INDIANAPOLIS -- At this time in a normal year, the Pacers would be in the playoffs, the Indians would be entertaining fans at Victory Field, and the Indy Eleven would be well into their 2020 schedule.
None of that, of course is happening, thanks to the pandemic.
Thursday, the United Soccer League extended the suspension that has left soccer fields empty for now. The previous suspension ran through May 10. The latest one has no set date. "The USL will await further guidance and clarity from local, state and national health authorities before announcing a new earliest return to play date," the league said.
The USL is looking at the possibility of allowing players to return to training facilities to conduct individual or small group workouts.
“Indy Eleven, our partner USL Championship clubs, and the United Soccer League continue to communicate and plan every single day for the resumption of training and the 2020 season, all while keeping the health and safety of our players, staff, and fans first and foremost," said Indy Eleven President and CEO Greg Stremlaw.
As things stand today, the USL is still in a position to reschedule all matches affected by the COVID-19 crisis, and will continue to receive information from public health experts, as well as a national medical task force comprised of other professional sports leagues and organizations from around the country.
While a complete season remains the goal, a number of alternative formats are possible, the league said.
