So it looks to me as if the ONLY benefit of "home field advantage" is that you will be playing at home IF the second game of the Conference Final (or MLS Cup Semifinal - if you prefer) goes to the 30 minute Golden Goal period because the aggregate goals are tied. Doesn't seem like much of an advantage, to me. Comments? http://63.236.25.230/special/mlscup/2003/mlscuppo_format.html
Yep. We talked about this a long time ago, and pretty much came to the same conclusions. No further discussion really needed.
Actually, the Conference Final / MLS Cup Semifinal is one game only so homefield advantage is huge for that round. You are correct about the Conference Semifinals / MLS Cup Quarterfinals though. Examples (using the Eastern conference if the playoffs began prior to the start of tonight's games). Eastern Conference Semifinals / MLS Cup Quarterfinals Game 1: Chicago at New England, Metrostars at DC United Game 2: New England at Chicago, DC United at Metrostars Eastern Conference Final / MLS Cup Semifinal DC United at Chicago MLS Cup ? v ? at the Home Depot Center
Playoff "advantage" Ahh, yes. You are correct, I meant for the first round. The "advantage" is very small. Since we can't catch San Jose it seems that there is very little to play for (other than better form) in terms of "home field advantage."
But were LA to upset SJ in the quarterfinals, homefield in the semifinal should theoretically go to the winner of the #2 v #3 quarterfinals. Knowing the way MLS plays fast and loose with rules sometimes, I thought I should emphasize theoretically.
But that's the same no matter which team wins the 2 vs 3 series. So there's really nothing gained by beating-out Colorado for 2nd place. The winner still either hosts LA or has to play away vs. San Jose.
I'm sorry, but every newbie can't just show up and start a thread about something that is often talked about. Not to mention the dicsussion better suits the MLS forum. Go here: https://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?daysprune=&forumid=8