Each of the 30 MLS clubs will play 34 matches in the MLS Regular Season, 17 at home and 17 away.

Clubs will play conference opponents twice (28 games), once at home and once away. Each club will play six (6) different cross-conference opponents. At the end of the MLS Regular Season, the top seven teams from each conference will automatically qualify to the Round One Best-of-3 Series while the next two teams in each conference standings will qualify for a single-elimination Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card match. The winners of each Wild Card game will earn a spot in the Round One Best-of-3 Series.

GAME DAY ROSTERS: Each team can select a maximum of 20 players (11 starters and nine substitutes) for its official match roster. Teams are allowed a maximum of five Normal Substitutions per game to be used over the course of three opportunities, excluding half-time and match suspensions (e.g., weather), but including cooling and/or drink breaks.

CONCUSSION SUBSTITUTION:
Clubs can make one permanent concussion substitution during a match to replace players with concussions or suspected head injury, regardless of the number of normal substitutions already used. If a team elects to use a concussion substitution, its opponent will receive an additional substitution and opportunity.

Both the home team and visiting team will be allowed a maximum of 19 individuals on their respective club benches (nine named substitute players, nine staff members, one club physician).

Two Certified Athletic Trainers (ATCs) must be on the bench and named to the nine-person staff on the official match roster.

If the visiting team has no Official Team Physician on the bench, a maximum of 18 total individuals (nine staff and nine named substitute players) will be allowed on the bench.

The home team is required to have its Team Physician attend each MLS match and be seated on the home team bench.

All individuals seated in the bench area must be listed on the Official Match Roster

Suspended players and/or coaches cannot be in the bench area, locker room or on field level from 90 minutes prior to kick-off until the match officials have returned to their locker room at the conclusion of the match.

Non-rostered players cannot be in the bench area, locker room, or on field level from kick-off until the match officials have returned to their locker room at the conclusion of the match.

All coaches who participate in Major League Soccer must satisfy the requirements of the USSF Pro League Standards.

Clubs are responsible for ensuring that their coaches hold the required licenses and for collecting and uploading copies of coaching licenses to a League repository. To the extent a coach or interim coach does not hold the required licenses, it is the Club’s responsibility to ensure that the coach progresses annually towards meeting the license requirement(s).

VENUE MEDICAL DIRECTOR: A Venue Medical Director (VMD) will attend every match during the MLS Regular Season and Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. Designated by the home team’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), the VMD is a licensed physician, who must be qualified to evaluate and manage on-field emergencies, including head injuries, and be familiar with the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) of the venue. The VMD’s roles include making the final decision and plan of care in consultation with club medical staff on all emergency situations and evaluations of suspected head injuries.

GAME CLOCK: The official game time for all MLS games will be managed on the field by the referee. If necessary, the referee may also allot additional time (a.k.a. "stoppage time”) at the end of each period (first half, second half, and if applicable, first extra time period and second extra time period during playoff matches) to account for injuries, cooling breaks, video reviews, time-wasting, or any other cause, including any significant delay to a restart.

For statistical purposes, the minutes for goals, substitutions, yellow cards, etc., will be listed from the first minute until the 90th minute. A goal scored at 15 minutes 10 seconds will be listed as having been scored in the 16th minute. Events occurring during stoppage time will follow the international norm by being marked with a "+" sign and the additional minutes. For example, a goal scored three minutes into first half stoppage time will be officially identified as happening at "45’+3’".

TIMED SUBSTITUTION RULE: Any player that is being substituted out of the match has a maximum of ten (10) seconds to leave the field of play. If a player does not leave the field of play within ten (10) seconds, the replacement player shall only be eligible to enter the field of play upon the first play stoppage following a sixty (60) second holding period (i.e., the team will play with one (1) less player for a minimum of sixty (60) seconds). Time is kept by the referee and starts when the Fourth Official signals that a substitution is to be made by raising the substitution board. The sixty (60) seconds holding period starts when play officially begins. Time is kept by the Fourth official. Player(s) must leave the field of play by the nearest point on the boundary line unless the referee indicates that the player(s) may leave the field of play at the halfway line or another point (e.g., for safety/security or injury).

