MLS considering expansion of playoffs - source
Major League Soccer is in discussions to modify its playoff structure to have as many as 30 games with a World Cup-style format, a league source confirmed to ESPN.
Uh....
Discussions on a new format come in the wake of a 10-year, $2.5 billion broadcast rights deal with Apple TV that was signed in June, with the idea of expanding the league's playoff inventory.
The feeling is that 13 games is far too short a time to develop storylines for the postseason.
Oh, Lord.
I'd be fine in making it a random draw, all MLS teams tournament similar to the FA Cup. Then whatever the other cup is that includes the other lower leagues is the Carabou Cup.
I know it's not the way things are done in the U.S., but I really wish MLS was structured more like a European league - with promotions, relegations and no playoffs. When I followed the Red Bulls closely, about half the teams in the league qualified for the postseason, and it completely destroyed the tension of regular-season games. "Oh, we lost? Doesn't matter, we're still in fifth position and well on course for the playoffs, which is the only thing that matters."
If people absolutely must have a knockout tournament, then I agree with mwdowns: have a separate MLS-only cup competition that runs in parallel with the league.
I'd be fine in making it a random draw, all MLS teams tournament similar to the FA Cup. Then whatever the other cup is that includes the other lower leagues is the Carabou Cup.
It's the other way around; FA Cup includes all, Caribou Cup (the League Cup) is just the pros.
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