Tribune News Services
NEW YORK (AP) -- Major League Soccer is willing to start the season under the rules of its expired labor contract.
MLS president Mark Abbott decided to go public Saturday with comments about bargaining after seeing players start to speak out a day earlier.
Training camps have started, and the season opener is scheduled for March 25, when the expansion Philadelphia Union is at Seattle. MLS informed the union of its decision last month, putting the onus on players to decided whether to strike for the first time.
Union executive director Bob Foose did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment.
The league's five-year labor contract expired Jan. 31, but the sides have twice extended bargaining. Talks resume Monday in Washington, and the current extension runs to Thursday.
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