Goalkeeper substitutions

Injuries and/or medical staff entering the field

Special situations (i.e., veteran’s final game) that have been pre-approved by the league office

Safety/security reasons.

The referee is not required to issue a yellow card for substitutions that take longer than 10 seconds (e.g., in the event a player takes eleven (11) seconds to leave the field, the referee is not required to issue a yellow card to the player). However, pursuant to the Laws of the Game, the referee shall continue to be eligible to issue a yellow card to a player if they believe the player is guilty of a delay of game offense (e.g., player takes excessive amount of time to leave the field of play).

OFF FIELD TREATMENT RULE: If the referee stops play due to a potential player injury in which the player remains on the ground for more than 15 seconds and the medical staff enters the field of play, the player may be required to leave the field of play for two minutes. The two-minute treatment period begins once the ball is put back into play. Time is kept by the fourth official with the support of the assistant video assistant referee (AVAR).

The player indicates to the referee that he does not need medical staff to enter the field and resumes playing.

The player voluntarily removes himself from the field of play to receive treatment from medical staff.

Potential head injury (e.g., concussion). Suspected head injuries will be managed in accordance with MLS head injury protocols.

Cardiac issue or life-threatening event (e.g., seizure, choking, etc.) will be managed according to the In-Match Medical Emergency Action Plan.

The player is injured by a foul that resulted in a yellow or red card.

Goalkeepers

Penalty kick situations when the potentially injured player is the penalty kick taker.

Instances when two players on the same team require medical staff to enter the field for an injury.

Collisions involving the goalkeeper and an opposing player whereby both players require medical attention.

A player is bleeding.

ONLY THE CAPTAIN: After key decisions, Only the Captain should approach the referee and in a respectful manner.​ If multiple players approach the referee after a key decision, the referee will blow the whistle, step back, and gesture that Only the Captain is permitted to communicate with the referee.

In the event the captain is the goalkeeper, a ‘Vice Captain’ may be nominated prior to the match and would be identified by a second armband.​

Once the signal is made, all other players should remain at least four (4) meters from the referee.​

A player who is not the Captain or designated Vice Captain who enters this space will be issued a yellow card for dissent by action.​

If more than one player from a team enters the captain-only zone, at least one player must be issued a yellow card – this will usually be the first unauthorized player to enter the zone or the player whose approach is most aggressive.​

Referees will still be expected to issue yellow cards to any player (including the captain) for clear examples of dissent.

Each cooling break will last between 90 seconds and 180 seconds in length based on the referee’s discretion, and each drinks break will last up to and not exceed one minute in length.

Cooling and drinks breaks will be held approximately 30 minutes into each half (around the 30th and 75th minute, respectively). The ball must be out of play for either the cooling or drinks break to commence.

The clock will continue to run, and all time allotted for the break will be added to stoppage time.

Players must remain on the field of play.

Coaches cannot leave their respective technical areas.

Bench personnel cannot enter the field of play (excluding medical personnel).

MATCH POSTPONEMENT: Matches may be postponed when circumstances exist such that continuation of play would pose a threat to the safety of participants or spectators. In cases where a match is postponed prior to kick-off, but after the official match roster exchange, clubs will be permitted to change their rosters regardless of whether the rescheduled match occurs on a date prior to or after the next match in either club's schedule.

PLAYING FIELD DIMENSIONS AND MARKINGS: The match will be played on a field that remains the same size throughout the MLS Regular Season and Postseason unless a change is approved by the League and the visiting team is notified at least seven days in advance of the match. The field dimensions and markings will conform to MLS standards and The International Football Association Board (IFAB) Laws of the Game. No logos on the field, goal nets or corner flags will be allowed without prior written approval from the League Office.

