MLS announced today substantial alterations of the playoff format for the upcoming 2019 season. Despite adding two teams to the playoff pool (14, up from 12 this season), MLS has drastically reduced the actual length of the playoff season to fit between the October and November international breaks next year.
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The significant tweak from the old format that make this possible is simply making every round single elimination with the higher seed hosting. The new format also only grants a bye to the top finisher in the regular season.