Betis fires coach Rubi after another Spanish league setback

Real Betis has fired coach Rubi after the team’s third consecutive setback since the Spanish league resumed. The decision was announced early Sunday, a few hours after the team lost 1-0 at Athletic Bilbao. The club said Alexis Trujillo, a former player who had been the club’s sporting coordinator, will replace Rubi for the eight matches remaining this season.

American defender Chris Richards makes Bayern Munich debut

American defender Chris Richards made his competitive debut for Bayern Munich, entering in the 84th minute of a 3-1 home win over Freiburg on Saturday in the Bundesliga. The 20-year-old from Birmingham, Alabama signed with Major League Soccer's Dallas franchise in April 2018, was loaned to Bayern for the 2018-19 season and signed with Bayern in January 2019, a deal through the 2022-23 season.

MLS to kick-start season in July with 5 subs, bigger rosters

Major League Soccer coaches welcome the chance to use five substitutes when play resumes in Florida next month, out of concern for both the conditioning of the players and the demands of summer heat. The adoption of the rule and the expansion of game-day rosters are especially important given the relatively short preparation teams have had for the MLS Is Back Tournament, which starts July 8 at the sports complex at Walt Disney World. Teams were able to go to full training on June 4, provided local jurisdictions approved.

Toronto FC's Justin Morrow heads up newly formed Black Players Coalition of MLS

Change is coming and Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow is helping lead the way.The 32-year-old fullback from Cleveland is executive director of the newly formed Black Players Coalition of MLS, aimed at addressing racial inequality in the league and positively impacting Black communities across Canada and the U.S.The coalition was announced Friday on Juneteenth, a day celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S."It's been madness — in a beautiful way," Morrow said of the round-the-clock efforts to form the group on short notice.As it has been around the globe, the decision to band together was triggered by the May 25 death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police."Right after the death of George Floyd, there were a lot of conversations going on between the Black players in the pool of Major League Soccer. But they were fragmented," Morrow said."Although we were all thinking the same thing, we were having the conversations with our own groups. So we were able to start a chat that really got a group of guys together from different teams and from there we branched out to having 70 Black players on a Zoom call a week after the death of George Floyd."The Zoom call was just amazing. It was one of the most memorable moments of my life. There was a lot of anger there, pain, amidst everything that was going on with the pandemic and the return-to-play negotiations and, of course, what happened to George Floyd. So guys were expressing that, but also expressing love for each other and support for each other."Just a lot of intense, passionate speeches happened in that call. And that's really when we decided we needed an organization. And from there it's just been a roller-coaster ride trying to get this thing together just to be announced today. But the way we're looking at is it's just the starting line and we still have all of the work ahead of us."The coalition board members are Ray Gaddis (Philadelphia Union), CJ Sapong (Chicago Fire), Quincy Amarikwa (formerly D.C. United), Kendall Waston (FC Cincinnati), Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Bill Hamid (DC. United), Earl Edwards Jr. (D.C. United), Jalil Anibaba (Nashville SC), Kei Kamara (Colorado Rapids) and Ike Opara (Minnesota United) serving as board members."There will be change," tweeted Morrow and the board members."It's important that we use our platforms as professional athletes," Morrow said in an interview. "We want to lead the change, specifically in Major League Soccer, because we don't see the Black representation that we want to see at the coaching level or at the high executive levels. We don't see that in Major League Soccer and we don't see that in the MLS Players Association."So we want to see more of us and we have initiatives aimed at getting that done. We've already brought that to the league and so we're in conversations with them about how we can make that happen together."The coalition also wants to make a difference outside the league through targeted charitable donations and helping build up local Black communities on both sides of the border.The fact that it took the death of Floyd to spur action leaves Morrow somewhat conflicted."I lament that a little bit," he said. "Because obviously this wasn't the first time that this happened. Not in the United States or anywhere in the world. We'd be blind to say that racism doesn't exist everywhere in the world."And so we as Major League Soccer players can stand up to that because we have soccer players from all over the world that represent their countries. And so these are the types of things that we want to stand up for. And unfortunately we came about (after) the death of George Floyd, another Black man dead at the hands of a white police officer in the United States. And it's something that we should have long before that."Morrow, a U.S. international whose father was a police officer, is in his seventh season in Toronto after beginning his pro career with four seasons in San Jose. One of the first names on the TFC team sheet, the Notre Dame graduate was an MLS all-star in 2012.While the coalition says it is a stand-alone organization, it will partner with the MLS Players Association and MLS on racial issues, other initiatives and charitable donations. So far it says it has secured US$75,000 in charitable donations by the MLSPA on its behalf.Morrow said the coalition will make voter registration a priority with November elections looming in the U.S.He expects more talks among players as the entire league moves to Florida for next month's MLS is Back Tournament.MLS issued a statement in support of the coalition, saying it "proudly recognizes and supports" the group and called its members "influential change leaders." The MLSPA said it was "proud to support and stand with" the coalition."We are clear, however, that the change that is needed in our sport cannot come from the BPC alone, the association said in a statement. "Real change must come from within each one of us, and each of our organizations."For the MLS Players Association, this means listening, asking questions and internal reflection. It means re-examining our mission, our organization and our structure." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2020.\---Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press

What's behind the rapid inflation in the value of MLS franchises?

The success of LAFC, Atlanta United and the Seattle Sounders is likely dragging the average club valuation upward, but there may be limited time to get in on the growth.

Black MLS players form coalition to fight systemic racism

A group of black Major League Soccer players has formed a coalition that seeks to address racial inequities in the league and across soccer, and to positively impact local communities. The coalition is the result of an Instagram group that began after the death of George Floyd, which sparked a wave of nationwide protests against racism and policy brutality. Started by Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow, the group grew to some 70 MLS players, who formed the Black Players Coalition of MLS.

Black MLS players form new coalition to combat racism

More than 70 Black MLS players have formed a new coalition to combat racial inequities in the top soccer league in the United States and Canada and beyond.

The Latest: Atlanta MLS player tests positive for COVID 19

An Atlanta United player has tested positive for COVID 19, becoming the fourth Major League Soccer Player to contract the virus. Atlanta will test players on Friday before resuming practice. The team has returned to full group training in anticipation of the league's MLS is Back Tournament, set to start July 8 in Florida.

