3 Reasons why the 2022 MLS Playoffs will be INSANE

Monty the FTLOS Reporter paged me to check the fax machine. I finished brewing my coffee and shuffled over to the fax machine with the morning news tucked under my arm and a donut in my mouth. You know, the Mrs. Baird’s white powdered donuts. Out popped the fax and Monty did a little digging and learned that the 2022 MLS Playoffs are right around the corner.

So, I finished up my coffee and dusted off the Mrs. Baird’s powder from my chin and started writing. Here’s what Monty discovered.

How many teams make the MLS Playoffs?

• The current Major League Soccer Playoff format consists of 14 teams.

• 7 teams from the Eastern Conference and 7 teams from the Western Conference.

*The playoff format has changed over the years because MLS is continuously adding teams to the league. St. Louis City SC will begin play in 2023 to make the 29th franchise.

What’s the Playoff format?

• The #1 seeded teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference get a first round BYE.
• For both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference, teams seeded 2-7 play one another.

Round One

• 2 seed hosts the 7 seed
• 3 seed hosts the 6 seed
• 4 seed hosts the 5 seed

Conference Semi Finals

• 1 seed hosts winner of 4v5
• Winners of 2v7 and 3v6 (lowest seed has the home game)

Conference Finals

• Semi Final #1 winner vs Semi Final #2 winner.

MLS Cup

• Eastern Conference Champion vs Western Conference Champion.

*The team with the best regular season record will host the Championship game.

Single elimination games are pressure packed

We don’t always get single elimination playoff sporting events. When we do, we can feel the tension in the stands and on TV. If there’s a sports event where the winner advances and loser goes home, sign me up. MLS used to play a two game series with each team getting a home game. The games were often times a week apart. It lacked the excitement (at times) that a one game playoff presented.

Sold out stadiums make for a great environment

When the playoffs roll around everyone is PUMPED UP. Almost every MLS team has a soccer specific stadium with a capacity of around 25,000 seats. Some MLS teams play in an NFL stadium and those sell out over 65-70,000 screaming, singing, and chanting fan bases.

Pressure creates diamonds

In MLS, the regular season determines the playoff teams. Those who qualify for the playoffs all have an opportunity to win it all.

MLS is different than the European leagues. In Europe, every team plays each other home and away and the team that finishes at the top are champions.

There is a noticeable difference in the speed of play and intensity. When those two characteristics are on display, you see a players best version of themselves. The games are of the highest of quality. Players and fans highs are incredibly high, however, the lows are rock bottom low. After all, it’s a one game winner take all format.

MLS bracket

Here’s a look at the MLS Playoff bracket for those of you who are visual people. Teams are starting to punch their playoff ticket so follow along and get excited.