How Many Games Do MLS Teams Play: A Deep Dive into the Schedule and Beyond

Major League Soccer (MLS) is one of the most dynamic and rapidly growing soccer leagues in the world. With its unique structure and ever-expanding roster of teams, understanding the number of games each team plays in a season is crucial for fans, players, and analysts alike. But the question “How many games do MLS teams play?” is just the tip of the iceberg. Let’s explore this topic in depth, examining not only the number of games but also the factors that influence the schedule, the implications for teams, and the broader context of the league’s growth.

The Basics: Regular Season Games

In the MLS regular season, each team typically plays 34 games. This number has been consistent in recent years, but it’s worth noting that the league has undergone several changes since its inception in 1996. The 34-game schedule is designed to balance the need for competitive fairness with the logistical challenges of a league that spans multiple time zones and countries.

The 34 games are divided into 17 home games and 17 away games. This home-and-away format ensures that each team has an equal opportunity to perform in front of their home crowd and on the road. However, the distribution of opponents can vary depending on the league’s conference structure.

Conference Play and Interconference Games

MLS is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. The number of teams in each conference can fluctuate as the league expands, but as of the 2023 season, there are 15 teams in the Eastern Conference and 14 in the Western Conference.

Each team plays 24 games within their own conference and 10 games against teams from the opposite conference. This structure ensures that teams face a mix of familiar rivals and new opponents, adding variety to the season and testing their adaptability.

The Impact of Expansion Teams

MLS has been on an expansion spree in recent years, with new teams joining the league almost every season. This expansion has a direct impact on the number of games each team plays. As the league grows, the schedule must be adjusted to accommodate the new teams while maintaining a balanced competition.

For example, when a new team joins the league, the total number of teams increases, which can lead to changes in the number of games played within each conference. The league must also consider travel logistics, as adding teams from different regions can increase the distance teams must travel for away games.

The MLS Cup Playoffs: Adding More Games

The regular season is just the beginning. After the 34-game schedule, 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 advance in the tournament.

The playoffs consist of several rounds, including the First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and ultimately the MLS Cup Final. A team that makes it to the final could play up to 4 additional games, bringing their total number of games for the season to 38.

International Competitions: Adding to the Load

For some MLS teams, the season doesn’t end with the MLS Cup. Teams that qualify for international competitions like the CONCACAF Champions League or the Leagues Cup may play additional games outside of the regular MLS schedule.

These competitions can add anywhere from 2 to 10 extra games to a team’s schedule, depending on how far they advance. While these games offer a chance for glory on the international stage, they also add to the physical and mental strain on players, especially those who are involved in both domestic and international competitions.

The Role of Bye Weeks and Fixture Congestion

With a packed schedule that includes regular-season games, playoffs, and potentially international competitions, fixture congestion is a significant concern for MLS teams. To mitigate this, the league incorporates bye weeks into the schedule, giving teams a break from competitive play.

However, even with bye weeks, the sheer number of games can take a toll on players, leading to fatigue and increased risk of injury. This is particularly challenging for teams that have deep runs in multiple competitions, as they may have to play multiple games per week over an extended period.

The Influence of Weather and Travel

MLS is unique in that it spans a vast geographic area, from the Pacific Northwest to the Atlantic Coast, and from Canada to the southern United States. This wide range of locations means that teams must contend with varying weather conditions and extensive travel.

For example, a team based in Seattle may have to travel to Miami for an away game, covering thousands of miles in the process. The travel time and jet lag can affect player performance, especially when games are scheduled close together.

Weather also plays a role, particularly in the early and late parts of the season. Games in northern cities like Toronto or Chicago in March or November can be affected by cold temperatures, snow, or rain, which can impact the quality of play and the safety of the players.

The Future of the MLS Schedule

As MLS continues to grow, the league will face ongoing challenges in balancing the number of games with the need for player rest and recovery. One potential solution is to expand the season, either by starting earlier or ending later, to spread out the games and reduce fixture congestion.

Another possibility is to reduce the number of interconference games, allowing teams to focus more on their conference rivals. This could create more intense rivalries and reduce travel time, but it would also limit the variety of opponents each team faces.

Conclusion

The question “How many games do MLS teams play?” is more complex than it seems. While the standard answer is 34 regular-season games, the reality is that the number can vary depending on a team’s success in the playoffs and international competitions. Additionally, factors like expansion, travel, and weather all play a role in shaping the MLS schedule.

As the league continues to evolve, finding the right balance between the number of games, player health, and competitive fairness will be crucial. For now, fans can enjoy the excitement of a packed schedule that offers plenty of opportunities for their favorite teams to shine.

Related Q&A

Q: How many teams are in MLS?
A: As of the 2023 season, there are 29 teams in MLS, with plans for further expansion in the coming years.

Q: Do all MLS teams play the same number of games?
A: Yes, all teams play 34 regular-season games, but the total number of games can vary if a team advances in the playoffs or participates in international competitions.

Q: How are MLS playoff teams determined?
A: The top teams from each conference qualify for the playoffs based on their regular-season standings. The exact number of teams can vary, but typically 7 teams from each conference make the playoffs.

Q: What is the Leagues Cup?
A: The Leagues Cup is a tournament featuring teams from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX. It was introduced in 2019 and has since become a significant competition for both leagues.

Q: How does MLS handle fixture congestion?
A: MLS incorporates bye weeks into the schedule and may adjust game times or dates to help teams manage the physical demands of a packed schedule.