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MLS suspends season for 30 days due to COVID-19

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Major League Soccer has suspended play for 30 days due to concerns over the coronavirus.

The league will now take time to "assess the impact of COVID-19 with its medical task force and public health officials," according to Thursday's news release.

"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 (CDC), Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), and other public health authorities, and in the best interest of our fans, players, officials, and employees," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. "We'd like to thank our fans for their continued support during this challenging time."

Minutes later, U.S. Soccer, which sanctions MLS, announced it's grounding the men's and women's national teams. The men's team was scheduled to play a friendly in Eindhoven against the Netherlands on March 26 and another against Wales four days later in Cardiff. The women's side was gearing up to face Australia in Utah on April 10 and Brazil four days later in San Jose.

MLS is the second major professional league in North America to suspend its season. The NBA called off games indefinitely Wednesday evening after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. Jazz teammate Donovan Mitchell was reportedly diagnosed with the coronavirus Thursday.

Two MLS games had already been postponed because of the new virus. The Seattle Sounders agreed to move their March 17 fixture against FC Dallas to a later date after Washington Gov. Jay Inslee shut down schools and banned large gatherings in the Seattle area. The San Jose Earthquakes called off their game against Sporting Kansas City set for March 21 following a legal order from local authorities to ban gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

FC Cincinnati, the Philadelphia Union, and the Columbus Crew had said they were monitoring the situation while preparing for their upcoming games.

Inter Miami were set to play their first home match as an MLS franchise on Saturday against the LA Galaxy, but those plans were scrapped just 48 hours prior to kickoff.

Jorge Mas, who co-owns Inter Miami with international star David Beckham, told reporters he still expects the full 34-match season to be completed.

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