499 replies to this topic

[Arsenal14]

New format this year. I wasn't aware either until a month or two ago.

My guess as to why is that it guarantees every club that makes the playoffs has one meaningful home game that fans can attend. That was the case before with the aggregate two-legged format yet they went away with that by switching to single-elimination.

Straight home-and-away aggregate completely neutered home-field advantage.

Works great for things like the Champions League, where the teams aren't really seeded, but it's not ideal for playoffs.

This best-of-3 format isn't my favorite, especially with a penalty win counting the same as a 7-0 in regulation, but I get the thinking behind it.

[Metrohoboken]

Also, hard to fit in system with 2 international breaks OctNov

[ESCfanatic279]

The best of 3 should have been first to 4 points awarded. Then penalty kicks if tied at 3-4 points after 3 games.

[MetroFanatic]

The best of 3 should have been first to 4 points awarded. Then penalty kicks if tied at 3-4 points after 3 games.

That is by far the most logical way. But:

 

1) MLS likes PKs! Excitement!

2) Teams can play for a tie in Game 2! Bad!

3) First to 4 is guaranteed to have fewer 3-game series (a win and a tie gets you through in 2 games, but the current format might not), and MLS wants 3-game series.

[JBigjake54]

The best of 3 is to give Apple more games.

Not just more games, more playoff games!
Fans just seem to prefer playoffs over regular season.
Ratings will reveal whether this is accurate.
AppleTV took a big financial gamble on MLS, so it has a lot of influence on formats, game times, etc.

[Rybka]

With pks such an important factor in the playoffs, I wonder why teams do not carry a pk -specific goalkeeper. Is Nick Rimando around?

[MetroFanatic]

With pks such an important factor in the playoffs, I wonder why teams do not carry a pk -specific goalkeeper. Is Nick Rimando around?

I've been a huge proponent for using Marcucci for that. But he is injured now...

[regulator]

So is this round vs Cincy definitely 3 games long? Or if one team wins the first two games does it end there?

[ldandria]

Cinci are the supporters shield holders.. 

 

I would love Red Bull to ruin their cup run. 

[SatansHockey]

So is this round vs Cincy definitely 3 games long? Or if one team wins the first two games does it end there?

First to win 2 games. If the games are tied they go straight to Pks and that will count as win.

[guanaco20]

First to win 2 games. If the games are tied they go straight to Pks and that will count as win.

So, RedBull can tie both games, but if they win on PKs we are thru to the next round? Sounds a lot like Boca during their current Copa Libertadores Final run!

[SatansHockey]

So, RedBull can tie both games, but if they win on PKs we are thru to the next round? Sounds a lot like Boca during their current Copa Libertadores Final run!

Correct

[Paul Nasta]

So, RedBull can tie both games, but if they win on PKs we are thru to the next round? Sounds a lot like Boca during their current Copa Libertadores Final run!

RB can lose the first game and then tie games 2 and 3, but win the PK shootouts, and win the series.

[magicmoron]

RB can lose the first game and then tie games 2 and 3, but win the PK shootouts, and win the series.

I am intrigued by this format but afraid that this scenario will play out a couple of times with putrid defensive lower seeds.

[elf]

It would be funny if we tie every game but win in pks.