I. Introduction
The Major League Soccer (MLS) season lasts several months and involves each team playing numerous games. However, there is often confusion about precisely how many games teams play in a single season. This confusion extends to fans, analysts, and even players themselves, making it essential to clarify the structure of the season. In this article, we aim to explore how many games are in an MLS season and the impact it has on players and overall performance.
II. How many games are in an MLS season?
The MLS regular season structure runs from late February or early March to October. Each team plays a total of 34 regular-season games, 17 home and 17 away, against the other teams in their conference and some outside of their conference. At the end, the top seven teams from each conference progress to the playoffs. The playoffs involve four rounds, with the championship game known as MLS Cup.
III. A Brief History of MLS Season Structure
The number of games in an MLS season has varied since the league’s founding in 1993. Initially, the teams played only 32 games per season. This increased to 34 games from 1996 to 1999. In 2000, the league decreased the number of games to 28, wherein each participating team played those outside their conference only once. The season returned to 32 games in 2001 and was further increased to 34 games in 2011.
The modifications made to the amount of games in an MLS season were based on feedback and analysis. The league considered fan engagement, television ratings, and income generation before landing on the 34-game structure. This structure also creates more exciting playoff races as every game counts during the regular season.
IV. Comparing MLS to Other Professional Soccer Leagues
MLS stands out from other major soccer leagues such as the English Premier League (EPL), Spanish La Liga, and the German Bundesliga in the number of games played within a single season. The EPL and the Bundesliga play 38 regular season games while La Liga plays 38-39 games.
The number of games teams play in MLS tends to be fewer than in other soccer leagues. However, it’s worth noting that the MLS season is much longer than most leagues, which equalizes the number of total games played. The length of the MLS season gives players more time to rest between games; this could decrease the likelihood of injury compared to players in leagues that play more games over a shorter period.
V. How Does the Number of MLS Season Games Impact Player Performance and Injury Rates?
Studies conducted on MLS players suggest that player performance can vary from season to season based on the number of games they play, but there is no clear consensus on the subject. Some players found that the long break between MLS seasons to be beneficial since it allowed them to rest and stay healthy. On the contrary, some players prefer shorter breaks, making frequent rotations possible and providing regular opportunities to stay in shape.
Fewer games over a long period may lead to less wear and tear, enabling players to recover between matches and decrease the chance of injury. It also allows coaches to better manage their squads and give all members the opportunity to play.
VI. The COVID-19 Pandemic and the Number of Games in the MLS Season
The MLS season structure has been impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic, with MLS initially suspending its season in March 2020, then coming back with the MLS Is Back Tournament in July 2020. Subsequently, the league played a severely truncated season with 28 regular-season games instead of 34. The season had later start times and fewer games to decrease the likelihood of players contracting COVID-19 and to ensure safety precautions. MLS and relevant stakeholders ensured that players were safe while putting on an entertaining and competitive event.
There may be changes to the number of games played in future MLS seasons influenced by COVID-19. However, no decisions have yet been made, and any modifications would prioritize the health and safety of the players and teams.
VII. Conclusion
In conclusion, the MLS season has 34 regular-season games per team. The league has changed the number of games to assess its impact on player health, fan engagement and league income. Despite MLS playing fewer games than leagues such as the EPL, Bundesliga, and La Liga, the length of the season allows players more time to rest and recover. However, there isn’t a clear answer about the perfect balance between rest and active play. While the COVID-19 Pandemic substantially affected the 2020 MLS season, it is unclear whether the league’s future structure will be affected. MLS has taken precautions to ensure the safety of its players and will continue to do so in the future.