How Many Games Do MLS Teams Play: A Deep Dive into the Season Structure 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 fan base, MLS has carved out a significant niche in the global soccer landscape. One of the most common questions asked by fans, especially those new to the league, is: How many games do MLS teams play? This question, while seemingly straightforward, opens the door to a broader discussion about the league’s format, 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.

Conference Play: East vs. West

MLS is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each team plays 24 of their 34 games within their own conference. This means that teams face their conference rivals multiple times throughout the season, fostering intense rivalries and ensuring that the competition remains fierce. The remaining 10 games are played against teams from the opposite conference, allowing for a broader range of matchups and giving fans the opportunity to see teams from across the country.

The Importance of Regional Rivalries

Regional rivalries are a cornerstone of MLS. Teams like the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers in the Pacific Northwest, or the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC in the Tri-State area, have built passionate fan bases and intense rivalries that are a major draw for the league. These rivalries are often highlighted in the schedule, with teams facing off multiple times during the season. The league also organizes special events like “Rivalry Week,” where these matchups are showcased, adding an extra layer of excitement to the regular season.

The MLS Cup Playoffs: Extending the Season

Once the regular season concludes, the top teams from each conference advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs. The number of playoff games a team plays depends on how far they progress in the tournament. The playoffs are a single-elimination format, meaning that each game is do-or-die. Teams that make a deep run in the playoffs can add anywhere from 2 to 5 additional games to their season total.

The Road to the MLS Cup

The playoffs begin with the Wild Card round, where the lower-seeded teams battle for a spot in the Conference Semifinals. From there, the competition narrows down to the Conference Finals, and ultimately, the MLS Cup Final. The team that wins the MLS Cup is crowned the league champion, and their season can extend to as many as 39 games if they play in every possible playoff round.

Additional Competitions: Expanding the Schedule

While the regular season and playoffs are the primary focus for MLS teams, there are several other competitions that can add to the total number of games a team plays in a season. These competitions include the U.S. Open Cup, the CONCACAF Champions League, and various international friendlies.

The U.S. Open Cup: A Chance for Glory

The U.S. Open Cup is one of the oldest soccer tournaments in the United States, and it offers MLS teams the opportunity to compete against lower-division teams from across the country. The tournament is single-elimination, and teams that advance deep into the competition can add several games to their schedule. Winning the U.S. Open Cup not only brings prestige but also secures a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League, further extending the team’s season.

CONCACAF Champions League: Competing on the Continental Stage

The CONCACAF Champions League is the premier club competition in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. MLS teams that qualify for this tournament face off against some of the best clubs in the region. The competition typically runs from February to May, overlapping with the start of the MLS regular season. Teams that advance to the later stages of the tournament can add up to 8 additional games to their schedule, making for a grueling but rewarding experience.

International Friendlies: Building Global Connections

Many MLS teams also participate in international friendlies during the season. These matches are often arranged during breaks in the regular season or as part of preseason preparations. While these games don’t count toward the team’s official record, they provide valuable experience and exposure, especially for younger players. Additionally, friendlies against high-profile international clubs can draw large crowds and generate significant revenue for the team.

The Impact of International Duty

Another factor that can influence the number of games an MLS team plays is international duty. Many MLS players are called up to represent their national teams in various competitions, such as World Cup qualifiers, continental championships, and friendly matches. When these call-ups occur during the MLS season, teams may have to play games without some of their key players. This can lead to a more congested schedule, as teams may need to reschedule games or rely on their depth to navigate through the season.

Balancing Club and Country

Balancing club and country commitments is a challenge for many MLS teams, especially those with a high number of international players. The league has made efforts to accommodate these players by scheduling breaks during international windows, but the reality is that some teams will inevitably face fixture congestion. This can lead to a higher number of games in a shorter period, testing the team’s depth and resilience.

The Role of Expansion Teams

As MLS continues to grow, the addition of new expansion teams can also impact the number of games each team plays. With each new team added to the league, the schedule becomes more complex, and the league must find ways to balance the number of games while maintaining competitive integrity. The introduction of expansion teams like Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC in recent years has led to adjustments in the scheduling format, ensuring that each team still plays a balanced schedule despite the increased number of teams.

The Future of MLS Scheduling

Looking ahead, the league is likely to continue evolving its scheduling format to accommodate further expansion and the growing popularity of the sport. There has been discussion about increasing the number of regular-season games, potentially moving to a 38-game schedule similar to many European leagues. However, any changes would need to be carefully considered to avoid overburdening players and to maintain the quality of play.

Conclusion: A Dynamic and Ever-Changing Schedule

In summary, the number of games an MLS team plays in a season is influenced by a variety of factors, including the regular season schedule, playoff participation, additional competitions, international duty, and league expansion. While the base number of regular-season games is 34, teams that make deep runs in the playoffs or participate in other competitions can play significantly more. As MLS continues to grow and evolve, the league’s scheduling will remain a dynamic and ever-changing aspect of the sport, ensuring that fans are treated to a thrilling and unpredictable season year after year.

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 conference opponents and 10 games against teams from the opposite conference.

Q: How many playoff games can an MLS team play? A: An MLS team can play up to 5 additional games in the playoffs if they advance to the MLS Cup Final.

Q: What other competitions can add to the number of games an MLS team plays? A: MLS teams can also participate in the U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions League, and international friendlies, which can add several more games to their schedule.

Q: How does international duty affect the number of games an MLS team plays? A: International duty can lead to fixture congestion, as teams may need to reschedule games or play without key players who are called up to represent their national teams.

Q: How might expansion teams impact the number of games each MLS team plays? A: Expansion teams can lead to adjustments in the scheduling format, potentially increasing the number of games each team plays as the league continues to grow.