The German Bundesliga, one of Europe’s top leading soccer leagues, returned to action on May 16th, after soccer in Germany was suspended in mid-March due to effects of the coronavirus. The season is set to finish at the end of June, but the DFL (German Football Association) stated that games could potentially continue into July if necessary.
On Wednesday May 13th, the League’s return was approved by the German government, who gave the DFL control over German soccer’s return dates. Following a meeting between Germany’s top 36 teams, a decision was made to have the season resume on May 16th, in order to allow for a late-June finish. It was also decided that the original game schedule was to be followed. But that all games are to take place in empty stadiums, meaning no fans are allowed on the premises. Or as MLS commissioner Don Garber dubbed: “Soccer Game Studios” when asked about the options that Major League Soccer in the US is considering.
Additionally, social-distancing rules have been put in place in an attempt to minimise contact between players before, during and after the games. There are 2-metre gaps between players while sitting on the side-lines, masks must be worn when off the field and celebrations must strictly adhere to social-distancing rules.
As well as the return of one of the most followed soccer leagues in Europe and beyond, many soccer-and other-sports fans across the globe will be closely paying attention to the German return to play, as it could decide the fate of other sports leagues and major sporting events around the world. In the US, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said that Major League Soccer is closely following European soccer leagues. He stated that the idea of playing in empty stadiums, or “Soccer Studios” as he named them, is a viable option and is being considered for US soccer as well.
Although the MLS isn’t yet back to action, some American players are able to return to soccer through the Bundesliga’s comeback. Six players from the US Men’s National Team play in the German league, and returned to play on May 16th:
Weston McKennie
Weston McKennie is a 21-year old midfielder for FC Schalke. He played for MLS team FC Dallas in his youth career from 2009-2016, before making the move to Bundesliga’s FC Schalke in 2017, and has been playing there ever since. McKennie made his senior national team debut in 2017 and has 19 caps and 6 goals for the USMNT.
In his recent return to soccer, McKennie’s team FC Schalke were on the losing end of a 4-0 score line to rival team Borussia Dortmund. In an interview to ESPN about the new playing experience, Mckennie said: “It was awkward, you know, it felt like soccer but it didn’t feel like soccer,” he added, “no fans, not really an atmosphere [in stadiums], you have to really depend on your own motivation and drive to give 100% in the game.”
Weston McKennie; Photo: schalke04
Giovanni Reyna
Giovanni Reyna is a young attacking midfielder playing for Borussia Dortmund. At just 17 years old, he is the youngest American ever to appear in the Bundesliga when he made his debut in January 2020 against FC Augsburg. In his youth career, Reyna played for MLS team New York City FC for 4 years before moving to Dortmund. As for national team caps, he is yet to make his senior debut for the USMNT, but has gained 31 caps for the US youth teams.
Reyna was set to make his first appearance in a Bundesliga starting lineup last week against FC Schalke , but suffered a calf injury during warmup so was prevented from joining the team in their 4-0 derby win against their local rivals.
Giovanni Reyna; Photo: Lars Baron, Getty Images
Tyler Adams
Adams, a 21 year-old midfielder, played with the New York Red Bulls Academy in the 2015-2016 season before playing in the MLS from 2016-2018. He then moved to Bundesliga’s RB Liepzig in 2019, where he has scored 16 goals. Since his USMNT senior debut in 2017, he has gained 10 caps for the USA and scored 1 goal.
In Liepzig’s game against Freiburg, Adams started and only left the field at the 69th minute. Liepzig now sit 3rd in the League standings after a 1-1 draw with Freiburg.
Tyler Adams; Photo: USA Today
John Brooks
John Brooks is a central defender for VfL Wolfsburg. The 27 year-old joined Wolfsburg in 2017, and has been playing there ever since. Because he holds both American and German nationality, he was eligible to play for both the German National Team and the USMNT, but ultimately chose to represent the US. He made his senior US debut in 2013, and has gained 38 caps and 3 goals.
Last week, Brooks played a full 90 minutes on the field against Ausburg. The defender put out a solid performance, despite initially being charged with an own goal that was later reversed. Wolfsburg eventually had a 2-1 win, and Brooks came out with a 92.1% passing accuracy- a season best for him, delivering 70 out of his 76 passes on target.
John Brooks; Photo: SBI Soccer
Alfredo Morales
Alfredo Morales, who plays with Fortuna Düsseldorf, is a defensive midfielder. At 30 years old, he has made 16 appearances for the senior USMNT and made his senior debut in 2013. In Düsseldorf’s game against Paderborn last week, Morales took to the field in the 68th minute but was unable to win Düsseldorf 3 points. The game ended scoreless, in a 0-0 draw.
Alfredo Morales; Photo: SBI Soccer
Josh Sargent
Josh Sargent is a 20 year-old forward for Werder Bremen. He made his Bundesliga debut with Werder in 2018. After previously playing in the US development and youth teams, his first senior national team cap also came in 2018, and since then he has gathered 12 caps and 5 goals for the USMNT.
Josh Sargent; Photo: AP