Hope your right. Two concerns though... #1: Not a fan at all of more teams getting into the playoffs. Any time the majority of teams make it to the playoffs, you're awarding mediocrity. It's theoretically harder to miss the playoffs than make it. I know they're arguing the season is going to be more important with only one team getting a bye, but that's overshadowed by adding more teams. #2, and more importantly: It's going to be interesting seeing how may teams play for PKs in those opening rounds. Without the reward for away goals, there's no additional incentive to attack when you don't have it. With the 2-7, 3-6 matchups you could see very defensive play-styles by the away team. Might make for some really boring opening round games.
I know you aren't asking me but where have you been? It's been the talk of the last 24 hours. https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/12/13/2019-mls-playoff-structure Mods maybe it's time to merge the threads discussing this?
"14 of the league's 24 teams will qualify for the postseason" So teams in the bottom half can also qualify? Pathetic.
That happens in 2 legs series all of the time and pretty much any big soccer game in the world. The World Cup is still exciting though.
I dig on the new playoff format. One n done. While I hear what you are saying, you are incorrect with all MLS teams playing in regional competition. Only 4 teams qualify for CCL play each season. Thus the majority of MLS teams are just chasing the shield and two cups.
You answered me, thanks! Yeah, my head has been in the sand a bit even though I've been reading this thread.
Time to retire my old playoff thread until it's needed again. Finally, the regular season means something...