A standard MLS soccer game lasts 90 minutes, with two 45-minute halves, plus added stoppage time for injuries and other delays.
Ever wondered how long is a MLS soccer game? It’s a common question for both new fans and those just wanting a quick reminder. Understanding game duration helps plan your viewing experience.
MLS matches follow a set time structure. You get the usual 90 minutes of play, separated into two equal halves. Added time at the end of each half is a variable factor, it can change match to match.
How Long Is a MLS Soccer Game? A Deep Dive
Okay, soccer fans! You’re ready to watch a Major League Soccer (MLS) game, but you might be wondering: “Just how much time am I committing to this?” It’s a fair question! Let’s break down exactly how long a typical MLS game lasts, what can make it longer, and everything else you need to know about the clock in professional soccer.
The Standard 90 Minutes
The core of any MLS game, and indeed most professional soccer games around the world, is the 90-minute match. This 90 minutes is divided into two halves, each lasting 45 minutes. There’s also a break in the middle called halftime. Think of it like two smaller games packed into one big one!
Two Halves of 45 Minutes
Each half is played continuously. The clock doesn’t stop unless the referee pauses the game for things like a foul, a player getting hurt, or the ball going out of bounds. Even then, the clock keeps going, and the time is added on at the end. We’ll talk more about that “added time” a little later.
Halftime Break
Between the two 45-minute halves, there is a break, often called “halftime”. This halftime break is usually 15 minutes long. It gives the players a chance to rest, drink some water, and listen to what their coaches have to say. It also allows fans time to stretch their legs, grab a snack, or use the restroom. It’s a good time for everyone to recharge!
Beyond the Basic 90: Understanding Added Time
The 90 minutes is not always the full picture of an MLS match. There’s also something called “added time,” sometimes also called “stoppage time” or “injury time.” This is an important part of the game because it makes up for time that was lost during the 90-minute halves.
Why is Added Time Necessary?
During the 90 minutes, the game can be interrupted for several reasons. Here are some common situations:
- Injuries: If a player gets hurt, the referee will stop the clock while the player receives medical attention.
- Substitutions: When a player is taken off the field and another player comes on, that process also takes time.
- Fouls and Misconduct: Sometimes the referee has to stop the game to address fouls or give out yellow or red cards.
- Time-Wasting: If a team is trying to run down the clock, the referee might add extra time as a penalty.
- VAR Checks: When the video assistant referee (VAR) reviews a play, this also causes a delay and results in added time.
How Much Added Time is Added?
The referee decides how much extra time should be added at the end of each half. There’s no exact formula, but the referee keeps track of all the little pauses in the game and decides how much time should be tacked on. It could be just one or two minutes, or it could be as much as five or even more, depending on what happened during the game.
Where Does Added Time Show?
The amount of added time is usually displayed on the scoreboard. The referee or the fourth official will also hold up a board indicating the amount of time to be added.
Added Time in Both Halves
It’s essential to remember that added time happens at the end of both halves. So, there might be a little added time at the end of the first 45 minutes, and then more added time at the end of the second 45 minutes.
Game Over: The Final Whistle
After the regular 90 minutes, plus any added time, the referee blows the final whistle. This signals the end of the match. There’s no countdown timer like in basketball or a hard stop like in American football. The game ends when the referee says so. The final whistle marks the end of the regular playing time, the result, and whether a winner or draw was determined.
What Can Make an MLS Game Longer?
While the target is roughly 2 hours when taking into account the two 45 minute halves and the 15 minute halftime. Some games might take longer than that. Let’s look at some scenarios which may increase the overall game time:
Extra Time
Sometimes, in certain competitions like the MLS playoffs, if a game is tied after 90 minutes plus added time, there may be a need for extra time. Extra time usually consists of two 15-minute halves with a short break in the middle. It is often used in the knockout stages of tournaments.
Penalty Shootouts
If the score is still tied after extra time, the game can go to a penalty shootout. In a penalty shootout, each team takes turns shooting a penalty kick and the winner is decided based on which team scores the most number of goals from the penalty spot. A penalty shootout can add extra time to a match. It also adds drama and suspense. This happens in tournaments.
VAR (Video Assistant Referee) Delays
MLS uses VAR to review specific plays, which can sometimes cause delays in the game. When VAR is used, the referee reviews footage on a screen, and this review process can sometimes take a few minutes, particularly if the decision is a difficult one. Although it helps make the game fairer, it can also add time to the game.
Serious Injuries
In the unfortunate event of a serious injury, the referee will stop play, and medical personnel might come onto the field. This kind of delay can sometimes be lengthy as the medical staff tend to the player and, depending on the severity, can add a significant amount of added time to a game. The priority, of course, is the player’s well-being, but this can make the game longer.
Extreme Weather
In the event of extreme weather, like lightning, heavy rain, or snow, there can be a temporary delay. The game is paused until conditions improve. This can add extra time depending on how long the delay is, or games might even be postponed to a later time depending on the situation.
Unusual Circumstances
Very rarely, there might be other unusual events during a game that could make it longer. For instance, equipment failure, technical issues, or unexpected incidents can cause stoppages and will also affect the overall match duration.
Estimating Total Time
So, when you are planning to watch a MLS match, how can you estimate the total time commitment? Let’s put it all together. Here’s a good rule of thumb:
- Standard Game Time: 90 minutes (two 45-minute halves)
- Halftime: 15 minutes
- Average Added Time: Usually 3-7 minutes per half (so 6-14 minutes total)
This means most MLS games run about 1 hour and 51 minutes to 2 hours 19 minutes. However, there could be occasions like those discussed previously, such as a game going to extra time or a penalty shootout that could extend that time. But for a regular match, the 2 hour estimate is pretty accurate.
Planning Your Game-Watching
When you’re making plans to watch an MLS game, it’s a good idea to plan for about 2 and a half hours, that extra buffer will ensure that you have enough time to watch the match and won’t get caught up in case a match goes longer due to added time or any delays.
Quick Recap: How Long Is a MLS Game?
Let’s summarize all that information so it’s easy to remember. A regular MLS soccer game:
- Has two halves, each lasting 45 minutes.
- Includes a 15-minute halftime break between halves.
- Has added time at the end of each half to make up for stoppages.
- Usually lasts around 2 hours, but can be a little longer with added time.
- Could potentially go to extra time and even a penalty shootout in some competitions.
Understanding how long an MLS game can take ensures you can settle in, enjoy the action, and cheer on your favorite team!
Now you know how long an MLS soccer game is and what factors can affect its duration. This should help you plan accordingly. So, grab your jersey, get your snacks, and enjoy the game!
A Beginner’s Guide to MLS
Final Thoughts
A standard MLS soccer game lasts 90 minutes. Referees add extra time for stoppages such as injuries or substitutions. This additional time is often called stoppage time.
Therefore, fans should plan for approximately two hours to watch a full match. Knowing how long is a mls soccer game helps you schedule your viewing accordingly. Game length is fairly consistent in MLS.
