Seattle Sounders FC Sunday announced that the club has learned of its first confirmed case of  Coronavirus (COVID-19).

A member of the organization’s support staff has been confirmed to have COVID-19, and that individual is in an appropriate isolation protocol. No other cases within Sounders FC have been identified.

It is believed to be the first case in Major League Soccer and in professional soccer in the United States.

While the affected member of Sounders FC’s support staff did work the club’s March 7 match, a 1-1 draw with Columbus Crew SC at CenturyLink Field, this individual did not have access to the general public. The person did not become ill until four days after the match, and only had access to the team in controlled areas during the game. Based upon current guidance from club medical staff, infectious disease specialists and public health authorities, this case does not present a risk to the public, the visiting team, or Sounders FC, the MLS club said in a press release.

The individual was not present for Sounders FC operations or soccer activities at any time between the match and the positive test, and the club has been advised that additional precautions are not required at this time. Sounders FC has been in consultation with numerous health authorities on this matter, including Public Health – Seattle and King County, Major League Soccer’s medical staff and the club’s own medical experts.

“Over this current weekend, we were informed of a confirmed case of COVID-19 that directly impacted our club,” Sounders FC general manager and president of soccer Garth Lagerwey said in a statement. “In a situation like this, our aim is to provide as much information as possible in order to properly inform the public. We remain in constant communication with a number of regional and national health authorities, and based on the information we collectively have at this time, there is not felt to be a risk to any fans that attended our March 7 match at CenturyLink Field.

“The individual that tested positive for COVID-19 did not have access to the public on matchday, and fortunately we have no other confirmed cases within the club at this time. Alongside public health authorities, we are actively monitoring this situation, and should new details emerge, we will continue proactively communicating with our community. These are trying times, and this is a good reminder for all of us to remain vigilant and to take care of one another. I’m also pleased to relay this impacted individual is recovering and is in good spirits.”

Front Row Soccer editor Michael Lewis has covered 13 World Cups (eight men, five women), seven Olympics and 25 MLS Cups. He has written about New York City FC, New York Cosmos, the New York Red Bulls and both U.S. national teams for Newsday and has penned a soccer history column for the Guardian.com. Lewis, who has been honored by the Press Club of Long Island and National Soccer Coaches Association of America, is the former editor of BigAppleSoccer.com. He has written seven books about the beautiful game and has published ALIVE AND KICKING The incredible but true story of the Rochester Lancers. It is available at Amazon.com.