Sounders had a player test positive for coronavirus

The Seattle Sounders are among a group of at least 10 MLS teams to have at least one player test positive for coronavirus, according to a report in The Athletic. The Sounders had previously revealed a member of the support staff had tested positive.

Although the player’s name has not been revealed out of privacy concerns, Sounder at Heart was able to confirm that the positive test came about a month ago when the team first resumed individual training. The player has since returned to full training. It was not immediately clear how the player was infected, but since no other players have since tested positive it seems fair to say that the safety protocols worked as designed.

While MLS players are obviously not immune to infection, there have not been any outbreaks in the league similar to what caused the Orlando Pride to pull out of the NWSL’s Challenge Cup. There does, however, seem to be growing concern that the league is preparing to play a tournament in an area currently reporting some of the country’s highest coronavirus numbers. Florida set a new state record by reporting more than 5,500 positive tests on Tuesday and Orange County — where the players will be staying — reported 561 positive tests, also a high.

Despite those concerns, there are no indications that the league is seriously considering putting off the tournament. The San Jose Earthquakes, who are among the teams without a positive test, were the first team to arrive in Florida on Wednesday. The tournament is scheduled to begin on July 8 and the Sounders will play their first game on July 10.