Supporters’ groups back players in CBA fight, as time to reach a deal runs short Share this story Max Aquino/Sounder at Heart It probably wasn’t much of a surprise that MLS supporters are siding with players in the latest skirmish between labor and ownership over yet another Collective Bargaining Agreement. Still, it’s notable that fans have decided to speak out in a formalized collective voice. The Independent Supporters Council — the organization comprised of the various groups supporting teams in North American soccer — released a statement on Monday backing the players and calling on MLS to stand down in their attempt to extract more concessions from the MLSPA. The league and players are locked in their third CBA fight in about a year, and MLS has set a deadline for midnight Thursday to come to an agreement, or face a lockout.