New Users Get $10 Off
The Duration of MLS Matches: An Average Game Time Breakdown

The Duration of MLS Matches: An Average Game Time Breakdown

July 7, 2023 by

Shop Soccer Tickets

Ready to hit the turf running? 

In the United States, it’s generally agreed there are four main professional sports leagues: the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB. Well, we’re here to tell you that a fifth player has decided to lace up their cleats: Major League Soccer (MLS). 

The MLS is experiencing a significant boom, unlike any other professional American sports league in the last few decades. 

Tickets are flying off the shelves left and right, and now is the time to get in on the action. Considering the MLS is relatively new to the sports scene in the United States, you might need to learn the full extent of the rules and how they can differ from European leagues. 

It’s no secret that different sports leagues have different rules, and the length of matches is especially important, considering getting out to any game requires a plan. 

It’s hard to plan if you don’t know how long you’ll be gone, so without further delay, here’s how long MLS matches go and some other important information. 

How Long Are MLS Matches?

An average MLS match will last an average of two hours, with some matches going slightly under and others going a few minutes over. 

MLS matches (and most soccer matches) are formatted as follows: 

  • Every game has two halves that last 45 minutes each. 
  • Between each 45-minute half, 15-minute halftime takes place for players to rest, for people to get up and get food or drinks, and for the analysts/commentators to break down the game up to that point. 
  • At the end of the second 45-minute half, more time is added based on the stoppages that occurred during regular time. We’ll have more details on this in the next section. 

These factors add up to an average match time of two hours. Again, this is an average, as games can last under two hours or slightly over by 10 to 20 minutes. 

Let’s dive a little further into other rules and regulations that contribute to the length of an MLS match. 

Stoppage Time

Stoppage time is a universal rule in soccer, and the MLS is no exception. 

Soccer is a rarity in the sporting world because of this unique rule; this is the only sport where the regular match length can be extended. 

This is why we keep reiterating an average time of two hours. Stoppage time can be short and sweet and keep the total length under two hours, or it can be a lot longer and extend the match well over its average length. 

What goes into deciding extra time? There are plenty of factors, but the main reason is that soccer has a running clock, and it’s exceptionally rare for it to stop for any reason. 

That means injuries, substitutions, the number of goals, yellow and red cards, goal or play reviews, excessive celebration, and any other reason why the match would stop contributes to stoppage time. 

When play is halted, the clock continues ticking. Referees keep track of the stoppages to accurately indicate how much time was lost due to varying factors. 

At the end of the second 45-minute half, the referees will confer with one another, and one will hold up an electronic clock that signals how much extra time has been awarded to the two teams. 

Typically, stoppage time won’t be any longer than five to 10 minutes at most, but we’ve certainly seen exceptions, such as a match between the New York Redbulls and San Jose Earthquakes that had a shocking 21 minutes of added time. 

Plan your time accordingly.

How Long Is Each Half? 

As previously mentioned, the basic format of MLS matches consists of a first and second half that last roughly 45 minutes each.

Is There Overtime? 

Every sport’s fans’ favorite words are “overtime.” 

Unfortunately, you’re not getting that in MLS. Rules state that if a match is tied after regulation, two 15-minute halves of extra time will be played. The match ends in a draw if the score remains tied after the second half. 

In the playoffs, teams obviously can’t draw. Therefore, if the score remains the same after the second 15-minute half, teams engage in a penalty kick competition, with both teams getting five chances to strike. 

So, while there isn’t a “golden goal” or sudden death period, anxious and exciting moments are certainly never lacking in MLS matches. 

What and Where Are All the MLS Teams? 

The MLS was born in 1996 following the popularity of the 1994 World Cup held in Los Angeles. 

A small 10-team format was introduced that has slowly grown into 29 teams and one of the most popular soccer leagues in the world. No worries if you aren’t in an area that houses an MLS team -—you have 29 options that are spaced out across the United States. 

Below is a breakdown of every MLS team and their home stadium. Each stadium will link to a seating chart to help you plan your visit. 

Eastern Conference

Western Conference 

A New Way To Buy Tickets

Now you know two essential pieces of information: how long you will be at the stadium and where the stadium is. 

All that’s next is to plan your perfect day to get outside and watch some terrific athletes compete at the highest level on the field. 

For all your MLS ticket needs, you can find them right here with us at TickPick. You’re not getting cheap nosebleeds and knockoff seats with us; you’re getting the real deal with the lowest prices for the best seats in the house. 

Don’t believe us? Check out our BestPrice Guarantee and get back to us. 

Now is the best time to catch some MLS action, and we hope we can help you plan your perfect experience!

MLS
Speed Kings: Who Are the Fastest Soccer Players
The Highest Scoring NFL Game, Plus 4 Runner-Ups

Related Articles

Recent Posts