A more different MLS thread

[RoommateRiot]

So we have a thread for general games discussion, but here's something else.

A lot of MLS on-line communities have conversations about how they'd like to see the league change. Don Garber has even made allusions to the fans having an impact on the organization of the league. IN the past we've seen all the sillier aspects of MLS slide away into the history books (a countdown clock, "golden ball" overtimes and those god-awful weird penalty kicks, just to name a few).

So, all things considered, how would you like to see MLS change to be a better league? I for one would love to see us get rid of this useless "Eastern Conference"/"Western Conference" bullshit. I think a single-league table makes more sense. It's kind of stupid to say that a certain number of playoff teams have to come from a certain part of the country, regardless of performance.

[Polish Hill]

As much as I'd love a single table fans need to face the fact that MLS is not equal to the EPL, La Liga, Serie A, etc. Those countries don't have to deal with thousands of miles of separation that cause additional problems for more matchups between distant teams. Sure this isn't an enormous problem but right now the format is basically single-table light due to the fact only three teams per conference are guaranteed a playoff spot.

Check last year, the East had 5 teams enter and if the league was a single table the teams in the playoffs would be no different. The only changes a single table would really have is reduced frequency of teams close to each other playing which will just make rivalries that much more difficult to blossom. So sorry MLS fans but you are wrong on this one. Single table is an overrated mechanism that won't add much to the league. Is it possible under the current system that a team could get "screwed" out of the playoffs? Sure its possible but that scenario is unlikely under the current format and frankly a team that far down should have just acknowledged the system and gained an extra point or three.

[RoommateRiot]

All the benefits you listed of having the split table are still possible without it. You could still have those "Rivalry matches" in a single table setting, as long as all teams play the same number of matches. The argument about distance is moot, because the teams all play each other anyway, regardless of conference.

You're right about one thing though, MLS isn't the same as other leagues all over the world. But I think as it increases in popularity, it will become more like other leagues. For example, once MLS is popular enough, I don't think we'll have the playoffs and championship game any more. I think the only reason we have it now is because while a lot of people won't watch standard league games, they will watch a "championship" game. It's a way to make revenue.

Then again, Americans do LOVE their championship games, so who knows? I think it's stupid that the team with the best record could easily NOT win the season trophy, and I know a lot of other MLS fans do too. But we may need it to bring in new fans.

[Polish Hill]

I'll be honest I want a single table but I like to play devil's advocate in many of these situations. Still, until the expansion teams bloat the league a little more the current format should be good for another year or two.

As for the championship and playoffs I used to really dislike the format since it flies in the face of traditional soccer leagues. But the more I get used to it the more I enjoy it. Yes there's not a whole lot of incentive to winning the supporter's shield besides access to a few summer tournaments but if you have to encourage professional players to try their hardest every game then something is wrong.

The playoffs are fun although I find the format a bit suspect, earlier rounds have multiple games yet conference finals have one? Huh?

But the Champions League, Super Bowl, and NCAA are all great playoff/tournament style events that work wonders. Sure MLS has more games than the NFL season but I really believe that while the best team may not win the championship it still makes for a much more American product. So while single table could happen I really don't see the playoffs disappearing personally. No matter what happens the league's fan base will never be composed of a majority of Eurosnobs so removing the pinnacle of the season wouldn't make sense. Especially since its the one time right now that the league can get mentioned on sports shows. There's a lot more to this argument so I'll end it here and wait for some more input.

[RoommateRiot]

I think the biggest reason we have playoffs and championship game is to make ad revenue. Those are the only games a lot of casual soccer fans watch. It also makes it feel a little more American, I guess.

As a side note, do you remember that bullshit "games can't end in a tie" rule from back in the day? Talk about flying in the face of tradition.

[Polish Hill]

Ha at least it was never quite as bad as the NASL's timed penalty shootout stuff. I'm all for some innovation but just awful stuff.