BALL STANDS: Ball Stands will be implemented in all matches during the MLS season as an opportunity to increase effective match time and to reduce match manipulation and gamesmanship. All MLS stadiums will provide a total of 14 Ball Stands, with five positioned on the sideline opposite the benches, two outside each club’s technical area for a total of four on the bench sideline, one additional one on the bench side at midfield, and two behind each goal line for a total of four.

The on-field players for the team in possession of the restart can access the Ball Stand ball.

Teams not in possession of the restart and bench personnel from either Club are prohibited from accessing the Ball Stand ball.

Player accrues five yellow cards: $250 fine and a suspension from his next MLS Regular Season match.

Player accrues an additional three yellow cards (eight total): $500 fine and a suspension from his next MLS Regular Season match.

Player accrues an additional three yellow cards (11 total): $750 fine and a suspension from his next MLS Regular Season match.

Player accrues an additional two yellow cards (13 total): $1,000 fine and a suspension from his next MLS Regular Season match.

For each two yellow cards after the player’s fourth suspension, the player will be suspended from his next MLS Regular Season match and his fine will be doubled (e.g., fifth yellow card accumulation suspension: $2,000 fine)

Players suspended from MLS Regular Season and postseason games who are released from their clubs for National Team duty will have their suspension(s) held in abeyance until the full completion of their international duty. International duty begins on the player’s call-in start date and ends upon the completion of the player’s final scheduled match during that specific FIFA International Window.

GOOD BEHAVIOR INCENTIVE: A player will automatically reduce his yellow card accumulation total by one yellow card each time he appears in five consecutive matches without receiving a yellow card, red card or supplemental discipline in such matches. For clarity, a player cannot have a negative yellow card accumulation total; the Good Behavior Incentive can only reset to a zero-card total. This incentive will be automatically applied a maximum of three times throughout the course of the MLS Regular Season.

For example, if a player on his third caution of the season completes five consecutive matches without receiving a card or supplemental discipline, that player will have one yellow card caution removed from his cumulative total, leaving the player with a total of two yellow cards. This player now has two remaining Good Behavior Incentive opportunities for the MLS Regular Season. If that player completes five more consecutive matches without receiving a card or supplemental discipline, one more yellow card is removed from his cumulative total leaving the player with a total of one yellow card and one more Good Behavior Incentive opportunity.

Egregiously protest (as determined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee or the League Office) an official’s decision.

Express dissent toward an official.

Engage in acts of unsporting and/or irresponsible behavior.

The first violation will serve as the club’s official warning.

Any additional violations of the policy will result in fines and/or suspension.

Players

The first violation will serve as the player’s official warning.

Any additional violations of the policy will result in fines and/or suspension.

Additional Authority

The MLS Disciplinary Committee will have the authority to waive the aforementioned warning and impose suspensions and/or fines on any incident it deems to be egregious.

In all instances, coaches and all technical staff will generally be held to a higher professional standard than players.

A coach, technical staff member or team official guilty of misconduct may be issued a yellow card or red card by the referee.

Any coach, technical staff member or team official sent off from an MLS match by the referee shall receive a minimum of an automatic one-match suspension and fine.

Any coach, technical staff or team official acting in an unprofessional manner, in the opinion of the League, shall be subject to a fine and/or suspension as determined by the League Office.

As per The IFAB Laws of the Game, if the offender cannot be identified, the most senior coach in the technical area at the time of the incident will receive the yellow card or red card.

Major fines and/or suspensions, at the sole and absolute discretion of the League Office, shall be levied against players, coaches, or other team officials for conduct detrimental to MLS (whether or not they were cautioned by the referee for such match conduct).

Medical staff who receive a red card during a match will miss the remainder of that match and will receive a minimum one-match suspension and fine.

The League, in its sole discretion, can suspend any member of the medical staff retroactively if warranted.

