How Major League Soccer beat the other U.S. team sports on return to play

We’ve seen auto racing, mixed-martial arts and golf return to action in the U.S. Now we have a definitive date for the first return of a team-sports league in America.As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Major League Soccer will open the MLS is Back Tournament on July 8, with all games played, minus fans, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex — Disney World — in Orlando. Teams have been placed in groups to begin the competition, with Sporting Kansas City drawing regional rivals Real Salt Lake, the Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United FC.Soccer reporter Shaun Goodwin joins SportsBeat KC host Blair Kerkhoff in this episode of The Star’s daily podcast to talk about the challenges facing Sporting KC and the rest of MLS. Later, you’ll hear from Sporting KC coach Peter Vermes about how to re-start a team that began the year 2-0 ... and a season.Story links:MLS is Back Tournament draw is out: Sporting KC faces RSL, Minnesota, Colorado firstA very Sporting anniversary: 20 years of Peter Vermes changing soccer in Kansas City Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices