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The Audi MLS Cup playoffs are undergoing a big change, starting in 2019.
The MLS playoffs will now consist of a fixed-bracket, single-elimination format with the higher seed hosting every match.
The Bracket
In 2019, 14 of the league’s 24 teams will qualify for the postseason, up from 12 in 2018.
Only one team per conference will be given a first-round bye, while the higher-seeded clubs will host all matches, further emphasizing regular season excellence.
Furthermore, there will be no reseeding, so if the No. 7 seed upsets the No. 2 seed, they’ll still play the winner of No. 3 vs. No. 6 irrespective of the other results.
The Schedule
The playoffs will wrap up earlier than in previous years, with the entirety of the bracket being played out between the October and November FIFA international breaks. In 2019, following Decision Day on October 6, the first playoff matches will be played on October 19 with MLS Cup taking place on November 10. Although the regular season will end earlier than in previous years, it will still start at the beginning of March, with the 2019 campaign slated to begin on March 2.
