NWSL officials have their sights set on a return to the pitch by this summer.
New NWSL commissioner Lisa Baird said during an interview with The Equalizer the league is working toward a potential restart at the end of June. However, Baird emphasized the flexibility of this plan as public health officials remain uncertain when or how the pandemic will be stamped out.
“We’ve been just communicating with our players and we’re targeting for the end of June for our season to start,” Baird said told The Equalizer. “I say that with conviction and hope, but … we’re gonna adhere to the public health guidelines that are in place at the time and I don’t think that we can predict what they are. But our strategy is in place.”
The NWSL season was previously set to start on April 18, but the league issued a training moratorium through April 5 to follow CDC guidelines issued in March. Baird said she believes this training moratorium will extend much longer, and the league will still schedule a full preseason to allow players to get up to speed before restarting the season.
Baird added the league is not set on an end date for the 2020 season and hasn’t decided whether it will play a shortened schedule.
Read the full interview on The Equalizer.
FC Dallas donates dinner to local hospital
FC Dallas provided dinner for the staff of Texas Health Plano on Wednesday, delivering pizzas to evening shift workers at the North Texas hospital.
“We appreciate all the support FC Dallas and Toyota have given to our health care providers here at Texas Health Plano,” said Joshua Floren, President of Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano. “This is a challenging time for everyone and we couldn’t do what we do without the help of our vibrant business community.”
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USL launches USL eCup streamed live on ESPN
ESPN will become the new host for the USL eCup, with the tournament kicking off this week on the ESPN app and website.
The tournament involves 32 teams from the USL Championship and League One divisions. It will also benefit local charities by raising donations through fans who tune into the tournament throughout April.
Mike Watts and Devon Kerr from the league’s broadcast team will provide commentary throughout the tournament, with all broadcasts produced by USL Productions.
“We are excited our first esports venture will be brought to fans on ESPN’s digital platforms,” said Lizzie Seedhouse, the USL senior vice president of digital and emerging technology and strategy. “While we can’t wait to see our teams return to action on the field, this tournament will serve as a fun diversion that does a tremendous amount of good in communities across North America.”
Philadelphia Union player first in MLS to test positive for COVID-19
The Philadelphia Union announced Wednesday that a player from the team has tested positive for COVID-19. This is the first known case of coronavirus diagnosed in an MLS player.
The team is keeping the identity of the player private at his request.
In a statement, the Union reported the player “experienced mild symptoms and is feeling well and in good spirits” and has since self-quarantined along the guidelines provided by the CDC.
USWNT star Alex Morgan featured on cover of Glamour
Glamour magazine featured USWNT and Orlando Pride star Alex Morgan on the cover of its April edition, showing the striker at 7.5 months pregnant in an untouched shoot.
In the cover story, Morgan reflected on the two major milestones in her life that have been affected by coronavirus — her first pregnancy and the Tokyo Olympics.
Morgan is due to give birth to her daughter in April, and she shared the difficulties of being pregnant in the midst of a global pandemic. As hospitals continue to adapt their delivery room policies due to coronavirus, Morgan’s main concern is the possibility of being asked to deliver her child without her doula or husband present.
Although the pandemic is causing uncertainty for Morgan’s delivery, the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics will afford the star with an extra year to return to full speed with the national team.
“There are a hundred things that have been going through my mind,” Morgan said. “Now I have more time to deal, and I’ll have more time with my daughter without the endless questions. I can figure it out with a little more calm and a little more clarity. I have to look to the positives.”