MLS

Major League Soccer (MLS) at 22Bet

Do you know what the magic of MLS is? Do you want to know? Here it is: the MLS is unpredictable. Any MLS team can be another on any given day. The cellar dweller can beat the top dog daily, making it worth watching. As North America’s premier soccer league, MLS has a high level of play with unpredictable results from game to game. At 22Bet, you can predict match results, explore betting options, and more. It’s more intriguing as well as more interactive. The following text shows what you can find on this page. 

What is MLS?

Now, you might be thinking to yourself, what is the MLS? 

The MLS stands for “Major League Soccer”. It’s the top professional league in the U.S. and Canada, featuring teams from both countries. 

Overview of Major League Soccer

Twenty-nine teams compete in the MLS. They’re split into two conferences. There’s an initial “Wild Card” round where the 8th and 9th place teams in each conference face off. The winner then advances to take on the #1 seed. The top vs. bottom format follows 1-8, 2-7, 3-6, and 4-5 as the playoffs progress to a conference championship and the conference champions face off in the final. Our dedicated writers will take you on a trip through all North American soccer aspects. 

MLS Through the Years

North American soccer has roots in the earlier NASL, but they played in large football stadiums ill-suited to US soccer leagues. The MLS began in 1996 with the familiar challenge of selling soccer to an American audience. There were many early struggles to capture the attention of US and Canadian fans. However, the introduction of the Designated Player Rule reshaped its future. For instance, David Beckham’s signing is often credited with turning MLS into a league of international interest. Flagship players at the end of their European or South American careers bring name recognition and fan following. Players like Lionel Messi help pack stadiums at home and on the road. The more soccer-specific MLS stadiums also provide a more intimate fan experience.

MLS champions like LA Galaxy have dominated the league with five titles, while new teams like Atlanta United have brought energy and innovation. The Columbus Crew has a loyal fan following, and teams in soccer hotbeds like St. Louis are established franchises. Lately, LAFC has gained a large following as a rival to the LA Galaxy. It makes for intriguing “derby” games in the same metropolis. The league’s history proves its ability to adapt and grow. That’s why the MLS is now a competitive and respected league worldwide. 

How Long is a Major League Soccer Game?

A regular MLS game lasts 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves and a 15-minute halftime break. Time lost during substitutions, injuries, or delays is added back as “stoppage time,” typically 1 to 5 minutes per half. Thus, a match often runs closer to 95 or 100 minutes. It’s essentially the same as all soccer games in all leagues. 

In the playoffs, tied games go to two 15-minute halves of extra time. If they’re still tied, a penalty shootout follows. 

MLS Schedule and Fixtures

The MLS schedule guarantees that every team plays 34 regular-season games (17 home and 17 road), and we will highlight every possible fixture in our daily articles. The season runs from late February or early March through October, and all games will be shown here accordingly, so you’ll never miss any interesting matches.

MLS Playoff Schedule

The MLS playoffs begin in late October and end with the MLS Cup in December. As the league has grown, the playoff format has expanded to the current 8 per conference format with an initial WIld Card Round to determine the last team.

MLS Games Today

The MLS schedule ensures frequent matchdays, often with multiple games on the same date. Not many leagues offer the variety that MLS does.

Reliable game updates can be found through official apps, league websites, and sports networks. No need to remind you about 22Bet, right?

How Many Games Are Played?

As stated earlier, each team competes in 34 regular-season games with an equal number of home and away matches (17 each).

MLS Standings and Rankings

Why is it essential to keep up with standings and rankings? It’s the easiest way to see how your team stacks up, who’s making waves, and who’s struggling to keep up. By the way, did you know the MLS standings also determine playoff positions? That’s why every point matters, even in those nail-biting last-minute games. When one of our proficient writers predicts future games – standings and ranking will be considered. Now, let’s take a closer look at standings and rankings!

MLS Standings

The MLS standings are split into two conferences: Eastern and Western. Each team earns points during the regular season – three points for a win, one for a draw, and none for a loss. Overall points determine who makes it to the playoffs. There is a lot of parity in the league. Your team might be leading the conference one week, and the next, they’re scrambling to stay in the playoff race. It’s an unpredictable league, which makes it worth watching. 

Everyone remembers how St. Louis City, SC shocked the MLS in 2023 by leading the Western Conference in their debut season. On any given day, anyone can win.

MLS Table

The MLS table is like the league’s report card. It doesn’t just track wins, losses, and points but also goal differentials (the number of goals scored minus the goals conceded). Why does that matter? When two teams are tied on points, the goal differential can decide who ranks higher. Imagine losing a playoff spot because your team let in too many goals. Every goal counts in the MLS.

MLS Next Standings

If you love discovering future stars, you’ve got to check out “MLS Next” and “MLS Next Pro”. 

The MLS Next standings track the performance of young prospects and academies or “farm clubs”, so you can see which academies are producing the next big names. It’s not just about winning – it’s about development, too. Watching these games is like scouting the future of MLS stars and saying you saw them play before they made it big.

