Soccer

MLS players look to inform, entertain during pro sports hiatus

Unable to play games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto FC players and others across Major League Soccer are doing their bit to inform — and entertain.

Pay tribute to health-care, medical workers with series of viral messages

TFC's Michael Bradley, seen in this file photo from a 2019 press conference, has joined a group of MLS player in releasing a series of messages on social media, encouraging people to stay home and wash their hands during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Chris Young/Associated Press)

Unable to play games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Toronto FC players and others across Major League Soccer are doing their bit to inform — and entertain.

Toronto captain Michael Bradley, goalkeeper Quentin Westberg, Spanish attacking midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo, fullback Justin Morrow and Canadian midfielder Jonathan Osorio have done videos to reinforce the need for hand-washing, social distancing and staying at home as much as possible.

"Let's all do our part and in a few weeks be proud of how we behaved," said Westberg

"I know it's not easy but together we can do this," added Bradley.

They also paid tribute to health-care and medical workers.

French defender Chris Mavinga showed off video of a do-it-yourself haircut.

"Good player, good dj, good person, good hairdresser. This is my defender," Brazilian fullback Auro tweeted by way of review.

Venezuelan winger Erickson Gallardo did sit-ups with his baby daughter on his stomach. Morrow's daughter also steals the show as she wanders through the camera shot in his video.

TFC goalkeeper Alex Bono has offered near daily updates of his self-isolation, reporting the arrival of a yoga mat and possible Austin Powers marathon.

LAFC mourn death of club member

Vancouver Whitecaps players have shown off their soccer skills from home, using a toilet roll — in a challenge soccer players around the world have tried their hand or feet at.

Montreal Impact coach Thierry Henry has also taken to social media, urging people to follow health guidelines around COVID-19.

"Respect what's being said about it. Don't take this lightly," he said in a video posted by the Impact.

There were also more sombre messages. Los Angeles FC noted the death of club member Jeff Ghazarian, a 34-year-old who died reportedly from virus complications.

"Our thoughts are with his family and all those affected during this difficult time," the club tweeted.

MLS has suspended play, with a targeted return date of May 10.