Coronavirus Forces MLS and USL to Extend Season Suspensions

The United Soccer League and Major League Soccer have extended their Coronavirus enforced break of their seasons pushing the suspension until May 10^th.

After initially suspending play for 30 days the leagues have extended that out for another few weeks which is in line with the Center for Disease Control which recommended not gathering in groups of 50 or more for the next eight weeks.

After both groups suspended their season for an initial 30 day period last Thursday it was USL that actually led the way here, extending the suspension on Wednesday, releasing a statement which specifically referenced the CDC guidelines.
With the season delayed further it means a bigger delay for the inaugural season for Fort Lauderdale CF which was set to begin its first USL League One season later this month.

READ MORE: All Professional Soccer in the United States Suspended

MLS followed suit one day later announcing the exact same extension to its suspension on Thursday. One big difference between the USL and MLS statements was the commitment from MLS to play out the full 2020 season, given so few matches have been played that didn’t seem in doubt but it may be a sign that they’re anticipating an even longer delay.

“MLS remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season”

MLS Statement

NWSL had never released a specific date for when their delay would end, a wise decision that allows the league to not face a deadline. As the season hasn’t started yet NWSL can wait for the pandemic to end and then begin a full home and away season from that point with an extended off-season. That extended off-season has allowed three Orlando Pride players to compete in the W-League Grand Final this weekend in Australia and not miss any pre-season.

With over 7,000 confirmed cases and one of the highest mortality rates in the world for the disease the United States needs to take COVID-19 seriously. Social distancing and self-isolation is the best way to avoid the spread of the virus, so the suspension of the three biggest men’s soccer leagues in the country will help avoid that.

For more on staying safe while Coronavirus is still a pandemic please visit the CDC website.