MLS Rankings

MLS rankings go beyond points and tables. You’ve got power rankings, which rate teams based on form, tactics, and even injuries. You’ll love these stats as they’re a way for you to break down a team part by part.

These power rankings are often telling. Remember when Atlanta United entered the league in 2017? Thanks to their flashy style and packed stadiums, they were ranked high in almost every power ranking. And they delivered, winning the MLS Cup just a year later, in 2018. 

The worst part is waiting for power ranking updates after a tough loss, but that’s also part of the game!

MLS Playoffs and Cup

The MLS playoffs are where the real fun begins. While the regular season may seem important, this is where dreams are made—and sometimes crushed.

MLS Playoffs

The MLS playoffs mark the end of the regular season and the start of a battle for the league’s biggest prize. The top nine teams from each conference (Eastern and Western) qualify. Seeds 8 and 9 face off in a wild card match – like a sudden-death showdown. Win, and you’re in. Lose, and well, better luck next year.

Soon after the wild card dust settles, the playoffs move to a best-of-three format for the first round. It’s new(ish) but a smart move for MLS, as it gives teams a chance to redeem themselves if they stumble in the first match. After that, it’s straight to single-elimination games. 

MLS Playoff Bracket

The MLS playoff bracket is like a roadmap to glory. It starts with the wild card games, then unfolds with the first round, conference semifinals, and conference finals. In the end, only two teams remain standing for the ultimate showdown: the MLS Cup Final. The higher-seeded team always hosts the match. So, if your team worked hard during the regular season, they get to stay comfy on their home turf. 

MLS Playoff Format

The playoff format has a bit of everything: sudden-death wild cards, a best-of-three series in the first round, and single-elimination games for the rest.

The best bit is the drama. Whatever you do, don’t underestimate the lower-seeded teams. Imagine one of them taking down a favorite in a penalty shootout. It’s happened before, and it will happen again. But, if your team’s out, the heartbreak stays with you until the following season.

MLS Cup Final

The MLS Cup Final is the big one. It’s the match that every MLS fan marks on their calendar, the one that decides who takes home the trophy. It’s hosted by the team with the better regular-season record – so yeah, every single point in those 34 games mattered.

This single match is intense. If it’s tied after 90 minutes, it goes into extra time. If it’s still tied, it goes to penalties, just like during the 2016 final. Soon after an intense penalty shootout, Seattle Sounders won their first-ever title without taking a single shot on target during the game. It’s proof that soccer is anything but predictable.

MLS Cup

Since 1996, the MLS Cup has been the ultimate goal for every MLS team. Legends like the LA Galaxy have lifted it five times, while newer teams like Atlanta United and NYCFC have already made their mark.

Winning the cup also brings a golden ticket to the CONCACAF Champions League. That means your team faces off against the best in the region. 

MLS Games and Scores

We know—this has been a lot of information. But don’t worry—now we’re moving on to the fun stuff: MLS games, scores, and stats. 

MLS Scores

Teams battle it out each week, and the scores tell the story. Did the underdog pull off an upset? Did a star striker grab a hat trick? Scores show not just who won but often how the match played out. You can check the latest scores on official MLS platforms or your favorite sports apps to never miss a result.

MLS Games

What’s better than a weekend packed with MLS games? With teams spread across North America, there’s always something to watch. Whether it’s a heated rivalry like Seattle vs. Portland or an inter-conference clash, every match adds to the league’s story.

Plan your viewing schedule. With matches in multiple time zones, it’s easy to miss one.

MLS Stats

If you’re a numbers person, then MLS stats are your playground. Stats give you the bigger picture – who’s dominating possession, which players have the most assists, and who’s topping the goal charts.

In 2022, Hany Mukhtar won the MVP title, partly thanks to his insane stats: 23 goals and 11 assists in the regular season. Numbers like that don’t lie. Major league soccer stats also help fans see trends, like which teams are improving and which might need to rethink their strategies.

Major League Soccer Scores

One glance at the scores, and you’ll know who’s on fire or stuck in a slump. It’s where you can go after every matchday to see who’s moving up the table or sliding down.

Scores also fuel rivalries. Think about it – when your team wins big, you can’t wait to brag to friends who support the other side. And when your team loses? You’re suddenly an expert on why the referee made the wrong call. It’s all part of the fun.

MLS Teams and Players

Major League Soccer now has 29 teams across the U.S. and Canada. Some are household names, while others are newer and still carving out their identity. 

MLS Teams

The MLS teams are divided into Eastern and Western Conferences. Each team has its own story. LA Galaxy, the league’s most successful club, has set a high standard with five MLS Cups. In contrast, Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, is making waves as a newer franchise with international attention. 

MLS Soccer Teams

Every MLS soccer team plays a unique role in the league’s ecosystem. Austin FC, for example, quickly developed a reputation for passionate fans and intense home games. Nashville SC has made a name for itself with a rock-solid defence and disciplined play.

