
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 fan base, MLS has carved out a significant niche in the global soccer landscape. One of the most common questions asked by fans, both new and seasoned, is: How many games do MLS teams play? This question, while seemingly straightforward, opens up a broader discussion about the league’s structure, scheduling, and the various factors that influence the number of games each team plays in a season.
The Basics: Regular Season Games
At its core, the MLS regular season 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, with a focus on regional rivalries and inter-conference matchups.
The 34-game schedule is divided into two main components: intra-conference and inter-conference games. Each team plays 24 games against teams within their own conference (Eastern or Western) and 10 games against teams from the opposite conference. This structure ensures that teams have a fair chance to compete against a variety of opponents, while also maintaining a focus on regional rivalries that drive fan engagement.
The Impact of Expansion: More Teams, More Games?
As MLS continues to expand, with new teams joining the league almost every year, the question of how many games each team plays becomes more complex. The league has grown significantly since its inception in 1996, and with each new team added, the schedule must be adjusted to accommodate the increased number of teams.
For example, when the league expanded to 24 teams in 2020, the schedule was adjusted to ensure that each team still played 34 games. This was achieved by reducing the number of inter-conference games and increasing the number of intra-conference games. However, as the league continues to grow, with plans to reach 30 teams in the near future, the question of how to maintain a balanced schedule becomes increasingly challenging.
One potential solution is to increase the number of games each team plays. However, this would require careful consideration of player workload, travel demands, and the overall impact on the quality of play. Another option is to split the league into more conferences or divisions, which could allow for a more balanced schedule while still maintaining regional rivalries.
The Role of International Competitions: Balancing MLS and Beyond
Another factor that influences the number of games MLS teams play is the participation in international competitions. Many MLS teams compete in tournaments such as the CONCACAF Champions League, the U.S. Open Cup, and the Canadian Championship. These competitions add additional games to a team’s schedule, which can impact player fatigue and overall performance.
For example, a team that advances deep into the CONCACAF Champions League could play an additional 6-8 games on top of their regular season schedule. This can create a challenging balancing act for coaches, who must manage player minutes and prioritize competitions. Additionally, the travel demands of international competitions can further strain players, particularly when games are played in different time zones or require long flights.
The Playoffs: The Road to MLS Cup
Once 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 (7 from each conference) competing in a single-elimination tournament. The number of playoff games a team plays depends on how far they advance, with the MLS Cup final being the ultimate goal.
For a team that makes it to the MLS Cup final, they could play an additional 4-5 games on top of their regular season schedule. This adds another layer of complexity to the question of how many games MLS teams play, as the playoff schedule can significantly impact a team’s overall workload.
The Impact of COVID-19: A Disrupted Schedule
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on the MLS schedule, as it did on sports leagues around the world. The 2020 season was disrupted, with teams playing a reduced number of games and the schedule being adjusted multiple times to accommodate health and safety protocols. The 2021 season also saw some adjustments, with teams playing a slightly reduced schedule to account for the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
The pandemic highlighted the importance of flexibility in scheduling, as well as the need to prioritize player health and safety. While the league has largely returned to a normal schedule in 2022 and beyond, the lessons learned from the pandemic will likely influence how the league approaches scheduling in the future.
The Future of MLS Scheduling: What Lies Ahead?
As MLS continues to grow and evolve, the question of how many games each team plays will remain a topic of discussion. The league’s expansion plans, the increasing importance of international competitions, and the need to balance player workload with fan engagement all play a role in shaping the schedule.
One potential future development is the introduction of a “winter break” in the MLS schedule. This would allow players to rest and recover during the colder months, while also aligning the league’s schedule more closely with other major soccer leagues around the world. Another possibility is the introduction of a mid-season tournament, similar to the FA Cup in England, which could add additional games to the schedule while also providing more opportunities for teams to compete for silverware.
Ultimately, the number of games MLS teams play is influenced by a wide range of factors, from league expansion to international competitions to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As the league continues to grow and evolve, the schedule will likely continue to be a topic of discussion and debate among fans, players, and league officials alike.
Related Q&A
Q: How many games do MLS teams play in the regular season?
A: Each MLS team plays 34 games in the regular season, with 24 games against teams in their own conference and 10 games against teams from the opposite conference.
Q: How does MLS expansion affect the number of games each team plays?
A: As MLS expands, the league must adjust the schedule to accommodate more teams. This often involves reducing the number of inter-conference games and increasing the number of intra-conference games to maintain a balanced schedule.
Q: How do international competitions impact the number of games MLS teams play?
A: Teams that participate in international competitions like the CONCACAF Champions League or the U.S. Open Cup can play additional games, which can increase their overall workload and impact player fatigue.
Q: How many playoff games do MLS teams play?
A: The number of playoff games a team plays depends on how far they advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs. A team that reaches the final could play an additional 4-5 games.
Q: How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the MLS schedule?
A: The pandemic disrupted the MLS schedule, leading to a reduced number of games in 2020 and adjustments in 2021 to accommodate health and safety protocols. The league has since returned to a more normal schedule.