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It has been quite a while since the USMNT has taken the field and that wait is set to continue. The team announced today that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the friendlies that were set to take place in October stateside will be cancelled.
With the unique challenges due to COVID-19 in the United States, U.S. Soccer has decided to forgo matches for the #USMNT during the October FIFA window.
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) September 22, 2020
The USMNT continues to explore playing friendlies in Europe during the November FIFA window.
More information:
The announcement did note that the team is hopeful to still play the friendlies scheduled for November in Europe. USMNT General Manager Brian McBride noted, “while we won’t have the team together in this upcoming window, we are making considerable progress for November.”
Despite the success of the MLS is BACK tournament in limiting the spread of Covid, it seems like the same safety precautions are not an option for the next international window. This is particularly unfortunate as the domestic players in MLS are starting to produce solid showings for their club teams. However, the safety and health of players and coaches is clearly the priority as the pandemic continues.