MLS Cup Playoffs Format: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

The MLS Cup Playoffs is the annual postseason tournament held by Major League Soccer (MLS) to determine the league champion. The tournament features the top teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences, and it culminates in the MLS Cup final, which is typically held in early December.

Key Dates and Schedule

The MLS Cup Playoffs typically begin in late October or early November, with the first round of matches being played over a two-week period. The conference semifinals and finals are then played over two legs, with the higher-seeded team hosting the second leg. The MLS Cup final is a single match played at a neutral site.

Qualification and Seeding

The top seven teams from each conference qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The teams are seeded based on their regular season record, with the top team in each conference receiving the number one seed. The remaining teams are seeded two through seven, based on their points per game average.

Tiebreakers

In the event that two or more teams finish the regular season with the same number of points, the following tiebreakers are used to determine seeding:

• Goal differential
• Goals scored
• Wins
• Head-to-head record
• Disciplinary points

Playoff Format

The MLS Cup Playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, with the following format:

First Round

• The number one seed in each conference receives a bye to the conference semifinals.
• The remaining six teams in each conference play a single-elimination match.
• The winners of the first round matches advance to the conference semifinals.

Conference Semifinals

• The four remaining teams in each conference play a two-legged semifinal series.
• The higher-seeded team hosts the second leg.
• The winners of the conference semifinals advance to the conference finals.

Conference Finals

• The two remaining teams in each conference play a two-legged final series.
• The higher-seeded team hosts the second leg.
• The winners of the conference finals advance to the MLS Cup final.

MLS Cup Final

• The MLS Cup final is a single match played at a neutral site.
• The winner of the MLS Cup final is crowned the MLS champion.

Recent Winners

The following is a list of the recent winners of the MLS Cup:

• 2022: FC Dallas
• 2021: New England Revolution
• 2020: Columbus Crew SC
• 2019: Seattle Sounders FC
• 2018: Atlanta United FC