The worst-scheduled playoff system in pro sports resumes tonight with two events: the first legs of MLS’s Eastern and Western Conference finals.
What, you thought the 2017 season was already over? You’re not alone.
The final stretch of a nine-month campaign should intensify like a tropical storm passing over warm waters before peaking with the championship game. In MLS’s case, TV scheduling demands, an NFL stadium conflict in Seattle and a FIFA fixture window reduced the playoff storm to intermittent showers.
In a league that plays most regular season matches on weekends, only four of the 16 playoff games over 37 days leading to MLS Cup will fall on the weekends.