Kansas State postpones the first soccer match of the season after two Texas Tech players tested positive for COVID-19. Seven additional Red Raiders have been deemed close contacts.
“It is disappointing but was to be expected during the 2020 season,” K-State head coach Mike Dibbini said. “We have been working hard the last month in preparation. We were very excited to play in front of our home crowd. We are very lucky to have the opportunity to play this fall and we now have to focus on the next match.”
Both goalkeepers for the Red Raiders were in the group of seven deemed close contacts. Despite the seven players testing negative three times this week, they will not be allowed to return to action until after Sept. 11.
The postponement comes just one day after Big 12 Conference athletic directors voted on what the match-interruption guidelines would be for soccer. Guidelines state each team must have 14 players available for matches, as well as one goalkeeper. The Red Raiders don’t meet these requirements.
Currently, the match hasn’t been rescheduled. The revised Big 12 soccer schedule stipulates all make-up contests will be held after Nov. 6.
With their home opener being postponed, K-State’s first match of the season is now 6 p.m. Sept. 18 at West Virginia.
