MLS Announces No New Positive COVID-19 Tests for 3rd Consecutive Week

Major League Soccer registered zero positive results for COVID-19 in its latest round of testing over Sunday and Monday at its Orlando, Florida, hotel, according to Mark J. Burns of the Sports Business Journal. 

Per that report, 654 people were tested. The MLS has now registered zero positive tests in its past nine testing periods over the past three weeks. 

That's good news for the MLS after a rough start to the season. Both Dallas FC and Nashville SC had to pull out of the MLS is Back Tournament this month after both clubs registered a number of positive tests for the coronavirus. 

"We have withdrawn Nashville SC from the MLS is Back Tournament. Due to the number of positive tests, the club has been unable to train since arriving in Orlando and would not be able to play matches," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. "For every decision we make in our return to play, the wellbeing of our players, staff, officials and all participants is our top priority."

The Philadelphia Union, Sporting KC, NYCFC, Orlando City FC, LAFC and the San Jose Earthquakes have qualified for the quarterfinals of the tournament. Two more quarterfinal berths remain up for grabs. 

The NBA and NHL—both operating in a bubble environment—also registered no positive test cases of the coronavirus in their most recent testing period. Major League Baseball—not operating in a bubble and having its teams travel to stadiums across the country—has had to postpone the Miami Marlins' games until Monday after the team registered 17 positive cases from members of its traveling party. 

The Philadelphia Phillies, who opened the season against the Marlins, also had its games postponed through Friday.