How Many Games Does MLS Play: A Deep Dive into the Schedule and Beyond

Major League Soccer (MLS) is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing soccer leagues in the world. With its unique structure, diverse teams, and passionate fanbase, MLS has carved out a significant niche in the global soccer landscape. One of the most common questions asked by fans and newcomers alike is, “How many games does MLS play?” This article will explore the answer to that question in detail, while also delving into related topics such as the league’s format, playoff structure, and the impact of international competitions on the MLS schedule.

The Basics: Regular Season Games

The MLS regular season typically consists of 34 games for each team. This number has been consistent since the 2011 season, when the league expanded to 18 teams. The 34-game schedule is designed to ensure that each team plays a balanced mix of home and away games, while also accommodating the league’s growing number of teams.

Home and Away Balance

Each team in MLS plays 17 home games and 17 away games during the regular season. This balance is crucial for maintaining fairness in the league, as home-field advantage can significantly impact a team’s performance. The schedule is carefully crafted to ensure that no team has an undue advantage or disadvantage based on their home and away game distribution.

Conference Play

MLS is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each team plays a majority of their games against teams within their own conference. This setup not only reduces travel time and costs but also fosters regional rivalries, which are a key part of the league’s appeal.

Interconference Play

In addition to conference games, each team also plays a number of interconference games. These games are spread out across the season and provide fans with the opportunity to see teams from the other conference in action. The exact number of interconference games can vary slightly from year to year, depending on the league’s expansion and scheduling considerations.

The MLS Cup Playoffs: A Postseason Spectacle

After the regular season concludes, the top teams from each conference advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs. The playoff format has evolved over the years, but the current structure involves 14 teams: seven from the Eastern Conference and seven from the Western Conference.

Single-Elimination Format

The MLS Cup Playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, meaning that each game is a do-or-die situation. The higher-seeded team hosts each match, adding an extra layer of excitement and intensity to the postseason. The playoffs culminate in the MLS Cup Final, where the champions of the Eastern and Western Conferences face off for the league title.

The Impact of Playoffs on the Schedule

The playoffs add an additional layer of complexity to the MLS schedule. Teams that advance deep into the postseason can end up playing several extra games, which can impact player fatigue and team strategy. However, the playoffs are also a time of heightened excitement and engagement, drawing in fans and media attention from across the globe.

International Competitions and Their Impact on MLS

MLS teams often participate in various international competitions, such as the CONCACAF Champions League and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. These tournaments can add additional games to a team’s schedule, further stretching their resources and requiring careful management by coaches and players.

CONCACAF Champions League

The CONCACAF Champions League is the premier club competition in North America, featuring teams from MLS, Liga MX, and other leagues in the region. MLS teams that qualify for this tournament must balance their domestic schedule with the demands of international play, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity.

Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to all professional and amateur soccer teams in the United States. MLS teams enter the competition in the later rounds, but successful runs can still add several games to their schedule. Winning the U.S. Open Cup not only brings prestige but also a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League, adding even more games to the calendar.

The Role of Expansion in Shaping the Schedule

MLS has been in a period of rapid expansion, with new teams joining the league on a regular basis. This growth has necessitated changes to the schedule, as the league strives to maintain a balanced and fair competition.

Expansion Teams and Scheduling Challenges

Each new team that joins MLS adds complexity to the scheduling process. The league must ensure that the schedule remains balanced, with each team playing a fair mix of home and away games, as well as a representative sample of opponents from both conferences. Expansion also impacts the playoff structure, as the league must decide how many teams from each conference will qualify for the postseason.

The Future of MLS Scheduling

As MLS continues to expand, the league will face ongoing challenges in maintaining a balanced and fair schedule. Potential solutions include further adjustments to the number of regular-season games, changes to the playoff format, or even the introduction of new competitions. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: MLS will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the needs of its growing fanbase.

Conclusion

The question “How many games does MLS play?” is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding the complexities of the league’s schedule. From the 34-game regular season to the high-stakes MLS Cup Playoffs, and the additional demands of international competitions, MLS teams face a grueling and exciting calendar each year. As the league continues to grow and evolve, so too will its scheduling strategies, ensuring that fans are treated to a thrilling and competitive soccer experience.

Related Q&A

Q: How many teams are in MLS? A: As of the 2023 season, there are 29 teams in MLS, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.

Q: How are MLS playoff teams determined? A: The top seven teams from each conference (Eastern and Western) qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs based on their regular-season performance.

Q: What is the format of the MLS Cup Playoffs? A: The MLS Cup Playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, with the higher-seeded team hosting each match. The winners of the Eastern and Western Conferences face off in the MLS Cup Final.

Q: How does the CONCACAF Champions League affect MLS teams? A: MLS teams that qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League must balance their domestic schedule with the demands of international play, which can add additional games and travel to their calendar.

Q: What is the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup? A: The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is a single-elimination tournament open to all professional and amateur soccer teams in the United States. MLS teams enter in the later rounds, and winning the tournament grants a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Q: How does expansion impact the MLS schedule? A: Expansion adds complexity to the scheduling process, as the league must ensure a balanced and fair competition. This includes adjusting the number of regular-season games, playoff formats, and potentially introducing new competitions.