MLS season now suspended until mid-May

As expected, MLS announced today it is extending the league’s coronavirus hiatus to mid-May, meaning the earliest the Chicago Fire could return to play would now be May 16 in Montreal.

The league also said it “remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season,” even if that means pushing MLS Cup back to December, like it was prior to last season. The league’s moratorium on training is supposed to lift later this week, but that could be extended, as well.

Here’s the entire MLS statement:

NEW YORK (March 19, 2020) – In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance to postpone events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks, Major League Soccer has extended the postponement of its matches during this period of time. 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. The league is also identifying other available dates. Throughout this process, MLS will continue to prioritize the safety of our fans, players, employees and partners and to coordinate with federal and local public health authorities as well as other sporting organizations.