Based off of the first round craziness, MLS' new Playoff Format looks like a success. Can the opening round be topped??? All game times are eastern. National TV coverage is noted. This is a safe space, so keep all rivalry schtick out of here. Wednesday, October 23 NYC vs TFC 7:00PM FS1 SEA vs RSL 10:00PM FS1 Thursday, October 24 ATL vs PHL 8:00PM ESPN2 LAX vs LAG 10:30PM ESPN
NYC vs TFC will be at Citi Field. I took the day off to watch it assuming it would be at Yankee Stadium. No way am I going to make a 3 hour trip to Citi Field!
So today I saw that Giovinco and Al-Hilal advanced to the AFC Champions League final. Found highlights of the first leg and they are interesting. I love the two handed shove from the ref followed by a player grabbing his arm to keep him from showing the red.
Anyone know why they wouldn’t just play the games this weekend? Then followed up with the conference finals as currently scheduled on Thursday? Seems like a waste of an opportunity to build up these next matches for longer and have them be on weekends which is always better. Is there some logistical reason that I just don’t understand why they are avoiding this weekend for matches?
Agreed. No doubt the players and fans, and thus the league, would prefer prime spots on the weekend but for now MLS remains lower on the totem pole and must compromise. Hopefully the appeal continues to grow and we can get those weekend dates in the future.
Compromise is when both sides do not get what they want right. What did the cable networks not want is what? Going all in with MLS playoff games for only 2 weekends outta 52 over gridiron regular season action. MLS HQ has no room to bargain with. We always are reminded that in the Fall, the prime spots on the weekend are always going to be gobbled up by gridiron, both college and pro.
And the league changed its' schedule and playoff format late in the game (January). That had to be worked around. Also Fox and ESPN currently pay way more for the rights to College and Pro Football than they do for MLS. Not to mention they share the costs of the rights to MLS.
Watching the half time discussion, I had one thought... Alexi Lala hair is thinning. I'm having a tough time imaging him as a bald.
If I'm an LAFC fan I'd be a little concerned for tomorrow watching this game. NYCFC hasn't looked that great. The long layoff may have something to do with that.
Parks plays like an enthusiastic 18 year-old who is still learning the game. But he's 22 and plays for one of the biggest clubs in Europe.