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FC Dallas clash with Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS is Back Tournament postponed

MLS announced that it has postponed the match between FC Dallas and the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS is Back Tournament until a later, undisclosed date.

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Dallas has been hit hard by a series of positive tests for COVID-19. FCD arrived in the Orlando area on June 27, and earlier this week it was confirmed that 10 members of its delegation -- nine players and one coach -- tested positive for COVID-19.

The team has been under quarantine since then, preventing them from training.

"It's been tough, I can't sugarcoat it, but I don't have time to feel sorry for me or ourselves," FC Dallas coach Luchi Gonzalez told ESPN.

Gonzalez says he feels grateful that the club and the league are doing what they can amid the positive cases within his side.

"I'm lucky to have owners that really support us as human beings, not just as players and coaches," he said.

While Gonzalez said the objective is to still compete in the tournament, he added that the players' safety comes first.

"Right now its about getting guys healthy, feeling safe, so that we can be strong in the long term," he said.

Vancouver was originally scheduled to arrive Wednesday, but the team's departure was delayed because of two inconclusive tests for COVID-19 during pre-travel screening. The subsequent test results were confirmed to be negative and the club will depart for Orlando on Monday.

The match was originally scheduled for July 9 but MLS said in a statement: "The later match date will allow both teams additional training days in Orlando in advance of their first match."

Both teams will now play their first matches of the MLS is Back Tournament on July 15, as FC Dallas face Seattle Sounders FC at 9 a.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC face the San Jose Earthquakes at 10:30 p.m. ET (TUDN, TSN).

Fellow MLS club the Colorado Rapids have delayed their departure after it was notified on Sunday that it has two presumptive positive COVID-19 results in its traveling party. The Rapids have opted to delay their departure until Tuesday, July 7, out of an abundance of caution.