The MLS Playoffs Are Broken

As one of the few leagues in the world that decides its champion by way of a Cup tournament, the MLS playoffs were always going to be suspect. To their credit, every year has featured a Final where at least one team was either the #1 or #2 team in their division.

But this year has demonstrated why the present system is broken. The Final between New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew features a match that should have taken place in the First Round. New York finished the regular season with a record of 10-11-9. Good enough for 8th place in the 14-team league. They grabbed the last playoff spot. They will face #1 seed Columbus Crew.

#1 vs. #8, #2 vs. #7, #3 vs. #6, #4 vs. #5
What is so difficult about this, MLS?

Presently, the top 3 teams in each conference make the playoffs, with the next two teams, regardless of recors qualifying as well. If one conference sends 5 teams, the 5th-seeded team switches over to the other conference. This happened last year when Kansas City made it to the Western Conference Final after finishing with the 5th-best record in the East. While the crossover rule has heresofar had little effect, this year, New York won the Western Conference Final, and a trip to the Champions League by going 2-0-1 in the playoffs. Champions League berths are handed out to both MLS Cup Finalists. Champions League for a team that finished sub-.500 in the regular season, and couldn't even finish in the top half of its own league. Two MLS entries in the region's competition will bear that unfortunate label next year (DC United is the other.)

Add to the fact that Chicago Fire, who finished with the third-best record in the league, as a reward were set to play the 4th-best team in the league, New England Revolution, and the #1 seed Columbus Crew before even GETTING to the Final.

This season, the playoff seedings in the first round SHOULD HAVE BEEN
#1 Columbus vs. #8 New York
#2 Houston vs. #7 Kansas City
#3 Chicago vs. #6 Real Salt Lake
#4 New England vs. #5 Chivas USA

This, on its own would have provided some compelling matchups. New England and Chivas USA would have a SuperLiga rematch, Kansas City would meet the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year. Small-market Columbus would go against Gotham.

The fact is, with MLS shifting closer towards a balanced schedule that could happen as early as next year, the conferences are taking on lesser and lesser meaning, so it's time to get rid of them for good.