Jamaican Hitman Forced To Skip MLS Is Back Tournament

Cory Burke has missed out on the competing in the Major League Soccer (MLS) cup-styled MLS is Back tournament in North America, as the Jamaican forward only completed his season with SKN St. Pölten last weekend.

The 28-year-old, on loan in Austria from MLS outfit Philadelphia Union, couldn’t join the team for the lucrative televised event as he didn’t have had time to pass the mandated quarantine and testing protocols in the United States.

But Philadelphia Union will have one Jamaican international resuming their season, with shotstopper Andre Blake expected to be between the sticks when they tackle New York City FC tonight (9 July). This new cup-styled competition is an attempt to resolve the league, which was put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic in March.

Burke has suffered misfortune with respect to playing for Philadelphia Union, having been forced to return to Jamaica in May 2019 because of outstanding P1 visa issues. Once back on the island he enjoyed a loan spell with Red Stripe Premier League champions Portmore United, where he banged in 11 goals.

Although his visa status was restored in January, the Kingston-born hitman surprisingly joined the Austria Bundesliga strugglers. He made an impact by bagging four goals and creating two assists in 11 appearances to help guide the club from relegation.

The MLS is Back tournament, which kicked off a 25th campaign of stateside soccer, began on 8 July with Orlando City defeating Inter Miami CF 2-1 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Disney World just outside of Orlando. Jamaican defender Alvas Powell, who joined Inter Miami last November from FC Cincinnati, did not play a part in their opening match of the new format for his new team.

Striker Darren Mattocks (FC Cincinnati) and defender Oniel Fisher (D.C. United) are Jamaica’s other Reggae Boyz who will be involved in the MLS is Back football feast.

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