MLS Schedule Change Sets Stage for Exciting Playoff Battles

MLS schedule change headlines a transformative period for the league, as Apple TV’s Taylor Twellman breaks down the impact of the new Fall-Spring format, playoff surprises, LAFC’s rise with Son Heung-Min, and Inter Miami’s evolving strategy with Luis Suárez.

MLS Schedule Change: A Game Changer for the League

The long-awaited switch from a spring-fall to a fall-spring calendar marks a significant milestone in Major League Soccer’s evolution. After years of speculation and two seasons of pilot testing, the league has adopted a schedule in line with major European leagues, earning praise from prominent voices such as Taylor Twellman. Speaking with GOAL, Twellman emphasized the move’s business sense and its potential to build sustained momentum. “Taking a winter break like in Germany makes perfect sense. This is a huge momentum builder for the league,” he stated, highlighting the schedule’s alignment with international transfer windows and the benefits for MLS’s credibility on the global stage.

Playoff Drama Intensifies With New Format

With the current playoff campaign on hiatus due to the international window, anticipation is building for its return. Inter Miami remains the center of attention after a tense three-game series against Nashville. Twellman noted that Miami’s ability to advance without Luis Suárez in the lineup gives manager Javier Mascherano a real selection dilemma ahead of the semifinals. “Miami showed a different dynamic without Suárez—more mobility, more athleticism. It’s a legitimate question whether he should start moving forward,” Twellman observed.

The Luis Suárez Conundrum at Inter Miami

The absence of Suárez, paired with Sergio Busquets in the heart of the team, shifted Miami’s balance. While both are legends in their positions, Twellman pointed out the limitations in mobility that can result from relying on veterans. “You gain athleticism without them, but you lose that invaluable experience,” he explained. With a fit squad and young talents like Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia stepping up, Mascherano faces a tough call against FC Cincinnati.

Son Heung-Min Drives LAFC Forward

While Inter Miami wrestles with tactical questions, LAFC continues to impress. Son Heung-Min has made an immediate impact since his arrival, providing a dynamic threat alongside Denis Bouanga. LAFC swept aside Austin FC with ease and now prepares for a familiar test against Vancouver. Twellman credited LAFC’s ability to adapt and strike on the counter, especially with Son and Bouanga in attack: “They have two of the league’s most dangerous counter-attacking players. That gives them a real edge, especially against teams like Vancouver who like to play on the front foot.”

Emerging Contenders: Cincinnati, Minnesota, and NYCFC

Beyond the headline teams, this year’s playoffs have seen strong performances from FC Cincinnati and Minnesota United. Twellman remains firm on his belief that the Eastern Conference title runs through the state of Ohio, tipping the Miami-Cincinnati clash as decisive. “The winner there is my favorite to take the East,” he said. In the West, Minnesota’s gritty defensive style and success on the road make them a threat, particularly against possession-heavy teams like San Diego.

NYCFC has also emerged as a surprise package thanks to the influence of Nico Fernandez, who Twellman rates as one of the best signings in MLS this year. Despite injuries and suspensions, NYCFC has found new ways to compete at the top.

MLS Schedule Change: Building Legitimacy and Global Appeal

Twellman reinforced how the MLS schedule change is not just about logistics but about the global perception of the league. Aligning with international calendars means fewer star absences during important matches and a more competitive stance in the transfer market. “It’s a matter of legitimacy and credibility,” he concluded, arguing that the move places MLS in a better position to attract global talent and investment—vital as the 2026 World Cup approaches.

Opinion: A Bold Step Toward Global Relevance

The MLS schedule change is a necessary evolution that signals the league’s readiness for the world stage. By syncing with the global football calendar, MLS not only increases its business leverage but also ensures fans get the best possible spectacle. The playoffs, with their upsets and emerging stars, are evidence that the league is entering a new, more competitive era. For more on these developments and ongoing MLS coverage, visit for more news.