MLS making contingency plans for Cup final could use neutral site

MLS is developing contingency plans for the MLS Cup Final that include the possibility of holding the game at a neutral venue due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, sources told ESPN.

The MLS Cup qualifiers have reached the semifinals, with the Columbus Crew hosting the New England Revolution in Sunday’s Eastern Conference Final, while Minnesota United travel to Seattle to face the Sounders the next day in the final of the Western Conference. The MLS Cup final will be played on December 12.

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With MLS using points per game during the regular season to determine the playoff standings, the crew has the inside track to host the MLS Cup Final as it is, followed by Seattle, Minnesota and from New England.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage across the United States, with new cases exceeding 200,000 in the past two days and deaths approaching 3,000 per day, according to the New York Times. MLS has been preparing since the start of the playoffs for the possibility that COVID-19-related restrictions – such as those currently in place in parts of California – could prevent a team from hosting a playoff game.

A source pointed out that such plans were a “save in save” and that MLS still intended to play the final instead of the top ranked team. However, it is not clear whether the league would try to hold the game at the residence of the lower ranked team if the higher ranked finalist could not accommodate, or whether they would travel directly to a neutral venue.

If the MLS Cup final is moved to a neutral venue, Orlando’s Exploria Stadium was mentioned as a possible option due to the natural grass pitch and favorable weather conditions in December.

MLS could not be reached for comment during the reporting of this story.

Last month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine reimposed a mandate for wearing masks outside as well as inside businesses when it is not possible to stay six feet from people. A stay-at-home order between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with a few exceptions, is also in effect. Franklin County, home of Columbus, reported a seven-day moving average of 840 new cases, which works out to 64 cases per 100,000 population. The Crew currently allows up to 1,500 ticketed supporters to attend matches, in addition to their friends and family.

Two weeks ago, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced a four-week closure of bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and fitness clubs to slow the COVID-19 pandemic. In Ramsey County, where Minnesota’s Allianz Field is located, the seven-day moving average is 508 cases, which works out to 92.3 per 100,000 population. Minnesota United does not currently allow fans to attend games.

In Norfolk County, home to the Revolution’s birthplace, Gillette Stadium, the seven-day moving average was 240, which equates to 34 per 100,000 population. A spokesperson for the Revs said the team are still not allowing fans to attend matches. Massachusetts currently requires people to wear masks in public places. Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people while outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people. A stay-at-home order similar to the Ohio one is also in effect.

In Washington state, a four-week health ordinance that limits outdoor gatherings to five people outside the same household and prevents indoor dining in bars and restaurants, among other restrictions, will remain in effect until to December 14. case since the start of the pandemic, fans have not been allowed to attend the Sounders’ home games. The seven-day moving average reported in King County is 581.4 new cases, or about 25.8 per 100,000 population.