MLS commissioner feels for Canadian teams given pandemic-related border issues

MLS commissioner Don Garber says he feels for the league’s three Canadian teams given the border issues caused by the pandemic.

Toronto FC, the Montreal Impact and Vancouver Whitecaps all had to find homes south of the border for the bulk of the 2020 season due to pandemic-related travel restrictions.

With the league hoping to kick off the 2021 campaign in mid-March and COVID-19 seemingly strengthening its hold, it appears the Canadian teams will likely face similar hurdles this season.

“It is more difficult for our Canadian players, as it is for the Canadian NHL teams,” Garber told reporters Tuesday during a virtual update on Major League Soccer’s labour situation. “We are supportive and have to abide by whatever the health guidelines are that are made in Canada and we’re going to have to adapt to them.

“So I can’t say anything else other than I do agree that it does have an impact on them and I’m hopeful that we’re able to get through this in a way that’s going to be a little easier for our Canadian teams and our Canadian players. I do feel for them.”

Toronto made East Hartford, Conn., its pandemic home while Vancouver was based out of Portland and Montreal out of Harrison, N.J.

Canadian NHL teams will play in an all-Canadian division this season. 

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2021

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press