LAFC season postponed until at least May 10

Major League Soccer announced on Thursday the 2020 regular season will be postponed until May 10 as a measure to help stop the coronavirus. That extends the original 30-day season suspension put in place last week by about four more weeks.

Here is the full MLS statement:

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance to postpone events involving more than 50 people over the next eight weeks, Major League Soccer has extended the postponement of its matches during this period of time. MLS remains focused on playing the entire 2020 season and is evaluating all options, including pushing back the end of the season and playing MLS Cup in December, as the league did prior to the 2019 season. The league is also identifying other available dates. Throughout this process, MLS will continue to prioritize the safety of our fans, players, employees and partners and to coordinate with federal and local public health authorities as well as other sporting organizations.

While the statement itself doesn’t specify May 10 as a target date, to possibly return to action, that is the generally understood timeline, as related by MLSsoccer.com, among other sources.

For LAFC purposes, the coronavirus shutdown impacts nine games in the window between last week’s postponement and May 10, including the Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal series against Cruz Azul, which is also suspended for the time being after originally being scheduled to wrap up on Wednesday:

• Last Thursday’s game at home against Cruz Azul (CCL)
• Last night’s game at Cruz Azul (CCL)
• March 22 vs. Portland Timbers
• April 4 at FC Dallas
• April 11 at Vancouver Whitecaps
• April 18 vs. Real Salt Lake
• April 25 at Chicago Fire
• May 2 vs. Sporting Kansas City
• May 9 at San Jose Earthquakes

As the statement indicates, with the MLS season only two weeks old when it was suspended and with 32 games left on the original schedule, it could be possible they could still play a full schedule this year. Of course, if the shutdown goes on longer, that may force the league’s hand, or even as is it may be difficult to impossible to actually cram in 32 games in the calendar year, forcing a reduction in the number of games.

So we’ll see. It is still very much a time of uncertainty, but for now we have a projection for when the season could potentially restart. For now, stay safe, be smart, and we’ll keep you posted on developments to this story.

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