Major League Soccer Begins Month-and-a-Half-Plus March Toward Playoffs
The men’s professional soccer league in the United States and Canada kicked off its condensed 2020 season with the MLS is Back Tournament in July. With the tournament now completed, Major League Soccer (MLS) teams are transitioning to the next phase of the season, a month-and-a-half-plus stretch toward the playoffs.
The MLS is Back Tournament, held in a bio-secure bubble in Orlando, Florida, provided fans and teams with a unique and challenging soccer environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament’s success in maintaining safety protocols while delivering exciting matches has laid a strong foundation for the rest of the season.
As teams exit the tournament and return to regular home markets, they will face a demanding schedule of matches as the league races to complete a full regular season and playoffs in a shortened timeframe. With the risk of COVID-19 disruptions still looming, adaptability and resilience will be paramount for teams vying for a spot in the postseason.
The unpredictability of the MLS season was evident in the tournament, with surprising performances and upsets showcasing the league’s competitive nature. As teams resume the regular season, the race for playoff positions intensifies, adding an extra layer of drama and excitement to each match.
Player fitness and squad depth will be crucial factors as teams navigate the congested schedule and potential player absences due to injuries or health protocols. Coaches will need to carefully manage their squads to balance performance on the field with the well-being of their players off it.
The MLS continues to showcase its commitment to diversity and inclusion both on and off the field. With players using their platforms to advocate for social justice and equality, the league is embracing its role in driving positive change in society.
Fans have eagerly awaited the return of MLS action, and the resumption of the regular season signifies a step toward normalcy in the sports world. While matches may be played without spectators in attendance for the foreseeable future, the passion and excitement of fans will undoubtedly be felt through virtual support and engagement.
The road to the playoffs will test the mettle of every MLS team, with no room for complacency in a season unlike any other. From adapting to new health and safety protocols to battling it out on the field, players and coaches alike will need to show resilience and determination to succeed in the challenging environment of the 2020 MLS season.
As MLS teams embark on the month-and-a-half-plus march toward the playoffs, they do so with the knowledge that every match counts in the pursuit of glory. The stage is set for an enthralling conclusion to the season, with teams looking to make their mark and etch their names in MLS history.