MLS releases regular-season schedule; fans allowed at select venues

The 2020 Major League Soccer season will resume Aug. 12 with FC Dallas hosting Nashville SC in front of a limited crowd in Texas, the league announced Saturday.

Teams will play an additional 18 regular-season games following the conclusion of the MLS is Back Tournament on Tuesday. The playoffs are expected to begin Nov. 20, and the MLS Cup final is scheduled for Dec. 12.

Fans can attend matches "where allowed" and teams will travel to host markets to play games.

FC Dallas - who withdrew from the MLS is Back Tournament due to a coronavirus outbreak - said they're allowed up to 5,110 fans at Toyota Stadium for the game against Nashville. Masks will be mandatory for everyone in attendance.

Texas is one of the worst-hit U.S. states, with nearly 500,000 confirmed infections, according to John Hopkins University. Only California and Florida have recorded more coronavirus cases.

It's currently unclear where the league's three Canadian teams - Toronto FC, the Montreal Impact, and the Vancouver Whitecaps - will play their home games. The Canada-U.S. border is closed to nonessential travel until at least Aug. 21.

MLS said the regular season will follow a "phased approach." As part of the first phase, most teams will play six matches against regional opponents through Sept. 14 to cut down on travel.

New York City FC will visit the New York Red Bulls on Aug. 20, and the LA Galaxy will host crosstown rivals Los Angeles FC on Aug. 21. Inter Miami will do battle against Orlando City on Aug. 22, and the Portland Timbers will renew hostilities with the Seattle Sounders on Aug. 23.