News Analysis: Why is MLS embracing a playoff format disliked by players and fans?

The new MLS playoff format is finding near-universal disdain from players and fans, but the league's revenue ambitions are driving the changes.

LAFC pulls away in second half to open playoffs with win over Whitecaps

Ryan Hollingshead and Dénis Bouanga each scored two goals as LAFC beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-2 in Game 1 of their best-of-three first-round MLS playoff series.

LAFC players don't understand the reasoning behind expanded MLS playoff format

As LAFC looks to win another title, its players are not fans of the new playoff format that features a break in play for teams vying for the MLS Cup.

Move over Messi: Why Luciano Acosto is MLS’ Most Valuable Player

In an MLS season dominated by Lionel Messi, another Argentinian midfielder is set to be named league MVP

MLS Cup Playoffs power rankings: Which teams are in prime position to make a run at the trophy?

The 16-team playoff field is now set so we've ranked every team in the race for MLS Cup.

Michael Bradley: the Toronto FC legend who will be long remembered

The former USA captain, who retired after Toronto FC’s final regular-season game last Saturday, was a true general: someone who cared more about the club, than his individual career

MLS playoff predictions: The championship road runs through Luciano Acosta and Cincinnati

The road to the MLS Cup kicks off this week. Our writers predict the dark horses, the key players and who will wind up as champions

'This can't happen again.' Greg Vanney faces pressure to finally fix the Galaxy

Greg Vanney touted a three-year plan to lead the Galaxy back to MLS prominence when he was hired in 2021. He has yet to achieve his goal.

MLS has attracted a new generation of stars. But will they stay?

The league was once made up of would-bes and has-beens. Now there’s a burgeoning middle class: talented players looking to kickstart stalled careers

MLS Cup Playoffs: Schedule, format, odds, as league looks to build on Messi hype... without Messi

There have been more eyes on Major League Soccer this season than at any point in recent history (if ever), so can the league keep momentum without Messi's Inter Miami in the playoffs?

The Fire fail to reach the MLS playoffs following a 1-0 loss to NYCFC

The Fire's season is over as Chicago lost 1-0 to NYCFC, missing the playoffs for the sixth season in a row.

By surfing the playoff expansion trend, MLS has devalued the regular season

MLS has upped the playoff teams from 14 to 18 and added a best-of-three format. But what is a boon for the postseason has belittled the rest of the year

What needs to happen for the Fire to make the MLS playoffs

The Chicago Fire head into Decision day with a chance of making the MLS playoffs. However, certain results need to go their way.

Lionel Messi says he will not leave Inter Miami to go on loan this winter

Messi was rumored to potentially rejoin Barcelona or go to the Saudi Pro League on loan to keep his match fitness.

La Previa: St. Louis’s Inaugural MLS Run, Beckham and the Messi Doc

On the latest episode of La Previa, hosts Asli Pelit and Boris Gartner talk to Diego Gigliani, the president and general manager of St. Louis City SC. Originally from Argentina, Gigliani joined St. Louis City after a decade with City Football Group, the parent company of Premier League’s Manchester City and MLS’ New York City …

Ciara McCormack: the Canadian soccer whistleblower turned soccer CEO

Four years after coming forward about systemic abuse in Canadian soccer, Ciara McCormack has become the first female co-owner and CEO of a League of Ireland club

A real life Ted Lasso? Pat Noonan has been a miracle worker for FC Cincinnati

Pat Noonan had never been a head coach at any level when he took over FC Cincinnati. The team is now among the favorites to win the MLS Cup.

Jack Wilshere in running for head coach role at Stan Kroenke’s Colorado Rapids

Jack Wilshere is in contention for the head coach role at Major League Soccer side Colorado Rapids and has held talks over the position.

Is the cost of bringing Lionel Messi to MLS falling on fans?

The profile of Inter Miami – and the league itself – have been boosted by the Argentinian’s arrival. But it’s led to an increase in prices for some

Lionel Messi: Inter Miami star will not go on loan - Guillem Balague

Lionel Messi will not be joining another team on loan once Inter Miami's Major League Soccer season ends, says Guillem Balague.

Wayne Rooney leaves DC United after failing to reach MLS play-offs

Wayne Rooney leaves his role as coach of MLS side DC United by mutual consent after his side fail to make the play-offs.

Wayne Rooney leaves DC United after failing to reach MLS play-offs

Wayne Rooney has left DC United after their hopes of making the Major League Soccer play-offs ended.

Wayne Rooney leaves DC United after failing to reach MLS play-offs

Wayne Rooney leaves his role as coach of MLS side DC United by mutual consent after his side fail to make the play-offs.

Lionel Messi returns, but too late: Inter Miami eliminated from MLS playoff contention

Messi returned to the field for 35 minutes off the bench, but couldn't find a goal, and Inter Miami's long-shot playoff hopes officially disappeared.

‘I’m doing the best job in the world’: Billy Sharp finds a new dawn in LA

The former Sheffield United forward has made an instant impact in MLS. He’s still scoring goals, and leading a late-season revival for LA Galaxy

Lionel Messi not in lineup for Inter Miami's game at Chicago

Messi missed four out of Miami's previous five games before Wednesday's matchup with Chicago.

Fire FC offering fan incentive for Inter Miami match with Lionel Messi's status unknown

Whether Lionel Messi appears in the match or not, fans attending Miami vs. Chicago will get incentives to attend more Fire games in the future.

Overworked stars, inconsequential matches highlight the absurdity of the MLS regular season

MLS stuffs 34 regular-season rounds into less than eight months to eliminate only 11 of 29 teams. The other 18 make the playoffs, where one or two losses can override the February-to-October grind.

The Fire hoping to use the “Messi effect” to their advantage

With a sellout crowd for the match against Inter Miami, the Fire will be looking to take advantage of the "Messi effect."

Fire welcome Inter Miami amid Lionel Messi uncertainty

While the spotlight will be pointed at Lionel Messi, the Chicago Fire will look to further build on their playoff aspirations when they take on Inter Miami on Wednesday night.

Chicago Fire offering credits for fans amid uncertainty over whether Lionel Messi will play

Will Lionel Messi play at Soldier Field Wednesday during Inter Miami's match against the Chicago Fire? It's the million-dollar question on thousands of fans minds.

Will Messi play at Soldier Field in Chicago Wednesday? Here's the latest injury update

Messi 36, has been listed as day to day for much of the past month.

MLS Winners and Losers: FC Cincinnati locks up Supporters’ Shield, Inter Miami's good vibes run out

The turnaround in Cincinnati might be one of the best stories Major League Soccer has seen in some time.

Inter Miami keeps playoff hopes alive while testing fan loyalty amid Lionel Messi injury saga

While Messi remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury, a cloud of uncertainty lingers over DRV PNK Stadium and Inter Miami's loyal supporters.