If a suspension occurs because the medical staff has been found guilty of match official assault/abuse or an egregious act (as determined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee or the League Office), the medical staff member will not participate in any matchday related activities (e.g., player care) and is prohibited from entering the stadium tunnel area, locker rooms or field level at any time on matchday.

TEAM OFFICIAL REGULAR SEASON CAUTIONS AND SUSPENSIONS: The club will be responsible for tracking yellow card totals for team officials during the Regular Season and postseason. Fines and suspensions will be levied against team officials for yellow card accumulations during the Regular Season as follows:

Team Officials (including coaches) who accumulate three (3) yellow cards over the course of the Regular Season shall be fined and suspended for their next MLS Regular Season match.

Yellow Card Accumulation thresholds will reset at the beginning of each season.

The League Office may use discretion to apply any appropriate sanction regardless of the aforementioned recommendations.

Similar to the application of yellow card accumulation for players, yellow cards will reset at the end of the MLS Regular Season (if a team qualifies for the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs) and also before MLS Cup.

In cases where a team official (including coaches) is issued two yellow cards in the same match, only the first yellow card will be applied to that individual’s Yellow Card Accumulation total. The second yellow card, which resulted in the issuing of a red card, will not be counted against that individual’s Yellow Card Accumulation total.

If a team official receives a first yellow card to trigger Yellow Card Accumulation, and in the same match receives a second yellow card that results in a red card, that individual will serve a total of two suspensions: one suspension for the red card and one suspension for Yellow Card Accumulation.

The offense is egregious in nature; and/or

It must act to protect player safety; and/or

It must protect the integrity of the game; and/or

The player is guilty of repeat behavior.

One (1) Match Suspensions - On incidents in which PRO acknowledges an on-field referee/VAR error AND the Committee is unanimous at red card and one (1) match suspension or action taken (simulation/embellishment) or in cases pursuant to Official Warnings or repeat behavior.

Two (2) or more Match Suspensions - On incidents in which discipline warrants at least a two (2) match suspension.

a clear and unequivocal red card; and

egregious or repeat behavior in nature, and/or

such that the Committee must act to protect player safety or the integrity of the game; and/or

Clear and obvious simulation/embellishment.

Official Warnings: If the play in question was (A) in the unanimous opinion of the MLS Disciplinary Committee from all available evidence, an act of clear and obvious simulation or embellishment that resulted in a penalty kick or a red card (including a second yellow) to the opposing player, or (B) in the unanimous opinion of the MLS Disciplinary Committee from all available evidence, a clear, obvious and unequivocal red card and the offense was egregious in nature and/or the MLS Disciplinary Committee must act to protect player safety or the integrity of the game and (C) the play was seen by the official but the player was not issued a red card for the incident and PRO does not acknowledge a referee/VAR error, the MLS Disciplinary Committee may issue an Official Warning to the player with notice to the player’s club and the MLSPA.

If the player, having already been given an Official Warning under this Section 1, subsequently commits a similar offense (e.g., repeat behavior) in the same League Season that is also reviewed by the MLS Disciplinary Committee under the same parameters and circumstances described in (A) or (B) above, the MLS Disciplinary Committee may deviate from Parameter 3 and issue the player a one-game suspension and accompanying fine.

The “probationary" period for incidents of Serious Foul Play will be cleared by the player if he does not receive a yellow or red card or supplemental discipline in his next five (5) consecutive MLS Regular Season matches.

In cases where a player is guilty of Violent Conduct repeat behavior, the player will remain on probation for the remainder of the season, including post-season.

Official Notices: In cases of repeat behavior (i.e., more than one instance in which the player was reviewed by the MLS Disciplinary Committee) for an offense of a similar nature in which the actions do not merit an Official Warning, a suspension and/or fine, the MLS Disciplinary Committee may issue an Official Notice to the player, with notice to the player’s club and the MLSPA, to indicate the player’s behavior is being monitored for future offenses.

