MLS Postpones Toronto vs D.C. United Following Positive Coronavirus Test

MLS have announced that the fixture between Toronto and D.C. United has been postponed, after a player tested positive for COVID-19.

The US is among the worst-affected nations at present, with over three million confirmed cases - accounting for more than a quarter of transmissions worldwide.

The 66,786 cases recorded on Friday 10 July was the highest daily total yet, but Donald Trump's government seems determined to resume normality, and MLS was given the all clear to return last month.

The challenges of resuming sport in a country where one in 20 people has been directly affected by a deadly pandemic need no introduction, however. In line with football in Europe, MLS have been extensively testing players ahead of each match in the 'MLS is Back' tournament - which is intended as a warmup for the league resuming fully in the near future.

Ahead of D.C.'s trip to Toronto - due to kick off on Sunday - the league have announced that one positive test and a further inconclusive mean that the game has been postponed indefinitely.

"Major League Soccer announced that today’s D.C. United vs. Toronto FC match has been postponed and will be rescheduled. MLS will announce details later today for the rescheduled match," a statement on the MLS website reads.

"Under the league’s health and safety protocols, clubs are tested the day before each match. The results of yesterday’s tests for D.C. United and Toronto FC produced an initial unconfirmed positive COVID-19 case for one player and an inconclusive test for another player.

"Because of the arrival time of the clubs in Orlando, the league’s protocol called for retesting both teams this morning and to await the results of those tests prior to playing the match.

"Major League Soccer will continue to prioritize the health and safety of all participants of the MLS is Back Tournament in making these decisions."