And yet, there’s always room for surprises.

Best MLS Players

Who are the best MLS players? The obvious answer might be Lionel Messi – his arrival has transformed Inter Miami and brought unprecedented attention to the league. But MLS has homegrown stars, too. Hany Mukhtar, the 2022 MVP, has consistently driven Nashville SC, delivering goals and creativity.

You also can’t ignore veterans like Carlos Vela, who continues to shine for LAFC or junior geniuses like Thiago Almada, proving that MLS isn’t just a league for dyed-in-the-wool big names but also a platform for emerging ones.

MLS Top Scorers

The MLS top scorers list is always worth watching. Christian Benteke led the pack with 23 goals, beating Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, who netted 20. Their race for the Golden Boot kept fans talking all season long. MLS often sees surprise scorers making a mark.

MLS Injury Report

The MLS injury report can change the course of a season. Teams live or die by the availability of their key players. For example, Lewis Morgan’s return from injury in 2024 helped the New York Red Bulls push for the playoffs.

On the flip side, losing a player like Carles Gil can wreck the finest teams, forcing them to rethink their strategy. Tracking injuries is about more than bad luck – it’s often the reason behind sudden dips or surprising recoveries.

MLS News and Predictions

MLS never stays quiet for long. Let’s explore the latest MLS news and make some predictions together for what’s coming next.

MLS News

The MLS news has been buzzing about Messi’s incredible impact at Inter Miami. His goals, assists, and global following transformed the team overnight. Meanwhile, St. Louis City SC, an expansion team, has been rewriting the rulebook with a dominant debut season.

The league is scared of injuries as well. Carles Gil’s absence from New England has been a blow, while Lewis Morgan’s return gave the New York Red Bulls a much-needed boost. Keeping up with these updates will help you make sense of sudden shifts in form.

MLS Predictions

Moving on to MLS predictions, can LAFC stay on top? Or will rising teams like Nashville, SC or Orlando City take their shot at glory? MLS is unpredictable, and that’s its charm. Lower seeds often shock higher ones, especially in the playoffs.

Momentum plays a significant role. Remember when NYCFC stormed through the 2021 playoffs to win it all? 

Major League Soccer Predictions

Major league soccer predictions rely on stats, team members’ appearances, and the squad’s dynamics. Home-field advantage, for example, is enormous. Teams like Atlanta United rarely lose in front of their fans. But road struggles often expose weaknesses, even for favorites.

Also, breakout players matter. Someone like Thiago Almada can carry a team through tight matches. Predicting MLS isn’t easy, but it’s always fun to try.

US Major League Soccer Predictions

For US major league soccer predictions, star power is key. Messi, Suárez, and Mukhtar— they all can change a game in a few moments. At the same time, watch for under-the-radar players who step up when it matters most. 

Additional Information

Now it’s time for behind-the-scenes details that make the league tick.

Major League Soccer Stats

Major league soccer stats reveal the deeper stories of the season. Who’s dominating possession? Who’s keeping the clean sheets? Christian Benteke’s 23 goals were incredible, but don’t overlook defensive leaders like Walker Zimmerman, whose tackles saved Nashville SC time and again.

Numbers don’t lie, and they often tell you what to watch for in looming games.

Major League Soccer Teams

The 29 major league soccer teams offer something for everyone. LA Galaxy’s rich history contrasts with the fresh energy of clubs like St. Louis City SC. Nashville SC’s defence-first strategy feels miles apart from Atlanta United’s attack-heavy style.

Each team has its story, which makes every matchup unique. Whether it’s a clash of styles or a rivalry like Seattle vs. Portland, the league keeps fans glued to the screens.

Major League Soccer Betting Odds

If you’re into significant league soccer betting odds, you already know MLS loves surprises. A bottom-ranked team can take out a playoff contender—it’s almost tradition now. St. Louis City SC, for example, stunned everyone in their debut season by topping the Western Conference. Who saw that coming? But don’t let odds fool you – MLS is known for late drama and, yes, penalty shootouts. Bet wisely with 22Bet.

Major League Soccer Sponsors

Different brands are visible every season. However, Adidas, a founding partner of the league, remains the longest-standing sponsor of MLS. Its deal is usually worth up to $800 million over the last years. Recently, the MLS partnership roster has added Tiktok, Asahi Super Dry, and Celsius. If you want to know all the names, visit mlssoccer.com; the list is available.

MLS All-Star Game

The MLS All-Star Game is part competition, part celebration. 

The game pits MLS’s top talent against international teams or Liga MX All-Stars. In 2021, the MLS All-Stars edged out Liga MX in a penalty shootout. You could hear fans cheer across the border.

MLS All-Star Game Highlights

The All-Star Game always delivers. From jaw-dropping goals to creative celebrations, it’s a treat. And if you’re a fan of trick shots and cheeky plays, follow 22Bets blog posts.