FC Dallas pulled from MLS tournament with 11 COVID-19 cases

FC Dallas won't participate in the MLS is Back Tournament after 10 players and a member of the technical staff tested positive for COVID-19, the league announced Monday.

"Each of these positive tests either occurred upon the club's arrival or within a few days of arrival in Orlando," the statement read. "The decision was made in the best interest of the health of all players and staff participating in the tournament, and in line with protocols created in conjunction with local and national health authorities and infectious disease experts."

Dallas released a statement shortly after the league's decision, saying the club is disappointed but that "the health and safety of our traveling delegation, as well as our league partners, is our highest priority."

The tournament is scheduled to begin Wednesday and was set to feature 54 matches played behind closed doors over a month-long period at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando.

Dallas was originally drawn into Group B alongside the Seattle Sounders, Vancouver Whitecaps, and San Jose Earthquakes. Its tournament opener against Vancouver on July 9 was already postponed after six players tested positive following their arrival in Florida on June 27.

LAFC record-breaker and reigning league MVP Carlos Vela pulled out of the tournament on Monday. Players were given the option to skip the tournament on the basis of health and family reasons.

MLS has confirmed that of the 557 players currently in Orlando, 13 have tested positive for COVID-19, with 10 of those coming from FC Dallas and the remaining three from two other clubs.