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It was obvious it had to happen, and today Major League Soccer announced the July 8 match between the Chicago Fire and Nashville SC has been postponed.
Nashville has had five positive coronavirus tests, with four more that were inconclusive. The league said it will “continue to evaluate Nashville SC’s participation in the MLS is Back Tournament following the results of additional testing.”
FC Dallas has already dropped out under similar circumstances. If Nashville also has to drop out, it’s likely one team from Group A would have to slide to Group B, leaving the tournament with six groups of four teams each. As Nashville’s first scheduled opponent, the Fire could be that team.
If Nashville remains in the tournament, it’s unclear what would happen. The league has not announced a rescheduled date for the Chicago-Nashville match at this point.
The Fire now open the tournament next Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. CT against Inter Miami.
The league also announced the Toronto FC vs. D.C. United match will now be July 12, and the Seattle Sounders - San Jose Earthquakes match on July 10 will now be played at 9 p.m. ET.
The Fire announced its “Drive-In Matchday, presented by Continental Tire” has been rescheduled for the match versus New York City FC on July 19 at 7:00 p.m. CT on the Waldron Parking Deck at Soldier Field. Parking lots will open at 5:30 p.m. CT. Fans who previously registered for the July 8 event will be given the first opportunity to sign-up for the new date. Additional details will be shared via email – as well as on the Fire’s website and social channels – in the coming days.