The MLS Cup Banks On Gimmicky Post Seasons To Be Unique

alt="mlscup_dynamo.jpg" src="http://machochip.com/mlscup_dynamo-thumb.jpg" width="265" height="151" />
As first round in the MLS playoffs continues, we’re still getting used to the new seeding system. This is the fourth arrangement in the MLS’ 12-year history. Talk about a lack of commitment.
If they want to be taken seriously around the world, why don’t they just ditch the tournament style format and crown a champ by points like everyone else? Oh, because it’d be Un-American. According to the New York Times:

The league asserts that American fans love playoffs, love upsets and do not want to be too much like the rest of the world.

Come on, we love a world record-breaking run or exciting Breeder’s Cup finish just as much as the first round of the NBA playoffs. The situation even has one of the league’s stars flustered:

Juan Pablo Angel said he simply could not understand a system that did not, somehow, reward a club for finishing a 30-game regular season at the top of the table. The notion that the best team over six months or so could be eliminated from the competition early in the postseason is simply alien to the Colombian.

Well, that’s because Mr. Angel has never had his face stuffed with nachos while watching the NCAA tournament. Forced excitement—can you feel it?
Which M.L.S. Playoff Format Is Best? [NY Times]
Image [USA Today]