May 2023 Archive – Major League Soccer Overview
When talking about Major League Soccer, the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. Also known as MLS, it operates under the umbrella of several governing bodies. One of those is FIFA, the global authority for soccer, which connects to CONCACAF, the North, Central America and Caribbean confederation. Finally, the United States Soccer Federation, the national governing body for soccer in the U.S. oversees MLS day‑to‑day operations. This mix of entities creates a network where MLS follows global rules, fits regional competitions, and aligns with national standards.
That network means MLS games follow a standard 90‑minute format, split into two 45‑minute halves. A 15‑minute halftime break gives players time to regroup and coaches to adjust tactics. However, the clock isn’t static; stoppage or injury time is added to each half to compensate for pauses like substitutions or medical treatment. Occasionally, especially in knockout scenarios, extra time or penalty shootouts decide a winner if the match ends level after regulation.
How MLS Connects to the Bigger Soccer World
Understanding MLS’s place in the soccer ecosystem starts with FIFA. FIFA sets the Laws of the Game that every professional league, including MLS, must follow. Those laws define the match length, the use of stoppage time, and the procedures for extra time and shootouts. Beneath FIFA, CONCACAF manages regional tournaments such as the Champions League, where MLS clubs compete against teams from Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. This relationship ensures that MLS clubs have a clear pathway to international competition.
The United States Soccer Federation links MLS directly to the national team structure. When the U.S. men’s team selects players, many come from MLS clubs, meaning the league’s schedule and player development pathways are aligned with national priorities. The federation also handles coach licensing, which influences how MLS coaches train their squads and implement tactics.
These connections shape the experience for fans, too. A typical MLS match lasts about 105 minutes total when you count halftime and any added stoppage time. That timing mirrors most top leagues worldwide, keeping the product familiar for new viewers and seasoned supporters alike. For broadcasters, the predictable length helps schedule live coverage without surprises.
From a coaching perspective, knowing the exact breakdown of a match influences training drills. Coaches design halftime talks to fit within the 15‑minute window, focusing on quick tactical tweaks. They also rehearse set‑piece routines that can capitalize on extra time if a game goes beyond the standard 90 minutes.
Players benefit from the consistency, too. Knowing they’ll have roughly 90 minutes of play, plus a short break, allows them to manage stamina and nutrition more effectively. It also helps medical staff plan injury assessments, as stoppage time can be unpredictable but is always accounted for in the official match report.
For those curious about the numbers, MLS matches in the 2023 season averaged around 2.7 goals per game, with stoppage time adding an average of 3–4 minutes per half. That extra time often proves decisive, turning close contests into dramatic finishes.
When you combine the league’s structure, its FIFA affiliation, and the regional role of CONCACAF, a clear picture emerges: MLS operates as a modern professional league that respects global standards while serving local interests. This balance makes it an attractive destination for emerging talent and seasoned internationals alike.
Below, you’ll find the posts we published in May 2023 that dive deeper into these topics. Whether you want a quick rundown of how long a typical MLS match lasts or a look at how the league fits into FIFA’s worldwide system, the collection offers concise, actionable insights for fans, coaches, and anyone interested in the business side of soccer.
