How long does an average Major League Soccer game last?

May, 9 2023

Introduction to Major League Soccer

As a soccer enthusiast, I've always been curious about the length of an average Major League Soccer (MLS) game. Soccer is an exciting sport that has gained immense popularity in the United States over the past few years, and MLS has played a significant role in that. In this article, we will explore the average duration of an MLS game, as well as various factors that can influence the game's length. So, let's dive in and learn about the beautiful game of soccer!

Understanding the Basics of a Soccer Game

Before we delve into the specifics of an MLS game, it's essential to understand the basics of a soccer game. A standard soccer match consists of two halves, each lasting 45 minutes, with a 15-minute halftime break. This means that the actual playing time during a game is 90 minutes. However, there are several other factors that can influence the total duration of a match, including stoppage time, extra time, and penalty shootouts. Let's take a closer look at these factors.

Stoppage Time: Added Minutes to Make Up for Lost Time

Stoppage time, also known as injury time or added time, refers to the additional minutes added to each half of a soccer game to compensate for time lost due to stoppages in play. These stoppages can occur for various reasons, such as injuries, substitutions, or disciplinary actions. In general, stoppage time ranges from 3 to 6 minutes per match, but it can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the game. It is essential to consider stoppage time when calculating the average length of an MLS game.

Extra Time: When a Winner Must Be Decided

Extra time is only applicable in certain situations, such as knockout-stage matches in tournaments or playoff games, where a winner must be determined. If a game is tied at the end of regular time (90 minutes plus stoppage time), two 15-minute halves of extra time are played to determine the winner. This adds another 30 minutes of playing time to the match, making it a crucial factor to consider when discussing the average length of an MLS game.

Penalty Shootouts: The Ultimate Tiebreaker

If a game is still tied after extra time, a penalty shootout is used to decide the winner. A penalty shootout consists of each team taking turns to shoot five penalty kicks. If the score remains tied after each team has taken their five kicks, the shootout continues with sudden-death rounds until a winner is determined. Penalty shootouts can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of rounds and the time taken by players to set up their kicks.

Average Length of an MLS Game: Regular Season

Now that we understand the various factors that can influence the length of a soccer game let's focus on the average duration of an MLS game during the regular season. As mentioned earlier, a standard soccer game consists of 90 minutes of playing time, plus stoppage time. Considering that stoppage time usually ranges from 3 to 6 minutes per match, the average length of an MLS game during the regular season is approximately 95 to 100 minutes. However, this does not take into account the halftime break, which lasts for 15 minutes. Therefore, the total time spent at an MLS game during the regular season, including the halftime break, can range from 110 to 115 minutes.

Average Length of an MLS Game: Playoffs and Cup Matches

When it comes to playoff games and cup matches, the average length of an MLS game can be significantly longer due to the possibility of extra time and penalty shootouts. As we discussed earlier, extra time adds another 30 minutes of playing time to the match, while penalty shootouts can last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. This means that the total duration of an MLS game in the playoffs or cup matches can range from 120 to 160 minutes, including the halftime break.

Factors That Can Influence the Length of an MLS Game

While we have discussed the average length of an MLS game, it's essential to note that several factors can influence the duration of a match. These factors include the number of stoppages in play, the number of substitutions made by each team, the amount of time taken for injuries or disciplinary actions, and the need for extra time or penalty shootouts. Additionally, external factors, such as weather conditions or technical difficulties, can also impact the length of an MLS game.

Conclusion: Enjoy the Beautiful Game

In conclusion, the average length of an MLS game can vary depending on various factors, such as stoppage time, extra time, and penalty shootouts. For regular-season games, the average length is approximately 95 to 100 minutes of playing time, or 110 to 115 minutes, including the halftime break. For playoff games and cup matches, the total duration can range from 120 to 160 minutes, taking into account extra time and penalty shootouts. Ultimately, as a soccer fan, the most crucial thing is to enjoy the beautiful game, regardless of how long it lasts!