No fewer than 11 T&T international footballers who ply their professional trade in the United States Soccer League Championship Division and League One still awaits word on whether or not the 2020 season will come off due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown.
Last weekend, the USL stated on its usl.com website which noted that the full-team training moratorium for clubs had been extended while numerous return-to-play scenarios were still under consideration.
Thus far, Championship and League One clubs, at their option are allowed to open outdoor fields for non-contact training in small groups as well as training rooms for player treatment.
And among the T&T players attached to Championship Division clubs are Andre Fortune (North Carolina), Leston Paul (Memphis 901 FC), Neveal Hackshaw (Indy Eleven), Duane Muckette (Memphis 901), Shannon Gomez (Sacramento Republic), Triston Hodge (Memphis 901 FC), Cordell Cato (Oklahoma City Energy FC), Kevan George (Charlotte Independence), Noah Powder (Real Monarchs), and the duo of Kierron Mason and Leland Archer—both of Charleston Battery.
The trio of Jelani Peters (Toronto FC II), Josiah Trimmingham (Forward Madison) and Luke Singh (Toronto FC) are attached to USL League One clubs.
However, in its latest release the USL the United Soccer League said both the Championship and League One full-sided training moratoriums have been extended.
The USL release added: “While clubs across both leagues will continue to be allowed to train in limited small group settings, the full-sided training moratoriums will now coincide with any potential adoption of a return to play model.”
With regards to the competition to be played when and if the 2020 season does get going the USL said: “While the league hopes that a decision on resumption of play can be made in the coming weeks, all options remain on the table for both leagues.
These include regionalised competition as well as other alternative structures if a traditional league format is no longer possible.”
Looking ahead USL noted that as from the beginning of the crisis, the league continues to participate in a national COVID-19 task force and will not resume play under any scenario until it is in alignment with the recommendations of that task force, as well as local and state health authorities.
The USL also continues to work with the USLPA on COVID-19 management, player safety and well-being, economic relief, and the larger collective bargaining process.