Coronavirus leads MLS to shut down for 30 days

By Tim Reynolds The Associated Press

5 years ago

FILE - In this Nov. 19, 2019, file photo, Nashville SC fans cheer after the player selections w ... — FILE – In this Nov. 19, 2019, file photo, Nashville SC fans cheer after the player selections were finished by the team’s management in the Major League Soccer expansion draft Tuesday, in Nashville, Tenn. Nashville SC opens their inaugural MLS season on Saturday. (AP Photo/Mark Zaleski, File)

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Major League Soccer is shutting down for 30 days because of the coronavirus, delaying the home opener for the expansion team co-owned by former England captain David Beckham.

“Our clubs were united today in the decision to temporarily suspend our season — based on the advice and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Public Health Agency of Canada and other public health authorities,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement Thursday.

Inter Miami, co-owned by Beckham and Jorge Mas, had been scheduled to play its home opener Saturday. MLS started its season on Feb. 29 and each of the 26 teams has played two league matches.

Mas told players and coaches late Thursday morning, then held a news conference at the team’s temporary stadium.

Mas says he expects the full 34-match season to be played.