The Bundesliga is cleared to resume play

After a lengthy period without any live sports to distract us from the depressing events going on in the world, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. Germany’s government has given the green light for the German football to resume play in the coming weeks (the announcement on the actual start day will come tomorrow-either May 15th or May 22nd.) In doing so, they will be the first major sports league to resume play following the events from the Corona Virus pandemic. These matches would be played without fans present in the stadium. With nine matchdays remaining in their season, they will extend the season in order to finish play by the end of June. Of course this will complicate the offseason schedule as well, but this helps clubs in the face of financial challenges.

For fans of the US Men’s National Team, there isn’t another league outside the United States that would be better to open. There are more Americans playing in Germany than the entire rest of Europe combined, and we will get to see them dawn their kits once more. They will resume play in a tight race for the title. Bayern Munich currently lead the way in the league while Gio Reyna and Borussia Dortmund sit four points back. Tyler Adams and RB Leipzig are just one point behind them in third place. Fabian Johnson and Borussia Mönchengladbach are a point behind Leipzig in fourth. Weston McKennie and Schalke are narrowly holding onto the sixth and final Europa League qualification spot. Just behind them are John Brooks, Ulysses Llanez and Wolfsburg. Near the bottom of the table, Josh Sargent and Werder Bremen will look to avoid dropping to the 2. Bundesliga, but they need to erase a four-point deficit behind Zack Steffen, Alfredo Morales and Fortuna Düsseldorf just want to avoid the relegation playoff.

It will certainly be interesting to see how the league reacts when and if players will contract the virus, but this is a major beacon of hope. There are some big storylines to keep an eye on in this league with regards to American players. What will you be watching for when German soccer resumes? Hit the comment section to discuss.