Montreal Impact get green light to resume full team workouts at training centre

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact returned to full training Thursday with goalkeeper Evan Bush revitalized to be back with all his teammates."I think this period of three months here where we weren't able to do what we want and love to do every day, to be back today we have a new sense of energy," said a mask-wearing Bush in a video interview provided by the club."You don't want to take it for granted any more. So I'm going to take that as my mentality every day and hopefully the guys do the same."The MLS team, which had already progressed from individual to small group training, got the green light to train together from provincial health authorities and the league.Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps started full team training Monday.The Canadian teams join Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Inter Miami, Los Angeles Galaxy, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City in holding full team sessions.Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United, Portland Timbers and the San Jose Earthquakes are awaiting approval.The teams are preparing to return to action at the league's World Cup-style "MLS is Back" tournament scheduled to run July 8 to Aug. 11 in the Orlando area."We have a very short window here until we get to the games," said Bush. "We need to make sure every day is useful."The league lifted its team training moratorium on June 4, pending approval of individual club plans by local authorities and the league.In advance of full team training, players have to complete a physical examination and pass two COVID-19 tests. Players, coaches and select staff must pass tests every other day to attend training.Players can go inside their training centre as long as they maintain physical distancing.The training sessions are closed to the media. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2020.The Canadian Press

Los Angeles FC signs veteran Honduran right back Andy Najar

Los Angeles FC has signed veteran Honduran defender Andy Najar. The club announced Najar's return to Major League Soccer on Wednesday, The right back should be available for LAFC when the MLS season resumes next month with a tournament near Orlando, Florida. The 27-year-old Najar has been training with LAFC since February.

Toronto FC gamer Philip (PhilB94) Balke faces tough road at eMLS Cup

Toronto FC esports gamer Philip (PhilB94) Balke faces a tough road at the rescheduled 2020 eMLS Cup.First up for Balke is 2019 winner Cormac (Doolsta) Dooley of Nashville SC. A win would move Balke on against Atlanta United's Paulo Neto, a Brazilian teenager who beat him en route to winning last month's eMLS Tournament Special along with Atlanta defender Franco Escobar.The eMLS Cup had originally been scheduled for March 15 at SXSW in Austin, Texas, before it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The US$20,000 tournament features 25 pro FIFA 20 players, each representing an MLS team. The champion will be crowned June 28.The top 11 competitors in total season points after the first two eMLS events of the year (League Series One and Two) have already qualified for the final stage of the tournament, with the top four earning a first-round bye.The four are Vancouver Whitecaps gamer Alex (Exraa) Gonzalez as well as FC Cincinnati's Gordon (Fiddle) Thornsberry and New York City FC's Chris (Didychrilito) Holly.Thornberry is the No. 1 seed after winning both League Series events.The remaining 14 competitors — including Montreal's Mehdi (Mehdibob) Benghalem — will compete in a Last-Chance Bracket for the 12th seed. That single-elimination qualifier is slated for June 26.Competitors will be playing in a modified version of FIFA 20's most popular game mode, FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), which allows gamers to build a team comprised of the best players from across world soccer and even past legends of the game.The eMLS competitors will also be required to have MLS representation in their team. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2020.The Canadian Press

Montreal Impact sign pair of teenagers to homegrown player contracts

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact have signed teenagers Keesean Ferdinand and Tomas Giraldo to homegrown player contracts.The 16-year-old Ferdinand, a defender, is the youngest player from the Impact academy to join the MLS team. Giraldo is a 17-year-old midfielder.The Impact describe both players as "off-roster homegrown" talent, saying they cannot dress for the first team until they are placed on the roster. Montreal can activate them at any time as long as there is room in the salary cap.They are the 19th and 20th players to sign a homegrown player deal with the Impact."Keesean is a player that can play in the middle and on both sides of the defence, like he showed during training camp in Florida," Impact sporting director Olivier Renard said in a statement. Ferdinand, who was playing with the Impact under-19 side, joined the Montreal academy in 2014 at the age of 10. He becomes the first player to go through the Impact pre-academy (under-11) system to sign a contract with the first team."A dream I've had since I was young comes true," said Ferdinand. "Every hour on the field, every duel won, every loss and every win helped me grow and improve. Realizing that the club that formed me trusts me at a young age is the proof that everything is possible if you are determined and if you have a good work ethic."Born in Medellin, Colombia, Giraldo was eight when he came to Canada, joining the Impact academy in 2015."It's a goal I set myself many years ago," he said of signing is first pro contract. "It's something that makes me very proud. It also allows me to follow a family tradition. I hope it's only the beginning of a great story."Ferdinand, from Riviere-des-Prairies, Que., and Giraldo, from Montreal, both represented Canada at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil in 2019. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2020.The Canadian Press

Baseball's interminable bickering puts MLS in position to pounce this summer

Because MLB can't get its act together, MLS is staring at weeks with no other major men's American sports league playing games. That could be significant for its growth.

Sounders midfielder Shipp retires after 7 MLS seasons

SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle Sounders midfielder Harry Shipp announced his retirement on Tuesday after seven seasons with three different Major League Soccer teams.

Former Impact midfielder Harry Shipp retires from MLS to pursue an MBA

Former Montreal Impact midfielder Harry Shipp has retired after seven MLS seasons to pursue an MBA at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.The 28-year-old retires as a Seattle Sounder. He saw action in both of Seattle's regular-season games before the global pandemic suspended MLS play in March and was on the bench last November when the hometown Sounders defeated Toronto 3-1 in the MLS Cup final."I am grateful that I was I was able to live out my childhood dreams," Shipp said. "I grew up going to MLS games, was part of an MLS academy in its infancy and then got the opportunity to play for three clubs all over the continent. I am also grateful that my last full season ended in an MLS championship with Seattle."Shipp helped Notre Dame to the NCAA championship in his senior year in 2013, capping off a stellar collegiate career that saw him make 84 appearances for the Fighting Irish, be named the NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Offensive Player and a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist.A native of Lake Forrest, Ill., Shipp joined the Chicago Fire as a homegrown player after Notre Dame.He was runner-up to Canadian Tesho Akindele for rookie of the year in 2014 with the Fire. After the 1995 season, he was traded for general and targeted allocation money to Montreal where he scored two goals and added three assists in 27 MLS appearances.The Impact traded him to Seattle in December 2016 for general allocation money.Shipp played 157 regular-season MLS games, of which 93 came in his first three seasons in the league with Chicago and Montreal.He started 41 of his 64 appearances for the Sounders."I want to thank Harry for his fantastic tenure with the Sounders. He helped us win a championship and was a consistent cog in our success," said GM Garth Lagerwey. "He always had a positive attitude whatever role he was asked to play in our team and was a great pro." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2020.The Canadian Press

Fans sing in trees as Union Berlin seals Bundesliga survival

A small group of Union Berlin fans cheered their side on from the trees outside the stadium on Tuesday as it secured another season in the Bundesliga. The supporters couldn't see inside, but they sang and chanted anyway as Union defeated fellow promoted side Paderborn 1-0 to move 10 points clear of the relegation zone with two games of the season remaining. Union players remained standing around the field wearing commemorative T-shirts, congratulating each other with hugs and claps, but otherwise they looked like they didn't quite know how to celebrate.

