Sounders first-team player tests positive for Covid-19

Seattle Sounders FC announced Monday evening that a member of the first team roster tested positive for Covid-19 in two consecutive tests. The unnamed player is self-isolating and following the league and local health department protocols. At this time all other players and staff have returned multiple negative tests and are asymptomatic.

The Sounders’ press release notes that the player was not in close contact with other members of the team roster or technical staff, leading the team’s medical staff to determine that the risk to the overall team has been managed. They also state they were able to conclusively determine that this case is unrelated to the positive test a staff member returned earlier this month.

Several Sounders players who were recently away on international duty had teammates or coaching staff test positive for Covid-19. Gustav Svensson was representing Sweden, whose coach Janne Andersson had a positive test announced on November 11. Xavier Arreaga was with Ecuador, who had a more significant outbreak which affected two LAFC players.

The Sounders are scheduled to face LAFC in the MLS Cup playoffs tomorrow, Tuesday Nov. 24, at 7:30 PM PT at Lumen Field.