Inter Miami Cancels Three Pre-Season Games In Bradenton

BRADENTON, FL — Inter Miami CF, a Major League Soccer team in South Florida, has cancelled three scrimmages planned at IMG Academy in Bradenton “out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of players and staff,” according to a news release from the club.

The team was scheduled to play the Charleston Battery Tuesday, and the New York Red Bulls and the Nashville SC Saturday.

The club also cancelled its weekly news conference, which was scheduled for Wednesday.

The team has been in Sarasota for pre-season training.

Inter Miami hasn’t disclosed whether a team or staff member has tested positive for coronavirus. Patch reached out to the team for additional information.

The team postponed a March 20 friendly match against Miami FC, which plays in the United Soccer League, after a member of Miami FC tested positive for COVID-19, the Miami Herald reported.

The MLS released its 2021 schedule, which has been adapted to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, March 24, Yahoo! Sports reported. There will be fewer inter-conference games and the league’s three Canadian teams - CF Montreal, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps – will play at venues in the United States.

Montreal will play its games at Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale stadium, while Toronto will be based at Orlando’s Exploria Stadium. Vancouver will be based at Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium, reports said.

Inter Miami kicks off the 2021 season at home April 18 against the LA Galaxy.

It will be new head coach Phil Neville’s first game with the team. Neville played for Manchester United and Everton FC in England and England’s senior national team. He also served as manager of England’s women’s national team.