Since the final whistle of Philadelphia Union’s national broadcast clash at LAFC, soccer has been on pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After months of waiting and watching, we can finally say it: MLS is Back.
The return to league play will look different than a typical regular season. The recently announced MLS is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will feature matches that count toward the regular season as well as knockout round matches with the winner latching onto a 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League berth.
“This is an important step, not only for our team to return to what they love, but also for our unwavering, dedicated fanbase to be able to watch the team back in action. This tournament is the culmination of a herculean effort on the part of the league, the players, and the individual clubs. We expect the millions of MLS fans around the country to welcome us back to the pitch and hope that millions more get a chance to see the Union’s thrilling brand of soccer. People have waited a long time for sports to return and this league is going to put on a show for them,” said Philadelphia Union President Tim McDermott.
Before matches can kick off on July 8th, the teams will be drawn into groups Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. Just like in the FIFA World Cup, there will be a live drawing shown on PhiladelphiaUnion.com as well as all of MLS’ social platforms. There will be rule changes too, with two additional substitutions, group stage matches counting toward the regular season standings, expanded matchday rosters and no fans in attendance. It’s a tournament, but it also counts toward the 2020 Audi MLS Cup playoffs. That means the Union must hit the ground running (and scoring!) when things kick off.
“The club supports and appreciates the thoughtful, detailed approach agreed upon by all parties and are encouraged by the return to play plan put forth. The outlined plan for a tournament in Orlando gets players back on field and playing games in the quickest, safest way possible,” said Philadelphia Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner.
While the Union have been kept away from the pitch in recent months, the club has dedicated its time to supporting those on the frontlines battling the coronavirus pandemic and helping local businesses in Chester. Through the Fight for Philly campaign, the club and its fans have been able to donate nearly 20,000 pieces of personal protective equipment to medical personnel, fire departments, and animal shelters in the region. More than 5,000 meals were provided to health care workers and the food insecure population of Chester, with great help from the launch of the Fight for Small Business campaign that purchased meals from Chester-based eateries. In addition, fans throughout the region and United States purchased nearly 2000 Fight for Philly t-shirts that will allow the Philadelphia Union Foundation to continue to help those in need.
“Philadelphians have made us proud by coming together in challenging times and we are inspired by the solidarity shown,” McDermott said. “And now the team will return to the field with all the pride, heart, and togetherness that this city represents.”
Thursday afternoon, the Boys in Blue and the rest of their passionate fanbase will finally have a new opponent on the calendar. MLS is Back and that means your Union are ready to rep Philly once again as the league’s 25th season resumes.