Montreal Impact extends Lassi Lappalainen loan deal through end of year

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact has extended its loan agreement with Italy's Bologna FC 1909 for winger Lassi Lappalainen, keeping the Finnish international through the end of the year.Lappalainen, 21, joined Montreal last July, scoring a pair of goals in a 4-0 win in his debut over the Philadelphia Union. He finished the season with five goals and one assist in 12 MLS games, including eight starts."He is the type of player with a profile we like in our roster, meaning a young player with huge potential," Impact sporting director Olivier Renard said in a statement. "He showed his qualities in MLS since last July and we put a lot of trust in him. Lassi feels good in this city and wanted to remain in this club."Lappalainen started his career with HJK Helsinki. He was loaned to Finland's RoPS before signing with Bologna and being loaned to Montreal.Joey Saputo owns both the Impact and Bologna. Lappalainen has won seven caps for Finland, with five coming in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2020.The Canadian Press

Durant joins ownership group for soccer's Philadelphia Union

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union. Durant, a 10-time NBA All-Star, has a 5% ownership stake, with an option for 5% more in the near future, the Union announced Monday. My team and I felt an instant connection with the Philadelphia Union ownership and staff and their vision for a partnership,'' Durant said in a statement.

Durant joins ownership group of MLS' Philadelphia Union

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union.Durant, a 10-time NBA All-Star, has a 5% ownership stake, with an option for 5% more in the near future, the Union announced Monday.“I’ve always been a soccer fan and have wanted to get into it in a meaningful way. My team and I felt an instant connection with the Philadelphia Union ownership and staff and their vision for a partnership," Durant said in a statement. "While you won’t get to see me at games for now, my team and I will be taking an active role in the community where I can help give back to Chester (Pennsylvania) and Philadelphia.”The Union and Durant's Thirty Five Ventures, a firm he runs with sports executive Rich Kleiman, will partner to grow the team's profile and community outreach through the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation.Thirty Five Ventures and the Union aim to develop community programs in Chester, Pennsylvania, home of the Union's Subaru Park, to address racial and social injustice as well as recovery efforts from the coronavirus pandemic.“This partnership was months in the making and in the process, our teams got to know each other very well and understand the true potential for the future,” said Kleiman, Durant's agent. "We believe that Thirty Five Ventures and our expertise will attract new fans in Philly and beyond, so we’re excited to get started.”Major League Soccer's season has been on hold since March 12 because of the pandemic. The 26-team league is set to restart next month with a World Cup-style tournament in Florida.The NBA has been shut down since March 11, the night Utah centre Rudy Gobert became the first player in the league to have a positive diagnosis for the virus. The NBA also is planning an August restart, with playoffs held at Disney World.Durant, who has also played with Oklahoma City and Golden State over a 12-year NBA career, has yet to play for the Nets after rupturing an Achilles tendon last year with the Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Toronto.Durant had in the past shown interest in D.C. United, but nothing came of it.The Union has increased its community outreach in the city, which lies southwest of Philadelphia. The team helped Chester High School bring back its varsity soccer team.“From the first meeting between Kevin, Thirty Five Ventures, and our leadership team, it was evident that we shared a similar set of beliefs. We talked about the vision for our club and for the Chester and Philadelphia communities but also about what it takes to win," said Union principal owner Jay Sugarman. "We’re excited to have someone as forward-thinking and driven as Kevin become a partner in our organization.”Durant is not the first NBA player to buy into an MLS club. Houston Rockets star James Harden joined the ownership group of the Houston Dynamo and the NWSL's Houston Dash last year.Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press

Toronto FC, Whitecaps resume full team training ahead of MLS is Back tournament

Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps resumed full team training Monday ahead of next month's MLS is Back tournament.They join Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Inter Miami, Los Angeles Galaxy, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union and Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City in holding full team sessions.The Montreal Impact players are still training in small groups, awaiting approval to go to the next step.The teams are preparing for returning to action at the league's World Cup-style tournament scheduled to run July 8 to Aug. 11 in the Orlando area.The league lifted its team training moratorium on June 4, pending approval of individual club plans by local authorities and the league.In advance of full team training, players have to complete a physical examination and pass two COVID-19 tests. Players, coaches and select staff must pass tests every other day to attend training.Players can go inside their training centre as long as they maintain physical distancing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2020.The Canadian Press

Former Toronto FC defender Damien Perquis retires after 18-year career

Former Toronto FC defender Damien Perquis announced his retirement Monday after an 18-year career.The 36-year-old French-born Polish international played 25 regular-season games for Toronto in 2015 and 12 in 2016 before terminating his contract by mutual agreement midway through the season."What a wonderful feeling to wake up in the morning and have the chance to do the job you enjoy the most," Perquis said in a social media post announcing his retirement."So many wonderful memories, football games, emotions, encounters and difficulties to overcome," he added. "Everything is now in my head and in my heart. Today I am ending an 18-year adventure at the highest level."Of Polish decent through his grandmother, Perquis won 13 caps for the Polish national team.Perquis began his career in France with Troyes before moving to Saint-Etienne and Sochaux. He spent three season in Spain with Real Betis before coming to MLS in January 2015.After Toronto, Perquis went on to play for England's Nottingham Forest and, most recently, Gazelec Ajaccio in France.Perquis saw Toronto as a new start — and a chance to escape the fishbowl of European soccer. But his playing time dwindled in his second season.He was brought to Toronto to play with centre back Steven Caldwell. But the veteran Scot played just two games, forced to retire in mid-season due to injury. Perquis was partnered with a variety of centre backs in a porous TFC defence that gave up 58 goals, tied for worst in the league.He started the 2016 season in a partnership with veteran Drew Moor, a free agent who joined in the off-season from Colorado. Perquis started nine of the first 10 matches, playing 806 minutes, but started just two of the next seven, playing 180 minutes.With a salary of US$427,500, the French-born Polish international had the fourth-highest number on Toronto's books in 2016, behind only designated players Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.At his best, Perquis was solid at the back and was a fine passer. But he was also an emotional powder-keg at times, on and off the field. Perquis made 38 appearances for Toronto in all competitions with two goals and two assists. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2020.Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press

Kevin Durant buys minority stake in MLS's Philadelphia Union

The Nets star has said he wants to own and run an NBA team in the past.

MLS' Orlando tournament format has a significant flaw with a simple fix

The "MLS is Back Tournament" puts six teams at a significant disadvantage. There's a simple solution that the league seemingly ignored.

