For the first time in its history, MLS will not play league games during the two-week group phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The group phase, which includes 48 of the tournament's 64 games, begins on June 11 and runs until June 25. MLS also doesn't plan to schedule any games on the days of the World Cup semifinal and final.

"The decision to stop league play during the group phase of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is part of MLS's commitment to deepen its connection with the millions of soccer fans in the United States and Canada," said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. "The World Cup will be a focal point for all MLS fans and several MLS players will compete with their national teams at the tournament."

The 2010 MLS Regular Season will again see each team play a 30-game regular season, followed by playoffs among eight qualifying teams. The 2010 season will begin March 25 and conclude Oct. 24. The MLS Cup Playoffs will culminate in the championship match, MLS Cup 2010, on November 21. The Philadelphia Union will play its inaugural season as the 16 th team in the league. This addition will allow for two eight team conferences and a balanced schedule in which clubs face each of the other 15 teams twice, once at home, once away.

 

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