N※N

What happens if MLS playoff game is tied after regulation? Overtime, penalty kick rules

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/10 .. fter-regulation-overtime-penalty-kick-rules.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 16:09 GMT by USA Today
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-22 299 x 168 / 13922 Bytes

2025-10-22 275 x 183 / 14132 Bytes

2025-10-22 299 x 168 / 11775 Bytes

2025-10-22 299 x 168 / 9227 Bytes

2025-10-22 300 x 168 / 6820 Bytes

MLS Playoffs: Overtime and Penalty Kick Rules Explained

The 2025 MLS playoffs have introduced a clearer framework for how tied games will be decided, a change that has sparked excitement among fans and coaches alike. The new format centers on a 30‑minute overtime period followed by a standard penalty shootout, eliminating the old “golden goal” rule and aligning the league more closely with FIFA’s Laws of the Game.

Regulation Time and the Shift from Golden Goal

Every playoff match begins with the regular 90‑minute match day. If the score is level after regulation, the game moves directly into overtime. Unlike the old system—where a single “golden goal” could end the match as soon as a team scored—the new approach gives both sides a full 30 minutes of play. This period is split into two 15‑minute halves, allowing teams to adjust tactics, recover from injuries, and manage fatigue without the sudden‑death pressure that previously loomed after the 60th minute of the 2009‑2011 era.

This change was formalized during the MLS Board of Directors meeting in March 2025, following discussions with the Major League Soccer Players Union and several club executives. Commissioner Don Garber emphasized that the goal is to “preserve the competitive integrity of the game while minimizing player wear and tear.”

Overtime Structure

The 30‑minute overtime is divided into two halves:

1. First Half – 15 minutes of regular play. Substitutions are allowed as in regulation, but the “substitution limit” is reduced from five to three to keep the match pace steady.
2. Second Half – another 15 minutes. If the score remains tied, the match proceeds to a penalty shootout.

Importantly, no “golden goal” or “silver goal” applies; a goal scored in overtime does not instantly end the game. This approach mirrors the standard format used in most international competitions and ensures a fair chance for both teams to recover from a defensive lapse or an early surge.

The Penalty Shootout: Standard FIFA Format

When a game remains tied after the 30‑minute overtime, MLS adopts the traditional FIFA penalty shootout:

• Each team selects five players to take kicks from the penalty mark (12 yards from the goal).
• The order of kicks is determined by a coin toss.
• If the score is still tied after the initial five kicks, the shootout proceeds to sudden‑death rounds, with each team taking one kick per round until one team scores and the other misses.

MLS rules stipulate that the goalkeeper must be positioned on the goal line, and the penalty taker may not move until the ball is kicked. The shootout follows the same timing and procedural guidelines as outlined in the International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game.

The official MLS Competition Rules (Section X.3) confirm that this format applies exclusively to playoff matches. During the regular season, any match that ends in a tie uses a different “MLS Shootout” procedure, where a single player starts the play inside the penalty area and can shoot from anywhere within the area. That regular‑season shootout is no longer used in the playoffs.

Impact on Teams and Tactics

The removal of the golden goal rule changes how teams plan for overtime. Coaches can afford to be more conservative in the first half of overtime, knowing that a single goal won’t immediately swing the game. Conversely, a team that has fallen behind may take a more aggressive stance in the second half, as they now have a full 15 minutes to level the score before the shootout.

Substitution limits also influence late‑game strategy. By restricting teams to three additional substitutions in overtime, MLS aims to keep the action fluid while also preventing a flood of changes that could dilute the intensity of the extended period.

MLS’s Position on Player Welfare

One of the primary rationales for these changes is player safety. The golden goal rule, which was used sporadically in MLS playoffs from 2006 to 2008, often led to abrupt, high‑intensity clashes as teams rushed for a decisive goal. The 30‑minute overtime provides a more measured environment for players to manage fatigue, reduce the risk of injury, and maintain focus during the crucial post‑regulation phase.

The league’s medical staff, in consultation with the MLS Players Union, noted that the new format has the potential to decrease concussion incidents and other match‑related injuries by encouraging a more deliberate pace of play.

Looking Ahead

The 2025 MLS playoffs, which began on October 22, are the first to implement these new overtime and penalty‑kick rules. Fans will soon see whether the format delivers the desired balance between excitement and fairness. As the season progresses, analysts will compare results from the new format against the golden‑goal era, evaluating metrics such as shootout frequency, injury rates, and match quality.

For those interested in the technicalities of the new rules, the official MLS Competition Rules document—available on the league’s website—provides a comprehensive overview. The rules mirror those of FIFA, ensuring consistency across domestic and international competitions. The introduction of a clear, structured overtime followed by a standard penalty shootout represents a significant step forward for MLS, aligning the league’s playoff experience with global best practices while enhancing the overall spectator experience.