Black MLS players form coalition to fight systemic racism

A group of black Major League Soccer players has formed a coalition that seeks to address racial inequities in the league and across soccer, and to positively impact local communities. The coalition is the result of an Instagram group that began after the death of George Floyd, which sparked a wave of nationwide protests against racism and policy brutality. Started by Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow, the group grew to some 70 MLS players, who formed the Black Players Coalition of MLS.

Toronto FC's Justin Morrow heads up newly formed Black Players Coalition of MLS

Change is coming and Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow is helping lead the way.The 32-year-old fulback from Cleveland is executive director of the newly formed Black Players Coalition of MLS, aimed at addressing racial inequality in the league and positively impacting Black communities across Canada and the U.S.The coalition was announced Friday on Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the end of slavery in the U.S."We pledge to help bridge the racial equality gap that exists in our league by lobbying for initiatives like implicit bias training, cultural education courses, and diversification hiring practices," the coalition said."Beyond addressing these overlooked systematic issues round soccer in this country (the U.S.), the BPC is committed to tackling the racial injustices that have prevented Black people from having an equitable stake in society."The coalition said more than 70 Black MLS players have banded together with Ray Gaddis (Philadelphia Union), CJ Sapong (Chicago Fire), Quincy Amarikwa (formerly D.C. United), Kendall Waston (FC Cincinnati), Jeremy Ebobisse (Portland Timbers), Sean Johnson (New York City FC), Bill Hamid (DC. United), Earl Edwards Jr. (D.C. United), Jalil Anibaba (Nashville SC), Kei Kamara (Colorado Rapids) and Ike Opara (Minnesota United) serving as board members."There will be change," tweeted Morrow and the board members.Morrow, a U.S. international, is in his seventh season in Toronto after beginning his pro career with four seasons in San Jose. One of the first names on the TFC team sheet, the Notre Dame graduate was an MLS all-star in 2012.While the coalition says it is a stand-alone organization, it will partner with the MLS Players Association and MLS on racial issues, other initiatives and charitable donations. So far it says it has secured US$75,000 in charitable donations by the MLSPA on its behalf."As we celebrate Juneteenth and the coming together of our coalition, we must remind ourselves that such progressivism was once met with vehement backlash," the coalition said. "May this reminder serve as a warning to us all that confronting systematic racism head-on will never be a smooth, constantly upward-trending path, but rather a timeless battle that will force us to reinvent the very essence of our institutions."We hope our organization can be an extension of our ancestors' sacrifice for the next generation to live in a more equitable society as we seek to forge our own path forward under one united voice."MLS issued a statement in support, saying it "proudly recognizes and supports" the group and called its members "influential change leaders." The MLSPA said it was "proud to support and stand with" the coalition."We are clear, however, that the change that is needed in our sport cannot come from the BPC alone, the association said in a statement. "Real change must come from within each one of us, and each of our organizations."For the MLS Players Association, this means listening, asking questions and internal reflection. It means re-examining our mission, our organization and our structure."Finally, it means ensuring that the same work is done across our industry both domestically and internationally ... We must set aside our fears and defensiveness. We must seek to understand and change our misconceptions and shortcomings. We must actively work to be a part of this change. The MLSPA proudly and humbly accepts the challenge that the BPC has presented, and we look forward to working hand in hand to make our sport and our communities a better reflection of all of us." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2020.\---Follow @NeilMDavidson on Twitter Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press

Black MLS players form new coalition to combat racism

More than 70 Black MLS players have formed a new coalition to combat racial inequities in the top soccer league in the United States and Canada and beyond.

The Latest: Atlanta MLS player tests positive for COVID 19

An Atlanta United player has tested positive for COVID 19, becoming the fourth Major League Soccer Player to contract the virus. Atlanta will test players on Friday before resuming practice. The team has returned to full group training in anticipation of the league's MLS is Back Tournament, set to start July 8 in Florida.

Montreal Impact get green light to resume full team workouts at training centre

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact returned to full training Thursday with goalkeeper Evan Bush revitalized to be back with all his teammates."I think this period of three months here where we weren't able to do what we want and love to do every day, to be back today we have a new sense of energy," said a mask-wearing Bush in a video interview provided by the club."You don't want to take it for granted any more. So I'm going to take that as my mentality every day and hopefully the guys do the same."The MLS team, which had already progressed from individual to small group training, got the green light to train together from provincial health authorities and the league.Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps started full team training Monday.The Canadian teams join Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, FC Cincinnati, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Inter Miami, Los Angeles Galaxy, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, New York City FC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, Real Salt Lake, Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City in holding full team sessions.Los Angeles FC, Minnesota United, Portland Timbers and the San Jose Earthquakes are awaiting approval.The teams are preparing to return to action at the league's World Cup-style "MLS is Back" tournament scheduled to run July 8 to Aug. 11 in the Orlando area."We have a very short window here until we get to the games," said Bush. "We need to make sure every day is useful."The league lifted its team training moratorium on June 4, pending approval of individual club plans by local authorities and the league.In advance of full team training, players have to complete a physical examination and pass two COVID-19 tests. Players, coaches and select staff must pass tests every other day to attend training.Players can go inside their training centre as long as they maintain physical distancing.The training sessions are closed to the media. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2020.The Canadian Press

Los Angeles FC signs veteran Honduran right back Andy Najar

Los Angeles FC has signed veteran Honduran defender Andy Najar. The club announced Najar's return to Major League Soccer on Wednesday, The right back should be available for LAFC when the MLS season resumes next month with a tournament near Orlando, Florida. The 27-year-old Najar has been training with LAFC since February.

Toronto FC gamer Philip (PhilB94) Balke faces tough road at eMLS Cup

Toronto FC esports gamer Philip (PhilB94) Balke faces a tough road at the rescheduled 2020 eMLS Cup.First up for Balke is 2019 winner Cormac (Doolsta) Dooley of Nashville SC. A win would move Balke on against Atlanta United's Paulo Neto, a Brazilian teenager who beat him en route to winning last month's eMLS Tournament Special along with Atlanta defender Franco Escobar.The eMLS Cup had originally been scheduled for March 15 at SXSW in Austin, Texas, before it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The US$20,000 tournament features 25 pro FIFA 20 players, each representing an MLS team. The champion will be crowned June 28.The top 11 competitors in total season points after the first two eMLS events of the year (League Series One and Two) have already qualified for the final stage of the tournament, with the top four earning a first-round bye.The four are Vancouver Whitecaps gamer Alex (Exraa) Gonzalez as well as FC Cincinnati's Gordon (Fiddle) Thornsberry and New York City FC's Chris (Didychrilito) Holly.Thornberry is the No. 1 seed after winning both League Series events.The remaining 14 competitors — including Montreal's Mehdi (Mehdibob) Benghalem — will compete in a Last-Chance Bracket for the 12th seed. That single-elimination qualifier is slated for June 26.Competitors will be playing in a modified version of FIFA 20's most popular game mode, FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), which allows gamers to build a team comprised of the best players from across world soccer and even past legends of the game.The eMLS competitors will also be required to have MLS representation in their team. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2020.The Canadian Press

