Some interesting twists: - Nashville moving to the Eastern Conference for the rest of the year. - First round divided into 6 groups: 5 groups of 4, and 1 group of six. - All groups (even the group of 6) will play 3 games. - Orlando, as tournament hosts, get the top seed in the group of six teams. - The other 5 groups will get one of these as the top seed: ATL, LAFC, SEA, TOR (4 finalists last year) or RSL (next highest pt total in 2019) - Draw will be tomorrow (Thursday) at 3:30pm ET. - All 3 games played in group round count towards regular season standings.
In case you're wondering, an update from the Revs regarding where season ticket holders stand in regards to our ticket situation:
I think this sounds like fun. It's a clever approach to the problem, and it's a new wrinkle. Who knows, maybe they'll incorporate this mid-season tournament as a permanent feature of MLS!
A little just-for-fun speculation on today's draw: My dream MLS is Back Tournament draw June 10, 2020 6:50PM EDT Greg Seltzer
The problem with his draw for the Revs is that we should easily win the group and that would really skew the fans expectations. But I will take the chance!
Why should Orlando get a top seed? Home team - that's already an advantage. I know it will happen, but I will cringe when it does. Someone will pick one as "the group of death", as though there always must be one. That should be saved for the real/rare situation. Now, get those kids out of my yard.
I think the local rivalries are over-played - I'd rather see teams play opponents that they face less often; and on neutral ground, since some of those venues have significant home field advantages (think: playing Colorado or RSL where there's no advantage).
I had just assumed this was supposed to be a blind draw. It sure doesn't feel like one, does it? Jello rules are back.
so once they are knocked out is their season over? is this a tune up for a short season? What happens after the final?
from ESPN The hope is that the league will get an extra 18 games in after Orlando, which would make for a 23-game regular season. That's about two-thirds of a normal league schedule. One scenario has MLS Cup being played in mid-December, but the situation remains fluid.
The way I read the announcement, it's just the next three games of the season, then the rest of the "regular" season begins with matches at empty home stadiums for some number of games. Look like 18 more after Orlando from BERich's post. So the two already played, plus three in the "tournament" plus the remaining 18 will make the season.
Just got an email regarding a refund. The REVs are offering three options: 1. Refund – If you select this option you will receive a refund via your original payment method. We are aiming to deliver refunds within 30 days from the time of selection. 2. Renewal Credit – If you select this option, the applicable amount will be applied towards your 2021 Season Membership payment(s). If you choose this option, we will provide you with a “bonus”, which you may select from one of two categories set forth below: a. 10% bonus amount that may be used towards new Revolution MLS regular-season ticket products in 2020 or 2021. This includes all add-on tickets, new season seats, group tickets, and promotional ticket products. This bonus amount cannot be applied towards 2021 Season Membership payment(s). b. Receive a one category seating upgrade for your existing 2020 Season Membership seat location(s) for the 2021 season. We will hold your original seat location(s), which you may return to for the 2022 season, or you may keep your upgraded seat location(s). If you decide to keep your upgraded seat location(s) in 2022 and future seasons, you will have to pay the regular renewal rate for such seating category. Seat upgrades may be limited and are based on availability.
East and West had separate draws, but the draw was televised, so it's a bit of a stretch to imply it was fixed. Although, putting Miami with Orlando was fixed, so they could set the opening match ahead of time. I supposed they could have told each team rep which numbers to select during the draw... https://www.revolutionsoccer.net/post/2020/06/11/mls-back-tournament-draw-live-330pm-et
Wiebe has the Revs advancing by finishing 2nd in Group C: MLS is Back Tournament group predictions and analysis June 12, 2020 11:48AM EDT Andrew Wiebe
NYCFC and Dallas the first to announce a "friendly" (July 4th) leading up to the tourney. Hopefully the Revs will be able to get a warm-up match in. Before MLS is Back Tournament, these teams will prepare with scheduled friendlies June 17, 2020 4:54PM EDT MLSsoccer staff
One of Revs' Group C opponents: DC United head coach Ben Olsen says Federico Higuain is in full training, will play in Orlando June 17, 2020 7:19PM EDT Ian Quillen
He was slow and didn't run much before the injury, but he's always dangerous with the ball at his feet.
DC was the first, and now Miami and Atlanta have both confirmed that a player has tested positive. Miami's player is asymptomatic.
Since Gil missed the first 2 games this season, This will be the first time in Revs history we get to see 3 DPs in Revs kits on the field at the same time in a game that counts... Gil, Buksa building a bond as Revs prepare for MLS is Back with three healthy DPs June 18, 2020 12:06PM EDT Jeff Lemieux
Orange County, Florida - the Orlando area - reported a staggering 15.1% rate of positive coronavirus tests yesterday, as numbers in that area continue exploding, less than three weeks before the NBA and MLS head to Disney to resume their seasons.— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) June 19, 2020