With the release of the MLS schedule yesterday, we were left with some huge changes including a schedule change and a change to MLS Cup. Major League Soccer was very prompt in compiling a schedule this season, which will allow fans to better arrange travel plans, an organize other team related events. Major League Soccer does well in listening to its fans, as the late release of the schedule caused many fans headaches last season. Those who subscribe to some of the various MLS emails were able to receive personalized emails announcing the release of the schedule.And now for the big changes.
MLS announced that the 2012 season will be the longest season to date as Montreal is being added this year. Games will be played from March to December, so fans may be able to get a small taste of what games would be like if MLS switched to an international calendar. The league should be set to break the attendance records set last year, as more games will be played, and improved TV coverage (provided by NBC Sports) may continue to boost interest in the league. A possible negative from the new schedule is that it is not balanced. Teams will no longer play a home and away game with every team in the league, and this will result in some teams playing easier schedules. The unbalanced schedule is very beneficial to teams that previously had to travel great distances to away games. Simon Borg, one of the major reporters for mlssoccer.com, talked about the benefit the schedule change is to teams saying, "[Vancouver] will see their travel reduced in half." The penalty of an unbalanced schedule is that a lesser qualified club can beat out a better team for a playoff spot, if they are lucky enough to get matched against worse teams throughout the season. But please avoid going into panic mode, because each team will still face every other team at least once, and will play conference teams home and away still. I’m sure if the unbalanced schedule really does produce an ugly playoff stretch, we will not see its return next season. For now we must see how things turn out.
The second big change is to MLS Cup. At this year's cup, the higher seeded team will host the cup final, which is a step forward for MLS. This will give the better team a deserved advantage, and gives the loyal fans the convenience of a close venue to attend. This change will also keep attendance up for the most important game of the season.
The 'unbalanced' schedule seems like a step forward to me, as all 4 major US sports currently have a conference-heavy schedule, and there aren't many problems there. Hopefully this also reduces travel times for the teams too.
ReplyDeleteThis is true, the new schedule does have its advantages. Simon Borg talked about how teams like Vancouver are going to eliminate half of their total travel miles this season because of the changes to scheduling. Those who think Major League Soccer should be modeled after European leagues will not appreciate the unbalanced schedule. But people who are comfortable with the conference systems used in American sports won't mind the change at all.
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