Montreal Impact sign pair of teenagers to homegrown player contracts

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact have signed teenagers Keesean Ferdinand and Tomas Giraldo to homegrown player contracts.The 16-year-old Ferdinand, a defender, is the youngest player from the Impact academy to join the MLS team. Giraldo is a 17-year-old midfielder.The Impact describe both players as "off-roster homegrown" talent, saying they cannot dress for the first team until they are placed on the roster. Montreal can activate them at any time as long as there is room in the salary cap.They are the 19th and 20th players to sign a homegrown player deal with the Impact."Keesean is a player that can play in the middle and on both sides of the defence, like he showed during training camp in Florida," Impact sporting director Olivier Renard said in a statement. Ferdinand, who was playing with the Impact under-19 side, joined the Montreal academy in 2014 at the age of 10. He becomes the first player to go through the Impact pre-academy (under-11) system to sign a contract with the first team."A dream I've had since I was young comes true," said Ferdinand. "Every hour on the field, every duel won, every loss and every win helped me grow and improve. Realizing that the club that formed me trusts me at a young age is the proof that everything is possible if you are determined and if you have a good work ethic."Born in Medellin, Colombia, Giraldo was eight when he came to Canada, joining the Impact academy in 2015."It's a goal I set myself many years ago," he said of signing is first pro contract. "It's something that makes me very proud. It also allows me to follow a family tradition. I hope it's only the beginning of a great story."Ferdinand, from Riviere-des-Prairies, Que., and Giraldo, from Montreal, both represented Canada at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Brazil in 2019. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2020.The Canadian Press

Baseball's interminable bickering puts MLS in position to pounce this summer

Because MLB can't get its act together, MLS is staring at weeks with no other major men's American sports league playing games. That could be significant for its growth.

Sounders midfielder Shipp retires after 7 MLS seasons

SEATTLE (AP) -- Seattle Sounders midfielder Harry Shipp announced his retirement on Tuesday after seven seasons with three different Major League Soccer teams.

Former Impact midfielder Harry Shipp retires from MLS to pursue an MBA

Former Montreal Impact midfielder Harry Shipp has retired after seven MLS seasons to pursue an MBA at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.The 28-year-old retires as a Seattle Sounder. He saw action in both of Seattle's regular-season games before the global pandemic suspended MLS play in March and was on the bench last November when the hometown Sounders defeated Toronto 3-1 in the MLS Cup final."I am grateful that I was I was able to live out my childhood dreams," Shipp said. "I grew up going to MLS games, was part of an MLS academy in its infancy and then got the opportunity to play for three clubs all over the continent. I am also grateful that my last full season ended in an MLS championship with Seattle."Shipp helped Notre Dame to the NCAA championship in his senior year in 2013, capping off a stellar collegiate career that saw him make 84 appearances for the Fighting Irish, be named the NCAA Championship Most Outstanding Offensive Player and a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist.A native of Lake Forrest, Ill., Shipp joined the Chicago Fire as a homegrown player after Notre Dame.He was runner-up to Canadian Tesho Akindele for rookie of the year in 2014 with the Fire. After the 1995 season, he was traded for general and targeted allocation money to Montreal where he scored two goals and added three assists in 27 MLS appearances.The Impact traded him to Seattle in December 2016 for general allocation money.Shipp played 157 regular-season MLS games, of which 93 came in his first three seasons in the league with Chicago and Montreal.He started 41 of his 64 appearances for the Sounders."I want to thank Harry for his fantastic tenure with the Sounders. He helped us win a championship and was a consistent cog in our success," said GM Garth Lagerwey. "He always had a positive attitude whatever role he was asked to play in our team and was a great pro." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2020.The Canadian Press

Fans sing in trees as Union Berlin seals Bundesliga survival

A small group of Union Berlin fans cheered their side on from the trees outside the stadium on Tuesday as it secured another season in the Bundesliga. The supporters couldn't see inside, but they sang and chanted anyway as Union defeated fellow promoted side Paderborn 1-0 to move 10 points clear of the relegation zone with two games of the season remaining. Union players remained standing around the field wearing commemorative T-shirts, congratulating each other with hugs and claps, but otherwise they looked like they didn't quite know how to celebrate.

Montreal Impact extends Lassi Lappalainen loan deal through end of year

MONTREAL — The Montreal Impact has extended its loan agreement with Italy's Bologna FC 1909 for winger Lassi Lappalainen, keeping the Finnish international through the end of the year.Lappalainen, 21, joined Montreal last July, scoring a pair of goals in a 4-0 win in his debut over the Philadelphia Union. He finished the season with five goals and one assist in 12 MLS games, including eight starts."He is the type of player with a profile we like in our roster, meaning a young player with huge potential," Impact sporting director Olivier Renard said in a statement. "He showed his qualities in MLS since last July and we put a lot of trust in him. Lassi feels good in this city and wanted to remain in this club."Lappalainen started his career with HJK Helsinki. He was loaned to Finland's RoPS before signing with Bologna and being loaned to Montreal.Joey Saputo owns both the Impact and Bologna. Lappalainen has won seven caps for Finland, with five coming in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 16, 2020.The Canadian Press

Durant joins ownership group for soccer's Philadelphia Union

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union. Durant, a 10-time NBA All-Star, has a 5% ownership stake, with an option for 5% more in the near future, the Union announced Monday. My team and I felt an instant connection with the Philadelphia Union ownership and staff and their vision for a partnership,'' Durant said in a statement.

