Suspendieron partido de fútbol en EEUU por cuatro contagios de coronavirus

La liga de fútbol norteamericana (MLS) reportó el sábado cuatro casos de coronavirus en el equipo Colorado Rapids, por lo que suspendió el partido que debía disputar el domingo como local ante el Sporting Kansas City.

“Un jugador y tres miembros del personal de Colorado Rapids recibieron pruebas positivas por covid-19 durante una serie de pruebas realizadas el jueves y viernes”, señaló la MLS en un comunicado en el que no identificó a las personas contagiadas.

La liga señaló que el resto de jugadores del equipo dieron negativo en sus exámenes y no presentan síntomas del virus.

Otra franquicia de la MLS, el FC Cincinnati, también reportó el sábado su primer caso confirmado de contagio de un jugador, lo que significa que ha recibido dos resultados positivos consecutivos.

El resto de la plantilla que dirige el holandés Jaap Stam ha seguido dando por ahora resultados negativos por lo que su partido de este sábado ante el New York City FC sigue en pie, señaló el FC Cincinnati en un comunicado.

La MLS, que suspendió su temporada regular en marzo por la pandemia tras solo dos jornadas disputadas, reanudó actividades en julio con el torneo ‘MLS is Back’ disputado en Disney World (Orlando).

A la conclusión de este evento, en agosto se reanudó la fase regular del campeonato con los equipos jugando en sus propios estadios, la mayoría a puerta cerrada.

Como parte de las medidas preventivas del campeonato, los futbolistas son sometidos a pruebas de coronavirus cada dos días, incluida siempre la víspera de los partidos. AFP

Rapids, FC Cincinnati report positive COVID-19 tests

Colorado’s MLS game against Sporting Kansas City has been postponed after a Rapids player and three staff members tested positive for the coronavirus.

FC Cincinnati also announced that an unidentified player had tested positive and was in isolation. Defender Nick Hagglund later confirmed via social media that he contracted COVID-19.

Hagglund was tested Thursday at training and later that night developed symptoms. He said his wife’s test was negative and they are closely monitoring their daughter.

“I am isolated away from them in our home while they also quarantine. We, as a family, have been vigilant in wearing masks, washing hands, and limiting our contact with others. Please let our circumstances be a swift reminder that this virus is real and still present,” he wrote. “Please continue to take steps to mitigate the risk to yourself and your community. Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Do not go out if you don’t need to.”

The Rapids suspended training while the player and staff members who tested positive were isolated. They were not identified. The team has conducted additional testing and contact tracing.

The match between the Rapids and Sporting in Commerce City, Colorado, originally scheduled for Sunday, is the first game to be postponed because of positive COVID-19 cases since the teams returned to play in their local markets following the MLS is Back tournament in Florida.

The match has not yet been rescheduled.

Cincinnati’s match against NYCFC set for Saturday night at Red Bull Arena was not postponed.

It is the first time that a Cincinnati player has been confirmed as positive. The team said all other players and staff members had negative results.

By ANNE M. PETERSON AP Sports Writer