Philadelphia Union roster degraded by COVID-19 crisis ahead of Eastern Conference finals vs NYCFC
NS Philadelphia Union will be forced to take on an overpowered side for Sunday’s Eastern Conference finals against New York City FC due to 11 players included in the league’s Health and Safety protocols.
The list includes the usual starters Alejandro Bedoya – who is the captain of the team – goalkeeper Andre Blake, left back Kai Wagner, central defender Jack Elliott and central defender Jakob Glesnes. There is also a reserve goalkeeper on the list Joe Bendik, front Cory Burke, midfielder Ilsinho, defender Alvas Powell, front Sergio Santos and midfielder Quinn Sullivan.
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Players will be disqualified due to “Health and Safety Protocols” for isolation due to engaging in high-risk behaviour, quarantines involving high-risk close contact, results Pending COVID-19 test, COVID- Test Result 19, positive COVID-19 test, or another confirmed case or illness not related to COVID-19.
A source from the league confirmed to ESPN that the match will go ahead as planned.
The gravity of the situation emerged earlier this week when Thursday’s Confederate practice was cancelled. The team trained in reduced numbers on Friday.
“We’re hoping to get as many players as possible for our game against NYCFC,” manager Jim Curtin said during Friday’s press conference.
He added, “Our players have worked tirelessly to get to this point. I know they will be brave even in the adversity we are facing.
“We have entered important moments throughout the year. Be it international absences, CONCACAF challenges, players losing loved ones.
“Adversity on and off the pitch, this team always finds a way to get through. We’ll make the fans proud.”