Durant joins ownership group of MLS' Philadelphia Union

Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer's Philadelphia Union.Durant, a 10-time NBA All-Star, has a 5% ownership stake, with an option for 5% more in the near future, the Union announced Monday.“I’ve always been a soccer fan and have wanted to get into it in a meaningful way. My team and I felt an instant connection with the Philadelphia Union ownership and staff and their vision for a partnership," Durant said in a statement. "While you won’t get to see me at games for now, my team and I will be taking an active role in the community where I can help give back to Chester (Pennsylvania) and Philadelphia.”The Union and Durant's Thirty Five Ventures, a firm he runs with sports executive Rich Kleiman, will partner to grow the team's profile and community outreach through the Kevin Durant Charity Foundation.Thirty Five Ventures and the Union aim to develop community programs in Chester, Pennsylvania, home of the Union's Subaru Park, to address racial and social injustice as well as recovery efforts from the coronavirus pandemic.“This partnership was months in the making and in the process, our teams got to know each other very well and understand the true potential for the future,” said Kleiman, Durant's agent. "We believe that Thirty Five Ventures and our expertise will attract new fans in Philly and beyond, so we’re excited to get started.”Major League Soccer's season has been on hold since March 12 because of the pandemic. The 26-team league is set to restart next month with a World Cup-style tournament in Florida.The NBA has been shut down since March 11, the night Utah centre Rudy Gobert became the first player in the league to have a positive diagnosis for the virus. The NBA also is planning an August restart, with playoffs held at Disney World.Durant, who has also played with Oklahoma City and Golden State over a 12-year NBA career, has yet to play for the Nets after rupturing an Achilles tendon last year with the Warriors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against Toronto.Durant had in the past shown interest in D.C. United, but nothing came of it.The Union has increased its community outreach in the city, which lies southwest of Philadelphia. The team helped Chester High School bring back its varsity soccer team.“From the first meeting between Kevin, Thirty Five Ventures, and our leadership team, it was evident that we shared a similar set of beliefs. We talked about the vision for our club and for the Chester and Philadelphia communities but also about what it takes to win," said Union principal owner Jay Sugarman. "We’re excited to have someone as forward-thinking and driven as Kevin become a partner in our organization.”Durant is not the first NBA player to buy into an MLS club. Houston Rockets star James Harden joined the ownership group of the Houston Dynamo and the NWSL's Houston Dash last year.Anne M. Peterson, The Associated Press

Toronto FC, Whitecaps resume full team training ahead of MLS is Back tournament

Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps resumed full team training Monday ahead of next month's MLS is Back tournament.They join Atlanta United, Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, Inter Miami, Los Angeles Galaxy, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union and Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City in holding full team sessions.The Montreal Impact players are still training in small groups, awaiting approval to go to the next step.The teams are preparing for returning to action at the league's World Cup-style tournament scheduled to run July 8 to Aug. 11 in the Orlando area.The league lifted its team training moratorium on June 4, pending approval of individual club plans by local authorities and the league.In advance of full team training, players have to complete a physical examination and pass two COVID-19 tests. Players, coaches and select staff must pass tests every other day to attend training.Players can go inside their training centre as long as they maintain physical distancing. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2020.The Canadian Press

Former Toronto FC defender Damien Perquis retires after 18-year career

Former Toronto FC defender Damien Perquis announced his retirement Monday after an 18-year career.The 36-year-old French-born Polish international played 25 regular-season games for Toronto in 2015 and 12 in 2016 before terminating his contract by mutual agreement midway through the season."What a wonderful feeling to wake up in the morning and have the chance to do the job you enjoy the most," Perquis said in a social media post announcing his retirement."So many wonderful memories, football games, emotions, encounters and difficulties to overcome," he added. "Everything is now in my head and in my heart. Today I am ending an 18-year adventure at the highest level."Of Polish decent through his grandmother, Perquis won 13 caps for the Polish national team.Perquis began his career in France with Troyes before moving to Saint-Etienne and Sochaux. He spent three season in Spain with Real Betis before coming to MLS in January 2015.After Toronto, Perquis went on to play for England's Nottingham Forest and, most recently, Gazelec Ajaccio in France.Perquis saw Toronto as a new start — and a chance to escape the fishbowl of European soccer. But his playing time dwindled in his second season.He was brought to Toronto to play with centre back Steven Caldwell. But the veteran Scot played just two games, forced to retire in mid-season due to injury. Perquis was partnered with a variety of centre backs in a porous TFC defence that gave up 58 goals, tied for worst in the league.He started the 2016 season in a partnership with veteran Drew Moor, a free agent who joined in the off-season from Colorado. Perquis started nine of the first 10 matches, playing 806 minutes, but started just two of the next seven, playing 180 minutes.With a salary of US$427,500, the French-born Polish international had the fourth-highest number on Toronto's books in 2016, behind only designated players Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.At his best, Perquis was solid at the back and was a fine passer. But he was also an emotional powder-keg at times, on and off the field. Perquis made 38 appearances for Toronto in all competitions with two goals and two assists. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 15, 2020.Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press

Kevin Durant buys minority stake in MLS's Philadelphia Union

The Nets star has said he wants to own and run an NBA team in the past.

MLS' Orlando tournament format has a significant flaw with a simple fix

The "MLS is Back Tournament" puts six teams at a significant disadvantage. There's a simple solution that the league seemingly ignored.

Goretzka keeps Bayern on track for latest Bundesliga title

Leon Goretzka scored late for Bayern Munich to take another step closer to a record-extending eighth straight Bundesliga title after beating Borussia Monchengladbach 2-1 on Saturday. Goretzka capitalized on a lapse in concentration in the visiting defense when he struck in the 86th minute, firing inside the far post after being picked out by Benjamin Pavard. The win kept Bayern seven points clear of Borussia Dortmund with three rounds to play.

Will outside temptations ruin MLS quarantine?

One expert is fearful it may be difficult to keep a bunch of 'virile athletes' in one place when the season resumes in a quarantine bubble in Orlando.

It's back! MLS will restart July 8 in Orlando

Major League Soccer will resume its coronavirus-cursed 2020 season with a World Cup-style tournament next month.

A hurried MLS return may backfire on league

The league wants to resume sooner than other pro sports in the U.S. so it will hog the spotlight, but fans likely won't see same quality of play early on.

Monday Sports in Brief

Baseball owners and players have reverted to form -- the type displayed over the past half-century during eight work stoppages filled with salary squabbles. Players proposed to resume the sport in the coronavirus pandemic with a 114-game regular season and full prorated salaries, leaving each player with approximately 70% of what he had been slated to earn. MLB claims an additional $640,000 would be lost with each extra regular-season game played.

Players skip training after union impasse with MLS

Players from several Major League Soccer teams skipped voluntary workouts Monday after the league and the players' association hit an impasse on an agreement that would clear the way for a tournament this summer in Florida. The Major League Soccer Players Association had voted to approve economic concessions for this season, including across-the-board salary cuts.

Germany may sanction soccer players for supporting Floyd

The German soccer federation has defended its decision to assess whether four young Bundesliga players who made gestures in solidarity with George Floyd over the weekend must face sanctions. Borussia Dortmund teammate Achraf Hakimi, 21, who displayed the same message after scoring in the same game on Sunday, was not booked because he did not lift his jersey over his head. Thuram on Sunday took a knee after scoring in Borussia Monchengladbach's win over Union Berlin.

