MLS announces new playoff format for 2019 season
MLS has announced a new playoff structure! The playoffs will now consist of a fixed-bracket, single-elimination format with the higher seed hosting every match. The playoffs will wrap up earlier than in previous years, with the entirety of the bracket being played out between the October and November FIFA international breaks. In 2019, following Decision Day on Oct. 6, the first playoff matches will be played on Oct. 19 with MLS Cup taking place on Nov. 10.
I like the move to host the finals in early November. This should help maintain momentum and give a longer offseason for the finalists to rest. It will be very doubtful that a 7th or 8th seed could win 3 straight road matches to reach the final. Also, some teams may go many years before they host a home playoff match.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/...yoff-structure
