Vote! Single Table or Conference

[Calcio1897]

Since there was such a HUGE response to my last post (Rumor: Single table for 2008!) I was curious to see how most of you would vote for this issue.

[Rooney20]

I voted single table with playoffs. I dont think it will happen untill we have at least 18 teams in the league tho.

[Calcio1897]

I voted single table with playoffs. I dont think it will happen untill we have at least 18 teams in the league tho.

I agree in the US the playoff system creates a lot of excitement at the end of the season so that should stay. The single table will be great for a number of reasons, one being that the SS will actually mean something.

[Sport Billy]

I agree in the US the playoff system creates a lot of excitement at the end of the season so that should stay. The single table will be great for a number of reasons, one being that the SS will actually mean something.

Yes - you are correct. The playoffs are exciting, but you could duplicate the playoffs with a cup format.

I voted single table - no playoffs.

I think that winning the league is more important and more difficult than winning a few rounds of playoffs and should be celebrated as such.

During the season there should be a U.S. Cup - teams from all levels - think FA Cup.

Post season should be a league cup - just MLS teams. Seedings should be based on how you finish in the league.

[DCU1996]

you need to specify time frame... if it's for right now, short-term, mid-term, long-term, ultimate-term...

For untimate-term, I would like 2 separate conferences about 16 teams in each conf., balanced schedule for each conf., and inter-conference playoff for a MLS Cup.

[WarrenWallace - old]

I voted for conferences cause I like seeing the teams that are closer together to play more often. I don't care to see those teams that much that play on the other side of the country. Then have a final game when two teams from different parts of the country meet. Not like 2001 where SJ played LA in Ohio. Or the MLB World Series in 2000 where it was NY Yankees vs NY Mets. Those both bored the hell out of me.

[bright]

I voted for conferences cause I like seeing the teams that are closer together to play more often. I don't care to see those teams that much that play on the other side of the country. Then have a final game when two teams from different parts of the country meet. Not like 2001 where SJ played LA in Ohio. Or the MLB World Series in 2000 where it was NY Yankees vs NY Mets. Those both bored the hell out of me.

It is possible to have an unbalanced schedule where teams closer together play more often, have a single-table for the standings, and have playoffs. These three things are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the USL-1 has been doing it this way for a few years.

- Paul

[MLS1FAN]

I agree in the US the playoff system creates a lot of excitement at the end of the season so that should stay. The single table will be great for a number of reasons, one being that the SS will actually mean something.

I agree that totally!

[WarrenWallace - old]

It is possible to have an unbalanced schedule where teams closer together play more often, have a single-table for the standings, and have playoffs. These three things are not mutually exclusive. In fact, the USL-1 has been doing it this way for a few years.

- Paul

True.

But about 95% of the time you hear someone say "single table" they also mean (or want) a completely balanced schedule. And I don't care for that. But then again, I don't like all these int'l competitions during the season either. Just give me MLS with playoffs and the US Open Cup. The rest can just go away.

[LordRobin]

I voted for conferences because a single table is asinine if the schedule is unbalanced (I don't care if USL-1 does it that way -- it's still wrong), and a balanced schedule places restrictions on the length of the season. MLS wants 30 - 32 games and they need a system that will allow them to work with that regardless of the number of teams.

------RM

[DCU1996]

True.

But about 95% of the time you hear someone say "single table" they also mean (or want) a completely balanced schedule. And I don't care for that. But then again, I don't like all these int'l competitions during the season either. Just give me MLS with playoffs and the US Open Cup. The rest can just go away.

International aspects of soccer make it much more interesting both in club and national.

It's an extra benefit not found in other American sports.

[WarrenWallace - old]

International aspects of soccer make it much more interesting both in club and national.

It's an extra benefit not found in other American sports.

I understand that. I like it at national levels. Just not at club levels. Would rather have my MLS be like the rest of the American sports leagues.

[SideshowBob]

I voted "don't care" because any would have pluses and minuses. I'd tend to prefer playoffs in addition to better recognition of the SS. I also like having an unbalanced scheduling and seeing "local" teams more often -- and I'm not opposed to an unbalanced schedule with single table.

What I really don't get is why peopl care so much, as though the way the standings are written would affect the play on the field. As long as the talent on the field increases and the league becomes better they can list the teams however they want.

[DrLudicrous]

For untimate-term, I would like 2 separate conferences about 16 teams in each conf., balanced schedule for each conf., and inter-conference playoff for a MLS Cup.

This would be my ideal scenario also. Inter-conference play can also happen in SuperLiga, the open cup, and any other competitions that are created.

[WarrenWallace - old]

What I really don't get is why peopl care so much

eh. Something to talk or bitch about.

Kinda like New York fans go out of their way to call the team Metro / not acknowledge Red Bull, DC fans insisting on asking how many trophies does your team have, Phily fans self-promoting so much that it is nauseating, San Jose and Seattle fans competing in the contest to see which fanbase is more annoying, etc.

[peridigm]

How about this. Single table being the most prestigous title to win. Then have the MLS Cup at end of season. It can start via conference stages at beginning of season with teams advancing from each conference. Multiple titles and tournament throughout the season will keep fans interested.

Supporters Shield
MLS Cup
SuperLiga
US Open Cup


I voted for conferences because a single table is asinine if the schedule is unbalanced (I don't care if USL-1 does it that way -- it's still wrong), and a balanced schedule places restrictions on the length of the season. MLS wants 30 - 32 games and they need a system that will allow them to work with that regardless of the number of teams.

------RM
Not if they make it a home and away format. Let the extra tournaments be the extra games.

[SMUPlayer]

Single Table and a balanced schedule. When we have enough teams, I wouldn't mind conferences, but only if there are 30-40 teams (and that's WAY off in the future). Playoffs I can take or leave. SuperLiga, Copa Sudamericana, and other international cups are EXTREMELY important. US Open Cup needs to be rejuvinated. Seriously, get some sponsors and offer some money.

[Calcio1897]

True.

But about 95% of the time you hear someone say "single table" they also mean (or want) a completely balanced schedule. And I don't care for that. But then again, I don't like all these int'l competitions during the season either. Just give me MLS with playoffs and the US Open Cup. The rest can just go away.

By international competitions do you mean SuperLiga? Because I think SuperLiga was great this year and will be a huge success in the future.

My idea of a great MLS season is having a single table where all teams play on Saturday or Sunday, SuperLiga games spread durring the season with a home/away format (except the final) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays with US Open Cup games played midweek also(obviously not on the same weeks). Then finish the season with the SS winners being recognized and then MLS Cup playoffs to end the season with some excitement and another cup champion.

What do you think?

[DCU1996]

By international competitions do you mean SuperLiga? Because I think SuperLiga was great this year and will be a huge success in the future.

My idea of a great MLS season is having a single table where all teams play on Saturday or Sunday, SuperLiga games spread durring the season with a home/away format (except the final) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays with US Open Cup games played midweek also(obviously not on the same weeks). Then finish the season with the SS winners being recognized and then MLS Cup playoffs to end the season with some excitement and another cup champion.

What do you think?

don't forget CCC and Copa Sudamericana.

[Midnight Attack]

you need to specify time frame... if it's for right now, short-term, mid-term, long-term, ultimate-term...

For untimate-term, I would like 2 separate conferences about 16 teams in each conf., balanced schedule for each conf., and inter-conference playoff for a MLS Cup.

This.