The purpose of the Official Notice in these instances is to notify the player that his conduct is approaching, but has not yet crossed, the “line” by which he may be disciplined.

The “probationary" period will be cleared by the player if he does not receive a yellow or red card or supplemental discipline in his next three (3) consecutive MLS Regular Season matches.

In subsequent instances of similar behavior, the fact that the player has previously been issued an Official Notice for particular conduct may not be used by the MLS Disciplinary Committee as an aggravating factor when considering discipline. In other words, each play is reviewed by the MLS Disciplinary Committee on its own merits without consideration to prior instances of the same or similar conduct.

The MLS Disciplinary Committee will generally follow the above parameters. However, the Commissioner still maintains the authority to determine whether on-field misconduct has occurred, and can issue supplemental discipline, including fines and suspensions, for off-field misconduct deemed detrimental to the reputation and public image of MLS, the club, and/or the game of soccer.

Non-Confrontational Incidents: Any bench personnel, including substitute(d) players, who enter the field during a non-confrontational incident or act in a non-confrontational manner (as determined by the MLS Disciplinary Committee) and excluding spontaneous and momentary “celebrations”, will be issued a written warning for the first offense and be fined for subsequent violations.

Failing to Leave the Field in an Orderly and/or Timely Manner: A Player, Coach, or other non-Player who fails to immediately leave the field in a timely and/or orderly manner after being sent-off or dismissed by the Referee will be further fined and/or suspended by the League. For clarification, a Player, Coach, or other non-Player receiving a red card must depart the field immediately regardless of whether a VAR review is imminent. Generally, once a red card has been issued, a Player, Coach, or other non-Player must leave the field at the nearest boundary line in under thirty (30) seconds.

Hands to the Face/Head/Neck of an Opponent: Individuals witnessed to have contacted the face, head, and/or neck of an opponent, which incites or escalates an individual incident (as determined by the Disciplinary Committee) and/or an incident that results in mass confrontation (as determined by the Disciplinary Committee), will receive a minimum of a fine.

a red card

the second yellow card when a Player receives two (2) yellow cards in a match, resulting in the player being sent off from the match

the first yellow card (when a Player receives two (2) yellow cards in a match resulting in a suspension) in circumstances when the first yellow card was issued for Unsporting Behavior and, in the opinion of the IRP, the opponent attempted to deceive the referee

a yellow card that triggers a suspension due to yellow card accumulation, when the yellow card is a consequence of clear and obvious simulation or embellishment by an opponent.

Any Player, coach or staff member found to have used abusive, insulting or offensive language or gestures shall be sanctioned. In addition, any Player whose language or behavior has violated the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy for MLS Players may be subject to separate discipline pursuant to the policy.

When match officials witness discriminatory language or behavior by another player, coach or team staff action will be taken at the time. Using the powers afforded to the referee within Law 12, the use of offensive, insulting and/or abusive language or actions is to be a sending off offense (i.e., red card).

The Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup is an annual match played between the previous season’s MLS Cup presented by Audi winner and the winner of the Campeón de Campeones from LIGA MX. The Campeón de Campeones is a single match played between the winners of the Apertura and Clausura LIGA MX seasons. The LA Galaxy will represent MLS in 2025 and will compete against the winner of the 2025 Campeón de Campeones. More information on the Michelob Ultra Campeones Cup is available here .

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is one of FIFA's six continental governing bodies for association football. The Concacaf Champions Cup is the region’s most prestigious club tournament, qualifying its champion directly to the new formatted FIFA Club World Cup, which is set to take place every four years, starting in 2025. The Concacaf Champions Cup winner will also automatically qualify for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, an annual tournament comprised of the six club winners of their previous continental championships.

Seeds 1-7 in each conference will automatically qualify for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series.

Seeds 8-9 in each conference will qualify for the single-elimination Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card matches.

The Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs will consist of the top nine (9) clubs from the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively. The top seven (7) clubs from the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, will qualify directly for the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One Best-of-3 Series. Seeds eight (8) and nine (9) from each conference will compete in an Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card match.

Two single-game elimination matches hosted by the higher seed of each respective conference.

If the score of a Wild Card match is tied after 90 minutes of regulation time, no extra time will be played. Teams will participate in a penalty shootout to determine the winner .

Eastern Conference Wild Card Match: No. 1 vs. No. 8/No. 9

Western Conference Wild Card Match: No. 1 vs. No. 8/No. 9

Every Round One Best-of-3 Series game will have a winner; the first team to win two matches in the series will advance.

No extra time will be played if a match is tied after 90 minutes of regulation time. Teams will participate in a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

Four teams from each conference will advance to the Conference Semifinals from the Round One Best-of-3 Series in each conference.

The matches will be hosted in a home-away-home format with higher seeded teams hosting the first match and, if needed, the third match:

Match 1: higher seed hosts

Match 2: lower seed hosts

Match 3: higher seed hosts (as needed)

*   Winner of No. 1 vs. No. 8/No. 9 series vs. winner of No. 4 vs. No. 5 series
*   Winner of No. 3 vs. No. 6 series vs. winner of No. 2 vs. No. 7 series
*   Western Conference Semifinals
      
*   Winner of No. 1 vs. No. 8/No. 9 series vs. winner of No. 4 vs. No. 5 series
*   Winner of No. 3 vs. No. 6 series vs. winner of No. 2 vs. No. 7 series
*   Conference Semifinal winners will advance to the Conference Final.
Single elimination matches, hosted by the higher seeds.
If the score of a Conference Final game is tied at the end of regulation time, two 15-minute extra time periods will be played in their entirety. If the score is still tied at the end of the two extra time periods, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout.
Conference Final Matchups:
Eastern Conference Final: highest advancing seed vs. lowest advancing seed
Western Conference Final: highest advancing seed vs. lowest advancing seed
A single match hosted by the finalist with the highest rank in the Supporters’ Shield standings.
If the score of the game is tied after 90 minutes of regulation time, two 15-minute extra time periods will be played in their entirety. If the score is still tied at the end of the two extra time periods, the winner will be determined by a penalty shootout.
      
Teams will have a maximum of five normal substitutions over the course of three opportunities, excluding halftime and in-game match delays, and two concussion substitutions available for the duration of an Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoff game, including extra time. Clubs may carry over any unused substitution(s) and opportunities from regulation time into extra time. However, no additional substitutions will be added for extra time periods.
If a club does not use all five of their permitted substitutions and all three of their opportunities during regulation, they are permitted to use them during the 15-minute extra time periods if the club still has an opportunity or opportunities available.
Available substitutions during extra time can be used during the period between the end of regulation and the start of the first extra time period, or after the end of the first 15-minute extra time period without an opportunity.
Yellow card accumulation thresholds for players, coaches, and team officials are reset entering the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs.
A player, coach, or team official who reaches an accumulation threshold in the last 2025 MLS regular season match (e.g., third for coaches and team officials, fifth, eighth, etc. for players) is eligible for the first match of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs and is eligible for the first regular season match of the following MLS season.
A player, coach, or team official who receives a straight red card or second yellow in in the player’s or team’s last 2025 MLS regular season match is suspended for the next match for which that individual is eligible, including the first match of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs or the first regular season match of the following MLS season.
A player, coach, or team official sanctioned by the MLS Disciplinary Committee during the 2025 MLS regular season and/or Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs will have any corresponding suspension(s) applied to the next match(es) for which that individual is eligible, including Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoff match(es) or the next regular season’s match(es).
A player or team official receiving three cumulative yellow cards will be suspended. For clarification, a player who receives a third cumulative yellow card in the Conference Semifinal is eligible to play in the Conference Final where yellow card accumulation is reset.
If a player or team official’s club does not advance to the next round of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs after the player receives a third yellow card, the suspension will not carry over into the next MLS regular season.
A player or team official who is issued two yellow cards in the same match is suspended for their next match for which he is eligible, including an Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs round match, MLS Cup presented by Audi, and/or their next MLS regular season match.
Example 1: The goalkeeper is cautioned in his first match of the Playoffs. The goalkeeper is cautioned in the regulation portion of his second match. The same goalkeeper is cautioned during the penalty shootout in the second match. The goalkeeper is not sent off during the second match but is suspended for his next playoff match due to Yellow Card Accumulation.
Example 2: Any player or team official cautioned twice during regulation (including extra time) or twice during the penalty shootout is sent off and suspended for their next match. In this instance, only the first of the two (2) yellow cards issued count towards the player or team official’s yellow card accumulation total.
      
