Supporters’ Shield Foundation reverses decision; says a Shield will be presented this season

TORONTO, Canada—A potential treble still remains in tact.

After announcing that there would be no Supporters’ Shield rewarded in 2020 with about three weeks left to play, The Supporters’ Shield Foundation appears to have come around on their abrupt decision, revealing Friday afternoon that there will indeed be a Shield awarded to the team that finishes first place overall this regular season.

“After consulting with all of the MLS ISC Representatitves, we, the Supporters’ Shield Foundation board, will be reversing our initial decision and awarding the Supporters’ Shield for the 2020 season,” the Foundation wrote in a statement. “You asked to be heard. In the end it was your input and votes that showed us this is the right choice.”

Given the amount of backlash the committee received on social media—and from players and coaches across MLS—a revised decision should come as no surprise.

As it stands, Toronto FC—who infamously lifted the trophy back during their epic 2017 campaign—are in first place overall and hold a three-point lead over their opponents Saturday afternoon: the Philadelphia Union. According to oddsmakers FiveThirtyEight, the Reds have a 58 per cent chance at winning the Shield heading into that match.

More to come...