Major League Soccer players boycott training in apparent labour impasse

Toronto FC, Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecap players boycotted training Monday in an apparent labour impasse between the MLS and the MLS Players Association.It appears players in "multiple markets" also stayed home amidst reports they faced a threatened lockout by the league.The training sessions are voluntary but players had been taking advantage of them, with Toronto, Atlanta, Inter Miami and Sporting Kansas City among those slated to progress from individual to small group training sessions Monday."Players made a CHOICE to focus their time and energy on an important decision which includes the threat of a lockout instead of volunteering to attend on-field training for a tournament we already agreed to attend," tweeted Minnesota United midfielder Ethan Finlay, a member of the MLSPA's executive board. "Refuse is not the word I would use."With the season on hold since March 12 due to the pandemic, the two sides have been bargaining about concessions and pay.On Sunday night, the Players Association announced its membership had approved a package for the 2020 season included player salary reductions and additional concessions. It did not provide specifics although the proposal included participating in a summer tournament in Orlando."While a difficult vote in incredibly challenging times, it was taken collectively to ensure that players can return to competition as soon as they are safely able to do so," the PA said in a statement. "The package has been formally submitted to the league for a decision by the owners."The league declined comment Sunday night but reports soon emerged that it wanted more concessions.Complicating matters is the fact that while the league and PA agreed on a new collectively bargaining agreement in February, it has yet to be ratified.The players' proposal included adding a year to the CBA.The labour negotiations come against a backdrop of unrest in the U.S. in the wake of the death of George Floyd."I can't sleep some of these nights!," tweeted Mark-Anthony Kaye, a Canadian international who plays for Los Angeles FC. "My mind just races and goes on and on at the amount of possible scenarios in where I lose my life or I'm harmed by a police officer who took an oath to protect us. The police force has lost its credibility, the CHANGE needs to start internally!"The league released a statement Monday saying the "entire Major League Soccer family is deeply saddened and horrified by the senseless murder of George Floyd."We stand united with the black community throughout our country and share in the pain, anger and frustration. We hear you. We see you. We support you. We are committed to use our voices and the platform of our league, our clubs and our players to continue to champion equality and social justice."Prior to the league release, Toronto defender Justin Morrow wondered what was taking so long."How long must we wait to hear from you regarding what's going on across the country?" he tweeted. "Can't you see that your players are speaking up and it matters to them? Your silence is deafening. Please support us."The MLSPA issued its statement Sunday."Like our players, we are deeply sickened by the continued inequality and violence around the country. We stand with all of those who have been subjected to unfair and unequal treatment because of the colour of their skin. We must commit as a society to end this horrible cycle." This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 1, 2020.\---Follow @NeilMDavidson on TwitterNeil Davidson, The Canadian Press

Fortunes of Berlin clubs changed by Bundesliga's virus break

The Bundesliga’s coronavirus-induced break has changed the fortunes of the Berlin clubs. The German soccer league’s unprecedented two-month suspension came at the right time for Hertha Berlin and the wrong time for city rival Union Berlin. While Hertha used the break to good effect – bringing in a new coach who is unbeaten with three wins from four games – Union has gone six matches without a win.

MLS players agree to concessions to return to action at Orlando tournament

TORONTO — MLS players have approved taking part in a summer tournament in Orlando, agreeing to a "package of economic concessions" for the revamped 2020 season in the process.The 26-team league suspended play March 12 because of the global pandemic, two weeks into its 2020 season.The MLS Players Association said in a release Sunday evening that its membership had voted to accept "salary reductions across the entire player pool, reduced team and individual bonuses, and additional concessions to existing and future terms of the CBA.""While a difficult vote in incredibly challenging times, it was taken collectively to ensure that players can return to competition as soon as they are safely able to do so," the MLSPA said. "The package has been formally submitted to the league for a decision by the owners."In February, the league and MLSPA agreed to an agreement in principle on a new collective bargaining agreement that covers five seasons from 2020.But, because of the global pandemic, the deal never got formal approval by the MLS board of governors and the MLSPA membership. Under the deal announced Sunday, the CBA will be extended by a year.The league declined a request for comment.With soccer on the sidelines, the two sides have been in discussions on wages with the league on hiatus.A source with knowledge of the talks, not authorized to speak publicly because the negotiations have been private, said in April the league had proposed guaranteeing players 50 per cent of their annual salary if no more games are played this season.The percentage of pay would rise if more games are played — how much more would depend on how many games and whether they were played before fans.Players earning under US$100,000 would not be affected. The minimum salary for players on a team's senior roster is $81,375 this year. The minimum for those on the reserve roster, usually younger players, is $63,547.The MLSPA did not say what it had agreed to in Sunday's statement.Teams have been given the green light as of Monday to start training in small groups, presuming they meet the approval of local authorities and the league. Toronto FC is set to take advantage of that Monday.Previously teams had been restricted to voluntary individual workouts. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2020.\---Follow @NeilMDavidson on TwitterNeil Davidson, The Canadian Press

MLS players agree to salary cuts, possible tournament

The Major League Soccer Players Association voted to approve economic concessions for this season, including across-the-board salary cuts, while also agreeing to play in a proposed summer tournament in Orlando, Florida. The MLS season was suspended March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic. Major League Soccer gave its teams the go-ahead Thursday to begin small voluntary group training sessions outdoors.

Toronto FC takes next step, starts small group training sessions on Monday

Toronto FC plans to up its training on Monday, going from individual workouts to small group sessions.Major League Soccer, which suspended play on March 12 due to the global pandemic, announced Friday that teams had the green light to start voluntary small group training providing their plans are approved by the league and don't conflict with local heath or government policies.Atlanta United and Sporting Kansas City also plan to begin small group training sessions Monday.Individual outdoor player workouts at team training centres have been allowed since May 6.It took some clubs longer than others to get the necessary approval for the individual training, with Montreal, Chicago Fire FC, the New York Red Bulls, New York City FC and D.C. United not getting the green light until last week.The San Jose Earthquakes have yet to resume training.The league is reportedly looking at resuming play later this summer in one hub, possibly the Orlando area.MLS says players will maintain physical distancing protocols in the small group training. The protocol calls for a maximum of six players in a group, with physical distancing rules coming into play.Clubs can divide each full field into two halves, assigning a group of players to each segment. Each half-field can be split up into six zones, spaced at least 10 feet (three metres) apart. Only one player may be in a zone at any given time.Players can pass the ball and shoot on goal within a group, providing they maintain physical distancing.Other rules include barring goalkeepers from spitting on their gloves, which must be sanitized after each training.The training sessions remain closed. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2020.\---Follow @NeilMDavidson on TwitterNeil Davidson, The Canadian Press

Young players call for 'Justice for George Floyd' in Germany

Four young soccer players in Germany’s Bundesliga addressed the death of George Floyd in the United States with protests against police brutality and calls for justice over the weekend. England’s 20-year-old winger Jadon Sancho, 21-year-old Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi and 22-year-old Marcus Thuram made statements on the field on Sunday, following the example set by Schalke’s American midfielder Weston McKennie, 21, the day before. Sancho scored his first hat trick in Borussia Dortmund’s 6-1 win at Paderborn with no fans present, but removed his jersey after his first goal to reveal a T-shirt with the handwritten message “Justice for George Floyd” on the front.

