MASL ANNOUNCES 2021 PLAYOFF FORMAT

by Pete Richmire

Carlsbad, CA. (March 8, 2021) – As the 2021 MASL regular season reaches the final two weeks of play, the League has announced the finalization of the playoff format by Commissioner Joshua Schaub. As determined prior to the season beginning, due to teams playing an unbalanced number of games, playoff seeding will be determined by winning percentage first, followed by head-to-head record and goal differential, if needed. All playoff game times are to be determined.

The regular-season champion will receive a first-round bye. The number two seed will select their first-round opponent and the number three seed will select next with the remaining teams facing each other.

The first round will consist of a home-and-home series, based on arena and date availability for teams. If the series is even after two games, a third mini game will be played following the second game of the series. The three first round winners will join the regular-season champion in Kansas City, where the Semi-Final round will be held.

In the Semi-Finals, the number one seed will again select their opponent and play Game 1 on Thursday, April 1 with the two remaining teams playing the same day. Both series will play Game 2 on Saturday, April 3 with a mini game played if needed to break a series tie.

The MASL Ron Newman Cup Finals will take place in two possible locations during the weekend following the Semi-Finals and will be best of two game with a third, mini game following Game 2 if necessary. Should two west coast teams make the Finals, any combination of Ontario, San Diego and Tacoma, the Finals will take place at Toyota Arena in Ontario, CA. If any team other than two west coast teams reach the Finals, they will be held at the Family Arena in St. Charles, MO.

Every round and game of the playoff format is subject to change due to COVID complications or where the Commissioner finds any changes necessary in the best interest of the League.

ABOUT THE MAJOR ARENA SOCCER LEAGUE

The Major Arena Soccer League represents the highest level of professional arena soccer in the world. The MASL features teams across North America, with teams playing coast-to-coast in the United States and Mexico. The MASL is currently incorporated as a 501(c)6 not for profit corporation formed to promote the business and sport of arena soccer.