MLS Will Take a Break During 2010 World Cup

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In one of the smarter decision the league has made in its 14 seasons, Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday that it would take a break during the first phase of the 2010 World Cup and also would not schedule matches on the dates of the World Cup semifinals and final.

The league continued play throughout the France ‘98, Korea/Japan ’02 and Germany ’06 World Cup tournaments, much to displeasure of soccer fans, but Commissioner Don Garber said today that would not be the case for South Africa ’10.

‘The decision . . . is part of MLS’ commitment to deepen its connection with the millions of soccer fans in the U.S. and Canada,’ Garber said.

The final MLS game before the break will be played June 10, the day before the World Cup begins, and the league will not play at all during the 48-game group phase of the 32-team world championship. The group phase ends June 25.

The only reason that MLS would not shut down for the entire World Cup, which runs through July 11, was because of scheduling needs for the 2010 season, which will open March 25 and conclude with the championship match Nov. 21.

The addition of the Philadelphia Union to MLS in 2010 allows the 16-team league to play a balanced schedule, which each team playing the other 15 once at home and once away during a 30-game regular season.

The moves bring MLS closer in line with leagues around the world and can only be viewed as a positive step by fans.

-- Grahame L. Jones