It’s finally matchweek for the 5-Stripes. The team arrived this weekend in Orlando, and they are ready to conquer. The team will start their Group Stage matches in the MLS is Back Tournament this Saturday starting with one of their rivals, New York Red Bulls, at 8 PM ET.
Many asked what is the purpose of the tournament and how it affects the 5-Stripes, so we’ve broken it down for the 17s step-by-step, giving you the who, what, when, where and how.
Location: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Florida
All MLS teams are traveling or have arrived to Orlando and stay in Disney Resorts for the entire tournament. Teams also have traveled at least seven days before their first match to ensure safety for the tournament.
Dates: July 8 to August 11
Groups will start play this Wednesday, July 8. The Round of 16 will be July 25 to July 28, Quarterfinals will be played July 30 and August 1, Semifinals on August 5 and August 6 and ending with the final on August 11.
The 5-Stripes Group Stage matches include:
- Saturday, July 11th vs New York Red Bulls at 8 PM on FOX
- Thursday, July 16th vs FC Cincinnati at 9 AM on ESPN
- Tuesday, July 21st vs Columbus Crew SC at 8 PM on TUDN
Group Stages:
The tournament has been broken down into six groups with three groups for the Western Conference and three for the Eastern Conference. Western Conference is broken down into three groups with four teams in each group. Eastern Conference will have one group with six teams and two groups with four teams. Group A, the group of 6 teams, will only play three out of the possible five group opponents where groups with four teams will play each of their opponents. The top-two in each group along with the four-best third place teams advance to the 16-team knockout stage.
Atlanta United is in Group E with New York Red Bulls, FC Cincinnati and Columbus Crew SC.
Safety Protocols:
Besides traveling to Orlando at least seven days before their matches, teams will be tested every other day for COVID-19 leading up to matches, and then the day prior to their matches. During matches, players are asked not to kiss the soccer ball or exchange kits post match. On the bench, coaches, staff and players will be required to wear masks. For more details, please visit HERE.
Stakes:
All group stage matches will count as points towards the 2020 regular-season standings. Atlanta United currently has 6 points for the season from winning their first two matches of the year. The winner of the tournament will clinch a 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League spot. Also, players will have the opportunity to earn additional bonuses from the MLS is Back Tournament 1.1 million dollar prize pool.
Post Tournament:
MLS plans for teams to return to their cities and play a revised schedule for the rest of the season with the 25th MLS Cup playoffs and MLS Cup. This schedule will be developed at a later date.
The 5-Stripes are ready to play for the 17s again. Stay tuned on our social channels and web for more info and see the squad’s preparation and behind the scenes in Orlando.
