July 24, 2020
The MLS is back tournament marked the league’s return to action after being suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 26 Major League Soccer teams, 24 are participating in the tournament that is being held behind closed doors from July 8 to August 11, 2020, at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida, near Orlando. The tournament features a group stage, which is counted toward the 2020 MLS regular season standings, followed by a 16-team knockout round. The tournament champion will qualify for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, and the 2020 season is scheduled to resume upon completion of the tournament.
Barça Residency Academy alumni Julian Araujo has picked up right where he left off after having an impressive rookie season with LA Galaxy last year. Julian started in both of his appearances with Galaxy in their return to action. He played 84 minutes in Galaxy’s group stage match against LAFC and 61 minutes against Houston Dynamo. LA Galaxy finished the tournament with two losses and a draw and will await the regular season that is set to resume at the mid-August.
Alumni Bryce Duke enters his rookie season with LAFC and has made an appearance in two of three of LAFC’s group stage games. Bryce had a brilliant shot on goal against LA Galaxy last week that tested the keeper from the edge of the 18-yard box. You can catch Bryce and LAFC on Monday, July 27 at 11:00PM ET as they take on Seattle Sounders in the first round of the knockout stage of the tournament.
Barça Residency Academy’s youngest professional alumni Caden Clark make his professional debut with New York Red Bulls II on July 17 in their return to action against Hartford Athletics. Caden started the match, played very well, and earned himself the Man of the Match nod in their 1-0 loss.
