FC Dallas withdraws from MLS is Back Tournament

FC Dallas has withdrawn from the MLS is Back Tournament, bringing with it questions about what this will mean for the Philadelphia Union’s Group A, the lone six-team group in the competition.

FC Dallas withdrew due to 10 positive tests in the team and technical staff.

“Given the impact of the number of positive tests on the club’s ability to train and play competitive matches, we have made the decision to withdraw FC Dallas from the MLS is Back Tournament,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber in a league statement. “The health of everyone involved in our return to play has always been our top priority, and we will continue to make decisions consistent with that priority.”

Dallas had been drawn into Group B of the MLS is Back Tournament, where they were due to face the Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps and San Jose Earthquakes. Their tournament opener against the Whitecaps on July 9 had previously been postponed.

Nashville SC, which has had five positive tests since arriving in Orlando, was moved to the East for the 26-team tournament and is scheduled to play the Philadelphia Union on July 14. There is a possibility now that Nashville could be moved back to the West to make Group B a four-team group again and leave five teams in Group A.

The league statement confirming the withdrawal did not state how the tournament format would be handled with one fewer team.