MLS Suspends 2020 Season Until Further Notice Due to COVID-19 Virus Concerns

The NBA was the first major American professional sports league to suspend play due to coronavirus. That came as a bit of a shock to fans Wednesday night, but it was clear in short order that pro basketball wouldn't be the only casualty.

Major League Soccer is now following suit, suspending its 2020 season indefinitely.

MLS is suspending its season immediately until further notice due to coronavirus, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Sports Illustrated.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) March 12, 2020

The 2020 MLS campaign had just gotten underway, as teams have each played two regular season games up to this point. There is no return date set for the league, but insider Ian Thomas reports that the hiatus will hopefully not last more than a month.

Been told by sources that MLS is hoping its temporary suspension of play lasts roughly 30 days. Obviously extremely TBD on that front.
— Ian Thomas (@byIanThomas) March 12, 2020

Of course, that may be wishful thinking.

MLS, particluarly with so many of its players hailing from Latin America and Europe, did not have much of a choice hee based on all the cancellations an restrictions going into effect around North America and the world. It would be reckless to have players travel and for fans to pack into stadiums at a time when such a thing is the precise opposite of what is being recommended by public health experts.

Several states have decided to ban large gatherings of any kind, so it was the right call for Major League Soccer to suspend play. We are certainly all hoping that the concern will have died down after a 30-day period, but we ought to be measured in our optimism as things stand.