TAMPA, Fla. – The USL Championship and Tacoma Defiance announced today that tonight’s regular season contest between the Defiance and San Diego Loyal SC will be played behind closed doors. The game will still be available to fans via ESPN+ with kickoff scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Cheney Stadium.

The decision follows a Gubernatorial order in the state of Washington delivered in response to an increase in reported cases of COVID-19 within the state. It was also announced on Wednesday that Tacoma’s home match on Sunday, March 22 versus OKC Energy FC is set to be rescheduled for a later date.

Hartford Athletic also announced it had postponed a pair of matches following guidance from local and state health officials. The Athletic’s March 21st match versus the Charleston Battery and April 4th contest versus Memphis 901 FC will be postponed to a later date.

In response to COVID-19 concerns, the United Soccer League has been actively working with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Homeland Security, the United States Soccer Federation and other professional sports leagues around the country for weeks to provide the most relevant, up-to-date information on COVID-19 to all of our clubs and stakeholders. USL has also been encouraging all of our clubs to stay in regular contact with their local and state health departments as well as other local authorities. As the situation evolves, USL will continue to monitor the most recent developments and pass along any and all available information, resources and guidance to clubs, supporters and media as timely as possible.