How Long Does A Mls Game Last?

An MLS game typically lasts for 90 minutes, plus any added stoppage time for injuries or other delays.

Ever wondered about the clock when watching a Major League Soccer match? Many new fans ask, ‘how long does a mls game last’? The game clock definitely impacts the flow and strategy of the sport.

Understanding the duration helps fans plan their viewing experience. You’ll quickly realize each second counts toward the final score. So, you will be captivated from start to finish.

How Long Does an MLS Game Last?

Okay, soccer fans! You’re excited for the big Major League Soccer (MLS) match, maybe your favorite team is playing, and you want to be sure you don’t miss a single amazing goal. But you might be wondering, “Exactly how much time am I going to be sitting here?” It’s a fair question! So, let’s break down the actual time it takes for an MLS game, plus all the little bits that add up to the total time you spend watching.

The Core: 90 Minutes of Play

The main part of an MLS game is 90 minutes long. This is split into two equal halves of 45 minutes each. So you get 45 minutes of action, a break, and then another 45 minutes. Seems simple enough, right? Well, it’s almost that easy. Just like in school, there’s usually a break in the middle!

Halftime: The Short Break

Between the two 45-minute periods, there’s a halftime break. This break is usually 15 minutes long. During this time, the players rest, coaches give pep talks, and the fans can grab snacks or visit the restroom. It’s a good time to stretch your legs, too, if you are watching at the stadium!

Added Time: Injury and Stoppages

Okay, here’s where it gets a little less predictable. During the game, the clock keeps ticking, but sometimes play stops. This could be because of:

• Injuries: If a player gets hurt, the referee stops the game so the player can get help.
• Substitutions: When players are taken off the field and new players come on, it takes a little time.
• Time-Wasting: Sometimes a team might try to waste time, such as by taking a long time to restart the game.
• Other Stoppages: Occasionally, the game can be stopped because of problems with the referee’s equipment or some other unusual situation.

All this “lost” time is counted by the referee and then added at the end of each 45-minute half. This is called “added time,” or sometimes “stoppage time.” It’s really important to know that added time isn’t an exact science, so it varies quite a bit. One half may have just a minute or two, while another could have five or six, or even more in rare cases. The referee makes the call.

Why It’s Important

Added time is important because it often causes exciting moments. Sometimes the most exciting goals happen right at the end of the game, during added time, which is why it is a good time to be present and focus on the game.

The Full Game Duration: More Than 90 Minutes

So, let’s put it all together. An MLS game has:

• 90 minutes of playing time (two 45-minute halves).
• 15 minutes for halftime.
• Added time in each half.

What does this all mean in total time? Typically, a regular MLS game will take around 1 hour and 50 minutes to 2 hours to finish. Sometimes it might be a bit less, and sometimes it might go a bit over 2 hours, especially with lots of added time. Don’t be surprised if a game seems to last a little longer, this is why that happens. There is not a fixed schedule, it is always subject to changes due to stoppages and added time. Here is a breakdown of typical game length:

What About Extra Time and Penalty Shootouts?

Now, we have discussed regular-season games. But what about playoffs or other competitions? In some special cases, like knockout games (games where the loser is eliminated), you might have something called “extra time.” If the game is tied at the end of regulation, you would play a further 30 minutes, divided into two 15-minute halves. This is a way to get a winner in the game, because there must be a team to go to the next round.

And if the score is still tied after extra time? Then we go to the drama of a penalty shootout! Each team gets a chance to take penalty kicks at the goal, until a winner is decided. This adds more time to the game as well.

Extra Time and Penalty Shootout Specifics

If a match goes to extra time it will add another 30 minutes of game time, divided into two 15-minute halves, plus any added time that might occur during the two halves. Should a penalty shootout occur, that will also add time to the length of the game. The penalty shootout itself can range in time depending on how many penalties have to be taken before a team is declared the winner, so it can range from just a few minutes up to ten minutes or more if the shootout goes into sudden death. Overall, it can drastically change the amount of time you might spend watching a game, and it is an exciting development that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Factors That Can Influence Game Duration

There are also some specific factors that can affect how long a game goes. Knowing these factors can help you better understand why some games might run longer than others:

High Number of Goals

Surprisingly, more goals can lead to slightly longer games. Every time a goal is scored, there is a short delay as the players celebrate, the ball is retrieved, and the game is restarted. These short delays all add up over the course of a match, so if there are a lot of goals, that could add a minute or two to the total game length.

Multiple Substitutions

The more substitutions a team makes, the longer the game might run. Each substitution adds a bit of extra time to the game because play is stopped while players enter and exit the field.

Serious Injuries

Severe injuries can stop the game for much longer periods than minor ones. If a player needs significant medical attention, the game may have to stop for a much longer time. This delay will be reflected in extra added time at the end of the half. The same can occur if there is an interruption for other reasons on the field that need to be addressed by stadium staff.

VAR (Video Assistant Referee)

VAR is a technology that helps referees review decisions on the field by checking slow-motion videos of the match. This process is used when there are questionable calls or when there might be penalties, or offsides that were missed by the referee. This process does add a few minutes to the game, since each time it occurs the game is paused. The time used to review footage is added on at the end of the half.

Being Prepared for the Full Experience

Understanding these different aspects of a soccer match will help you plan your viewing experience. While a game is supposed to last for 90 minutes plus a 15-minute halftime, the added time and potential for extra time or penalty shootouts means a game can take a bit longer overall. Be sure to have your favorite snacks, drinks, and any bathroom breaks sorted out so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the whole game!

So next time someone asks “How long does a MLS game last?” you can confidently explain the full picture with them, and they’ll know that there is no set in stone time and that each match can differ due to these factors. Enjoy the next game, and cheer on your favorite team!

Knowing the typical duration of a soccer match, along with the factors that might cause some games to be a bit longer, will help you to be better prepared for the full viewing experience, and will help you enjoy every exciting moment.

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Final Thoughts

MLS games typically last 90 minutes, divided into two 45-minute halves. There is also a halftime break, usually around 15 minutes. Added time for stoppages is tacked on at the end of each half.

Ultimately, figuring out how long does a mls game last requires factoring in potential extra time. This includes any injury delays and substitutions. You should expect the total game time to be roughly two hours.