MLS games typically last around 2 hours, including stoppage time.
Ever wondered about the total time commitment when planning to catch a Major League Soccer match? The clock keeps ticking, and knowing how long are MLS games is key for planning your viewing schedule. You don’t want to be late, or miss important moments of the game.
It’s crucial to factor in potential delays, as added time for injuries and other stoppages can extend the game slightly. Understanding the standard duration helps fans make the most of their MLS game experience.
How Long Are MLS Games? A Deep Dive into Match Duration
Ever wondered exactly how long you’ll be sitting in the stands, cheering on your favorite Major League Soccer (MLS) team? Or maybe you’re trying to schedule your day around a match? Understanding the total time an MLS game takes, including any added time, is key. Let’s break down everything that contributes to the length of an MLS game, from the clock on the field to those nail-biting moments of stoppage time.
The Standard 90 Minutes: The Heart of the Game
At its core, an MLS game is 90 minutes long. This is the same as most professional soccer games around the world. Think of it like two 45-minute halves with a break in between. These halves are where most of the action unfolds – the goals, the saves, the amazing plays you’re there to see. But there’s more to a game’s duration than just those 90 minutes ticking down on the clock.
Halftime: The Short Break for Players and Fans
After the first 45 minutes, the whistle blows, and the players head to the locker room. This is the halftime break, and it’s usually 15 minutes long. It’s a chance for players to catch their breath, strategize, and maybe even have a quick snack. For fans, it’s a time to grab refreshments, use the restroom, or chat about the highlights from the first half. Remember, the halftime clock doesn’t count towards the 90 minutes of play time.
Stoppage Time: Adding Time for Lost Moments
What is Stoppage Time?
Stoppage time, often called added time or injury time, is the extra time added at the end of each half. This additional time exists to make up for any breaks in play that might occur during the 45 minutes of a half. These breaks could be for things like injuries, substitutions, or even just when the ball goes out of play for a long period.
How is Stoppage Time Calculated?
The referee is in charge of deciding how much time to add. They keep a mental note of how long the game was paused due to various stoppages. It’s not an exact science, and it can vary a lot from game to game. One half might have only a minute or two added, while another could see five, six, or even more minutes. This is a key factor in the overall length of an MLS game and is difficult to predict accurately. This unpredictability is also part of what makes soccer exciting because teams might score or equalize in these moments.
Common Reasons for Stoppage Time
There are many things that can cause the clock to be stopped during an MLS match, and the referee then adds that amount of time at the end of the half. Here are a few examples:
- Injuries: If a player gets hurt and needs medical attention on the field, that time is usually added to the end of the half.
- Substitutions: When a player is taken off and another comes on, the game stops briefly.
- Time Wasting: If a team is seen as wasting time, such as taking too long for a throw-in, the referee might add more time.
- VAR (Video Assistant Referee) Reviews: When the referee needs to watch a replay of a key moment, the time it takes for them to make a decision is added.
- Goals Celebrations: When players score a goal, they usually celebrate which takes some time, and the referee might add it in the stoppage time.
The Total Duration: More than Just 90 Minutes
So, putting it all together, an MLS game isn’t just 90 minutes. You also need to factor in the 15-minute halftime break and any added time. A typical game will usually last between 1 hour and 45 minutes and 2 hours including injury time. Sometimes if there are numerous stoppages or VAR delays, the total time can stretch to 2 hours and 10 or even 15 minutes.
Here’s a quick look at how the time breaks down:
| Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| First Half | 45 minutes |
| Halftime | 15 minutes |
| Second Half | 45 minutes |
| Average Stoppage Time (per half) | 2 – 6 minutes |
| Total Game Time (Approx) | 1 hour 45 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes |
MLS Playoffs and Extra Time
Most of the regular MLS season matches are ended after 90 minutes plus added time, with either a win for one team or a draw between both. But, when we enter the exciting playoffs, things can get a bit different. Here’s where we need to talk about “extra time”.
When does Extra Time happen in MLS?
Extra time comes into play during playoff matches if the score is tied after the regular 90 minutes plus stoppage time. If the score is tied at the end of regulation time, two 15-minute halves of extra time will be played. This is basically an extra 30 minutes to try and decide a winner.
Extra Time Format
Unlike some other sports, the extra time in MLS is a full 30 minutes. If the score is tied at the end of extra time, the game moves to penalties.
Penalty Shootouts: The Final Decider
If the score is still tied even after the extra time, the game goes to a penalty shootout. This involves players taking turns trying to score against the opposing goalkeeper. Each team gets a set number of attempts and the team with most goals win the game. If teams are tied after 5 penalty attempts each, the shootouts goes to sudden death, one penalty each until one team scores and the other doesn’t. It is very exciting but sometimes it can take a while to conclude a game.
Factors That Can Affect the Length of a Game
While the basic structure is always the same, several factors can cause an MLS game to go longer than usual. Some we already discussed in the stoppage time section, but let’s recap here and discuss more.
VAR Checks
VAR or Video Assistant Referee is a system which uses video technology to check referee’s decisions. If the referee is not sure about his decision, he can use the VAR system to watch a replay of the incident. Sometimes these reviews are quick, other times they can take a few minutes. The time it takes for the referee to take a decision is added in stoppage time. VAR ensures the game is fair, but it can also make it a bit longer.
Weather Delays
Sometimes, bad weather can stop a game. Lightning, heavy rain, or even excessive heat can mean the referee will temporarily pause the game. If there is a long weather delay, the game might be extended to make sure the full game is played. These weather delays can vary and make it hard to predict the exact ending time of the game.
Serious Injuries
If a player has a very serious injury, the game could be paused for quite a while. Paramedics might need to come onto the field, and this might take some significant time. This will contribute to the time at the end of half. Also, if an injured player is taken off the field using a stretcher, it can take some time, adding to stoppage time.
Multiple Substitutions
Every time a player is substituted, a little time is added by the referee to the game’s clock. If the game has many substitutions, especially in the second half, it will add to the overall time.
Planning Your Day Around an MLS Match
Knowing how long an MLS game will take can help you plan your day. A good rule of thumb is to assume that the game will be around two hours long, depending on the game and if you are attending a regular season match or playoff match. Here’s a handy guide for planning:
- Travel Time: Always make sure you have some time to get to and from the game, so you don’t miss kick-off or are late when returning home.
- Pre-Game Fun: Arrive early to enjoy the pre-game atmosphere at the stadium. Enjoy the tailgating experience, food and merchandise.
- Post-Game Hangout: If you plan to meet up with friends after the game, make sure to add at least half an hour extra so you don’t miss your meet-up because game ran longer.
While the regular matches generally last around 2 hours, remember that there is a possibility that a playoff game can stretch to almost 3 hours with extra time and penalties. Remember that some games might run longer than usual due to stoppage time, so it’s a good idea to have some flexibility in your schedule.
Understanding the structure of an MLS game allows you to fully enjoy the experience, from the first whistle to the last. While the 90 minutes on the field is the main part, there are several elements that might alter the total length of a match. So, next time you are planning to watch an MLS game live or at home, you’ll know what to expect.
A Beginner’s Guide to MLS
Final Thoughts
MLS games typically last around two hours, including stoppage time. The official match duration is 90 minutes, split into two 45-minute halves.
Halftime provides a break of approximately 15 minutes. Extra time can occur in playoff or tournament matches, changing the total time.
So, when asking, “how long are mls games,” expect about a two hour time commitment on average. There could also be slight variations based on referee stoppage.
