MLS Willing to Start Season Under Expired Contract

Major League Soccer is willing to start the season under the rules of its expired labour 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 decide whether to strike for the first time.

The league's five-year labour contract expired Jan. 31, but the sides have twice extended bargaining. Talks resume Monday in Washington, and the current extension runs to Thursday.

Canada lose to Jamaica in Friendly

Luton Shelton scored in the second half to give Jamaica a 1-0 win over Canada in a soccer friendly. Shelton scored in the 68th minute at National Stadium after the Reggae Boyz dominated the first half.The best chance for Canada came late in the game from the foot of striker Ali Gerba, who was left unmarked eight yards from the goal.