Soccer is back in the Rose City. Well, sort of. Both the Timbers and Thorns reemerged in their training facilities while taking precautionary steps in the ever-present COVID-19 era. Players and essential staff are returning to practice facilities to resume individual workouts. This is the first step many clubs are taking and is a glimpse of the new normal the rest of us are facing as well. Physical distancing mandates, sanitation plans, and personal protective equipment share the field with training cones, soccer balls, and players eager to stretch their legs.
For Oregonians, May 15th marks the first day toward reopening public life. With many physical distancing and safety measures still in place, don’t expect a weekend of soccer back at Providence Park anytime soon. Oregon Governor Kate Brown spoke Thursday about reopening guidelines:
“Reopening any part of our state comes with risk,” Brown said. “This virus is still very dangerous and it still poses a great threat. Until there is a vaccine, unfortunately, we will not be going back to life as we knew it. Not here in Oregon or frankly anywhere. I know this can be a really tough reality to face.”
Is there hope for meaningful games to be played this season? There is no clear indication of that yet from MLS and NWSL leadership, but there is reason for optimism around the globe. On Saturday, May 16th the Bundesliga returns to action with COVID-19 measures in effect. The German league will allow a maximum of 322 people in and around the stadiums for Bundesliga matches. This includes players, coaches, referees, camera crews, anti-doping officials, stewards, security, ground staff and ball boys. They all have their temperature checked on arrival. Anyone deemed a risk will be sent home.
Fans and league officials around the world will be watching this experiment closely, but for now, individual workouts are one small and important step forward in Portland
Portland Timbers
Portland Thorns
