Football
Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondent 4y

Philadelphia Union player tests positive for coronavirus, first in MLS

A Philadelphia Union player has tested positive for COVID-19, the team announced on Wednesday.

The player is the first in MLS to have tested positive. Back on March 15, the Seattle Sounders announced that a member of its support staff had tested positive. New York City FC made a similar announcement four days later about a member of its sporting department.

"The Union medical staff has been working directly with Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials to treat the player who experienced mild symptoms and is feeling well and in good spirits," the team said in a statement. "The player is observing appropriate isolation protocols. No other cases or symptoms within Philadelphia Union soccer operations have been identified at this time."

The team stated that no players or technical staff have been at its training facility or its stadium, Subaru Park, since March 12, just prior to when MLS institute a training moratorium. That moratorium is set to last through April 3, though it is expected that it will be extended.

"Based upon guidance from Crozer-Keystone Health System medical officials, infectious disease specialists and Major League Soccer health officials, this case does not present a risk to our fans, our most recent opponent, LAFC, or any of the other Union players, staff, or personnel."

The statement went on to say that since the positive test came outside the 14-day incubation period for the virus, no Union players or personnel need to be tested.

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