A Quick Overview of the MLS Playoffs

After 32 weeks of MLS regular season play it has come down to eight teams to determine who will be champions of the MLS. The playoff format is such, the top two teams in each conference are seeded as the #1 and #2 in their respective conferences. Then the next 4 teams, regardless of what conference they are in will receive a wild-card birth. The Wild-Card teams are assigned the conference they play will compete in during the playoffs by the higher positioned teams getting to play in their conference, and the lower teams being subject to having to switch conferences. Do not worry if it sounds confusing, because it really is. Just know that the top six teams are guaranteed to play in their own conference, and the bottom two might have to go to the other conference if their original one is full.

The playoff games themselves will work out like this. The opening round consist is a two-game aggregate series between #1 seeds vs. #4 seeds and #2 seeds vs. #3 seeds. A two-game series works out like this the two teams will play at the lower seeds home first, then a week latter at the higher seeds home. The series will be determined by whoever scores the most goals in the two games (no Away goal rule, that is one thing the Europeans do that is just plain stupid). If the series is tied after the two games, then the teams will play a 30-minute overtime session, if it is still tied after that, then the dreaded PK's will determine who wins the series.

Then it will be time for the conference finals. The conference finals will be one match fixture at the higher remaining seeds home field, if the match is tied then the two teams will go into extra-time and PK's to determine who will move on to the Final.

This year's final will be played at Qwest Field in Seattle, which judging by the Sounder's attendance records, was an excellent choice by the MLS. The final will pit the winners of the two conferences in a one match winner take all game. The winner of that match will be crowned MLS Champions.

Tomorrow's post will have a series by series preview of the matches, but here are the pairing for the 2009 MLS Cup.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 seed Los Angeles Galaxy vs. #4 seed Chivas USA

#2 seed Houston Dynamo vs. #3 seed Seattle Sounders

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Seed Columbus Crew vs. #4 Seed Real Salt

#2 Seed Chicago Fire vs. #3 New England Revolution