Utica City FC General Manager Tommy Tanner announced today that team is opting out of the 2020-21 season in conjunction with the league’s COVID-19 Voluntary Suspension Policy. Utica City FC joins the Harrisburg Heat and Rochester Lancers, who also made their concurrent announcements today. Utica, Harrisburg, and Rochester join Milwaukee, Mesquite, Turlock, Sonora, Monterrey, and Baltimore, who had previously announced that they were opting out.
“After several months of planning, monitoring public health guidelines, and agreeing on an initial return-to-play date of March, this was an extremely difficult decision to make,” said Tommy Tanner, General Manager Utica City FC. “It has become apparent that we will not be able to play in front of the best fans in the MASL. The reality of no attendance and the challenges of having to play so many games in such a short period of time under current Covid-19 restrictions, we determined it was in the best interests of our players, fans, staff, and soccer community to sit out the current season. We plan to immediately start planning for the 2021-22 season.”
Utica City FC and the other Eastern division teams initially agreed to the MASL’s return-to-play plan that involved a shortened schedule with a projected March start date.
“Today is a difficult day for all of us in the Utica City FC organization, including our players, coaches, and front office staff” expressed Head Coach Ryan Hall. “With all that has happened over the past year we were really hoping to get back out in front of the fans playing the game we love. Covid-19 and certain restrictions has prevented this season from happening. We will now focus on building for 2021-22 season and can’t wait to have our great fans in the stands watching us compete for the Ron Newman Cup. In the meantime, we will continue to work and support this community wherever we can as well as continue our work with the local youth soccer players both in trainings and our summer camps.”
“We will be communicating directly with our valued season ticket holders and corporate partners in the coming days and want to thank all of our wonderful fans for their support during what has been a difficult year,” added Tommy Tanner. “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back to The Adirondack Bank Center when we kick-off in November.”
Season Ticket Members have been contacted via email regarding their account options.
For the latest Utica City FC news visit www.uticacityfc.com or follow the team on Facebook (www.facebook.com/uticacityfc), Twitter (@UticaCityFC), Instagram (@UticaCityFC), and the Utica City FC YouTube Channel.
