Training moratoriums extended
MLS, NWSL, USL continue keeping their players apart
Major League Soccer has extended its group training moratorium through Monday, June 1, highlighting the league isn’t ready to take the next big step toward resuming play.
MLS is considering bringing all its teams to Orlando to train in isolation before resuming play without fans at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Disney World property.
The league currently is allowing teams to continue individual outdoor workouts at team facilities as long as such movement is allowed under local and state government coronavirus orders. MLS has outlined extensive safety protocol, including requiring players to wear masks when they arrive to facilities, thermal temperature checks, cleaning rules and more.
The National Women’s Soccer League and USL also extended their group training moratoriums. Players who have been living together during quarantine are allowed to train together, but otherwise players are restricted to individual workouts.
NWSL’s group training is on hold until at least May 24 while USL said it is putting group training on hold until the league has a plan to resume play.
NWSL had reportedly been looking at restarting play at one or a few East Coast venues, but few details have emerged about what is next for the league.
MLS has arguably the most momentum to resume play, with a proposal submitted to the MLS Players Association
for restarting play in Orlando.
Orlando City SC leaders along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have encouraged MLS to bring all teams to Central Florida, where the outbreak has been limited and there are facilities available to host teams.
ESPN Wide World of Sports features 30 soccer fields, several of which were used for events such as the Homegrown Game throughout MLS All-Star Week last year. The complex is adjacent to multiple full-service hotels, where players easily could be isolated to maintain a quarantine throughout the playing period.
ESPN has installed broadcast equipment throughout the Wide World of Sports complex, which makes it easier to air matches.
“This community is ready to do it and Orlando is the perfect city to hold an event like that,” Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said during a videoconference Wednesday. “Based on the experience, the infrastructure, everything. Orlando has everything to hold it. So if the league decides so … I think it will be a great decision to bring it here.”
DeSantis was enthusiastic about hosting matches in isolation, offering entertainment for Americans struggling during the coronavirus shutdown and boosting the Florida economy.
“All professional sports are welcome here for practicing and for playing,” DeSantis said during a news conference Wednesday. “Now, we’re not going to necessarily have fans, but there’s been reports that Major League Soccer may want to have their season in Orlando. Do it. We want to have you here.”