"There has been a lot of talk, maybe...maybe too much talk" to paraphrase Bono, about the MLS playoffs, both format and the number of teams in the postseason. Obviously, given the discord on these boards on the subject and the fact that MLS is looking into different formats, the subject is up for debate. What is not up for debate is MLS having a playoffs system. It is a certainty. There will never be a regular season champion without a playoff. Get over it. 0 is not an option. Deal in reality. The format (1st to 5, 1st to 4, group play) is an endless debate, even if a good one. But that does not interest me here. I want to know what we think is the best number of teams to make the postseason. The one assumption we will make is that seeding will be determined on league points, not conference standings, except for the conference winners, as it is now. Ignore revenue and stadium considerations. In a purely competetive world, how many teams should make the post-season in this 10 team league?
What better way to rub it in the teams' face than saying "you are the two suck-iest teams. See ya around next season." Those two teams could use some company.
The 12 Governors on the MLS Board of Governors has spoken. With Ivan Gazidis the only person thinking things are just fine the way they are, the motion to reduce the number of teams in the playoffs passes. Actually, the 8 team dynamic is kind of interesting. I just think 6 teams would be even more so. Fighting for a playoff spot instead of a playoff seed is more exciting.
I vote for four, because then we can just have two semis (in whatever format--home-and-home, first-to-five, whatever) and then the final. A few years from now, after the league has expanded, they can increase to 8, have quarterfinals as well. That way, they won't have to change the basic set-up, and it wouldn't seem like they were messing with anything, just expanding the post-season.
I'd prefer two, but I voted for four since I believe it is the best number for the majority of fans. 80% is a joke. If I wasn't a die-hard fan, I wouldn't bother with the MLS regular season.
It seems to me that the league would be able to get more playoff games on national TV if they only had 4 teams. One or two games per semi-final would just be awesome.