A player or team official who receives a straight red card in the same match in which the player or team official previously received a third cumulative yellow card will be suspended for the player’s or team official’s next Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs match. The disciplinary sanction for the red card shall be served first (and regardless of whether their next match is their next Playoff match or the following MLS regular season), followed by the disciplinary sanction for yellow card accumulation.
Example 1: A player or team official who receives a yellow card in regulation time and the penalty shootout in the Wild Card match, and then receives a yellow card in regulation time and red card in the penalty shootout in Game 2 of the Round One Best-of-3 Series match, will be suspended for Game 3 of the Round One Best-of-3 Series match (i.e., red card suspension) and Conference Semifinal (i.e., yellow card accumulation suspension).
Example 2: A player or team official who receives a yellow card in Game 1 of the Round One Best-of-3 Series match, a yellow card in Game 2 of the Round One Best-of-3 Series match, and a yellow card and a straight red card (not a second yellow card) in the Conference Semifinal will be suspended for the Conference Final (i.e., red card suspension) but is eligible to play in MLS Cup presented by Audi (in which yellow cards reset).
Example 1: If the red card is issued during his club’s last postseason match, including MLS Cup, the suspension carries over to the first Regular Season match of 2025 MLS regular season.
Example 2: If the player receives a straight red card in the Conference Final, and his team advances, that player will serve his red card suspension in the MLS Cup presented by Audi.
      
A player or team official who is issued two (2) yellow cards in the same match (two (2) during regulation including extra time or two (2) during a penalty shootout) IS SUSPENDED for the next match for which the player or team official is eligible including any subsequent Playoff round match, MLS Cup presented by Audi, or the player’s or team official’s next Regular Season match(es) in the following MLS season.
      
In cases where MLS has determined that a club is unable to play on a scheduled Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs date and the league has determined that the match cannot be rescheduled, the club that is unable to play will forfeit the match and its opponent will advance. For the final game of the 2025 MLS regular season and in the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, a forfeited match will count as a completed match as it relates to individual discipline (i.e., yellow card accumulation, Good Behavior Incentive, suspension, etc.). In such a case where an individual is suspended for the forfeited match, the individual(s) will serve their suspension in the forfeited match and will be eligible for their first/next match of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs unless the suspension involves multiple matches.
      
Any player who was in-play on the field during an Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs match at the time the match was postponed, and who is subsequently injured or unavailable to participate before the resumption of the match, can only be replaced by a substitute on the official match roster of the postponed match (subject to the same goalkeeper exceptions as during the regular season). In the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, this substitution can only be made if the club has an available substitution remaining, and such substitute will count against a club’s normally allotted number of substitutions. For any open substitute position(s) in a recommenced match that was originally filled for the postponed match but is now vacant due to an injury or unavailable player, clubs may place any player(s) from their active club roster as of the date of the postponed match on the match day roster as a substitute(s). Moving a player from the club’s roster as of the date of the original match directly into the starting lineup is prohibited unless done via a pre-match substitution or in the case of a Goalkeeper Exception.