Toronto FC's Jozy Altidore ready to game for a good cause in 'Call of Duty' event

TORONTO — Jozy Altidore is taking part in a different type of friendly on Monday.The Toronto FC striker is joining forces with Toronto Ultra pro gamer Cameron (Cammy) McKilligan, "American Idol" runner-up Alejandro Aranda and Kevin Truong, head of esports and gaming at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, in "Call of Duty" video game play to raise money for COVID-19 relief.Team Cammy will face Team Methodz, led by Toronto Ultra's Anthony (Methodz) Zinni. He is joined by "Grown-ish" actor Trevor Jackson, Canadian video gamer and YouTube personality Jaren (SMii7Y) Smith and Stephen Wu, esports and gaming co-ordinator at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.The Call of Duty Warzone Friendly Series will take place Monday and Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Toronto Ultra's YouTube and Twitch channels. Teams will compete in as many matches as possible in 90 minutes.Viewers will be encouraged to donate to the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation's Conquer COVID for Cancer Fund.The Toronto Ultra are the lone Canadian franchise in the 12-team Call of Duty League, which includes nine Americans squads and teams in London and Paris with a US$6-million prize pool in 2020.The Ultra are part of OverActive Media, which also owns the Toronto Defiant of the Overwatch League and other esports teams.Altidore joins Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner and Malcolm Miller of the Raptors in gaming for a good cause. They played in a Warzone tournament in April.The powerful U.S. international forward is no stranger to gaming. At 17, he was on the North American cover of "FIFA Soccer 08." This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 30, 2020.\---Follow @NeilMDavidson on TwitterNeil Davidson, The Canadian Press

Major League Soccer moves to allow small group training pending local approval

TORONTO — Major League Soccer is moving ahead with small group training sessions, providing they are not in conflict with local health or government policies.The 26-team league, which suspended play on March 12 due to the global pandemic, allowed individual outdoor player workouts at team training centres as of May 6.It has taken some clubs longer than others to get the necessary approval for the individual training, with Montreal, the New York Red Bulls, New York City FC and D.C. United not getting the green light until this week.Chicago Fire FC and San Jose Earthquakes have yet to begin their individual workouts.Vancouver Whitecaps sporting director Axel Schuster said work is underway to progress to the small group workouts, which like the individual sessions will be voluntary."We are encouraged by this next step from the league and are well prepared for it," Schuster said in a statement. "Safety will always be our top priority. Throughout this pandemic we have remained in constant communication with our local and provincial health authorities, as well as the league."We have proactively worked with the Office of the Provincial Health Officer and prepared safe and secure protocols for our next steps. We will submit our plan to the league today with the goal of starting our small group training sessions early next week."Said Toronto FC: "We are working on our plan internally and in co-ordination with the league, Toronto Public Health and the province to ensure that any potential changes are meeting the health and safety regulations set in place, which is our highest priority."The Montreal Impact said they had sent their plan to local authorities for approval.Gatherings of more than five people, with the exception of those who live together, remain illegal in Ontario because of COVID-19. The limit is 10 in Quebec, representing a maximum of three households. The limit in B.C. is 50.The league is reportedly looking at resuming play later this summer in one hub, possibly the Orlando area.MLS says players will maintain physical distancing protocols in the small group training.As with the individual sessions, teams will have to provide the league with club-specific plans that has been reviewed and approved by club medical staff and local infectious disease expert. The blueprint will build on the health and safety protocols implemented for the individual sessions.The protocol calls for a maximum of six players in a group, with physical distancing rules coming into play.Clubs can divide each full field into two halves, assigning a group of players to each segment. Each half-field can be split up into six zones, spaced at least 10 feet (three metres) apart. Only one player may be in a zone at any given time.Players can pass the ball and shoot on goal within a group, providing they maintain physical distancing.Other rules include barring goalkeepers from spitting on their gloves, which must be sanitized after each training.The NWSL has already permitted small group training, pending local approval, with plans to allow full team training as of Saturday if certain requirements are met.The nine-team women's league is preparing for a 25-game tournament set to start June 27 in the Salt Lake City area. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 28, 2020.\---Follow @NeilMDavidson on TwitterNeil Davidson, The Canadian Press

MLS gives OK to small group training sessions

Major League Soccer gave its teams the go-ahead Thursday to begin small voluntary group training sessions outdoors. The group sessions, which must comply with local public health and government restrictions, are the next step in the league’s efforts to return to action after suspending the season earlier this year because of the coronavirus pandemic. Teams must submit club-specific plans for the sessions to the league.

Hertha Berlin scores late to hold Leipzig 2-2 in Bundesliga

Leipzig missed the chance to move second in the Bundesliga after visiting Hertha Berlin scored a late equalizer in a 2-2 draw on Wednesday. The home side was leading 2-1 despite being down to 10 men - and ahead of Borussia Dortmund on goal difference - until Krzysztof Piatek's 82-minute penalty ensured Hertha stayed unbeaten in three games under new coach Bruno Labbadia. Leipzig remained third, two points behind second-place Dortmund.

LAFC will seek new name for Banc of California Stadium

Los Angeles FC will seek a new name for its 2-year-old Banc of California Stadium after the Major League Soccer club and the bank restructured their partnership. LAFC announced Tuesday that Banc of California will eventually give up its naming rights to the still-new stadium just south of downtown Los Angeles. LAFC didn't announce a time frame for the removal of Banc of California from the stadium's name or the selection of a new naming rights partner.

'Bayern Road Runner' Alphonso Davies shines against Dortmund

The way Alphonso Davies was running up and down the left flank for Bayern Munich on Tuesday had his teammates comparing him to a cartoon character. The Canadian teenager was one of Bayern's standout players as the club beat Borussia Dortmund 1-0 to close in on another Bundesliga title, with his marauding runs a key part of the team's attack and defense.