MLS: A Comprehensive Guide to the League, Rules, and Playoffs

Introduction

Major League Soccer (MLS) is the premier men's professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation. It is the highest level of the sport in North America, featuring 28 teams competing for the MLS Cup championship.

League Structure and Format

The MLS season is divided into two halves: the regular season and the playoffs. The regular season consists of 34 matches, played from March to October. Teams are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each team plays three matches against every other team in its conference and one match against every team in the opposite conference.

Playoffs

The top seven teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, with the top team in each conference earning a bye to the semifinals. The remaining eight teams compete in the first round, with the winners advancing to the semifinals. The two semifinal winners advance to the MLS Cup final, which is played at a neutral venue.

MLS Draft System

The MLS draft system is a unique feature that sets the league apart from other football organizations around the world. Each year, MLS teams select college players who have declared their eligibility for the draft. The draft is held in December, and teams select players based on their performance in college and their potential at the professional level. Keep an eye out for our upcoming article that will delve deeper into the exciting world of MLS, providing you with the latest news, scores, stats, standings, and highlights. Don't miss out on our special coverage of US Soccer and Canada's growing soccer scene.