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Major League Soccer, RSL, extend season hiatus to at least May 10

(Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune) Real Salt Lake midfielder Damir Kreilach (8) is fired up as Real Salt Lake ties the game, in MLS acton between Real Salt Lake and the New York Red Bulls at Rio Tinto Stadium, Saturday, March 7, 2020.

  | March 19, 2020, 4:38 p.m.

Real Salt Lake — and Major League Soccer fans as a whole — will have to wait even longer to see their team back in action.

MLS announced Thursday that it has extended its hiatus until at least May 10 in accordance with the most recent guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Those guidelines suggest limiting gatherings to 50 people or less for eight weeks.

The league said in a statement that it still is focused on playing a full 34-game schedule. That could mean pushing back the season and having the MLS Cup in December, which was the case before the league changed the schedule in 2019.

“Throughout this process, MLS will continue to prioritize the safety of our fans, players, employees and partners and to coordinate with federal and local public health authorities as well as other sporting organizations,” the league said in a statement.

Two divisions of the United Soccer League (Championship and League 1) made this move Wednesday. That puts the Real Monarchs on delay until at least May 10 as well.