For the first time in the 25-year history of Major League Soccer, the month of February will mark the start of regular season play. On Feb. 29, clubs across the United States and Canada will step between the white lines with hopes of collecting three points to begin 2020.
A delectable opening day of MLS action will see Sporting Kansas City visit Vancouver Whitecaps FC at 9:30 p.m. CT, giving supporters their first real look at Manager Peter Vermes’ side since last October.
As the anticipated date approaches, SportingKC.com is rolling out a 28-day countdown to first kick, offering a comprehensive preview of the season ahead. From key storylines and positional breakdowns to new fan initiatives and perks at Children’s Mercy Park, our Countdown to Kickoff series highlights the many reasons to be pumped for Sporting’s 2020 campaign. To visit the series homepage as it expands, head to SportingKC.com/countdown.
Under the guidance of Manager Peter Vermes, Sporting Kansas City made a club-record eight straight appearances in the MLS Cup Playoffs from 2011-2018, good for the fourth-longest streak in league history.
After expectations fell short in 2019, Sporting enters the new decade with full intention of returning to the MLS postseason. In order for that to happen, Vermes' men must secure a top-seven finish in the Western Conference by the time the 34-game regular season concludes on Oct. 4.
That brings us to today's topic in the Countdown to Kickoff. For the second straight year, the MLS Cup Playoffs will feature a single-elimination format from the opening rounds to the final, with seven teams from each conference punching their tickets to the postseason party.
For those who need a refresher, here's how it will work.
Seven in each conference: The top seven Eastern Conference and top seven Western Conference teams will comprise the 14-team playoff field. With the league now at 26 clubs, MLS has a similar percentage of playoff-qualifying teams as the other major men’s North American professional sports leagues.
Single-elimination format: The MLS Cup Playoffs will consist of 13 single-elimination matches, following a straight bracket format.
Home-field advantage for top clubs throughout the playoffs: Higher-seeded teams will enjoy home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, hosting every match in front of a home crowd. This provides a greater reward for regular season success.
Top seeds receive a bye: A greater emphasis will be placed on earning the top seed as only the No. 1 team in each conference will receive a first-round bye.
Recovery time between regular season and postseason: Following the regular season, playoff teams will have the October FIFA break to prepare for the playoffs, providing clubs with time to promote the postseason and sell tickets. Once playoffs begin, teams will have a minimum of three days of rest between matches in each of the first three rounds and a week break before MLS Cup.
More information about the 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, including dates and television schedules, will be released later this year. MLS Cup 2020 is slated for Saturday, Nov. 7.
