scrapped plans to have limited spectators next week at the Memorial in Dublin, Ohio, because of the changing dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Memorial was in line to be the first tournament with spectators since the PGA Tour resumed its schedule June 11.