2020 MLS Cup Playoffs: Columbus Crew SC Claims Second Title
The 2020 MLS Cup Playoffs, officially branded as the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs for sponsorship reasons, marked the 25th edition of the post-season championship for Major League Soccer (MLS), the premier professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. This high-stakes tournament served as the culmination of the 2020 regular season, bringing together the top teams from both conferences to compete for the ultimate prize.
The tournament took place from November 20 to December 12, 2020. It was a season defined by resilience and adaptation, as the league navigated the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Key Facts
- Champions: Columbus Crew SC (their 2nd title).
- Runners-up: Seattle Sounders FC.
- Top Scorer: Kevin Molino with 4 goals.
- Total Goals: 50 goals scored across 17 matches (2.94 per match).
- Format Change: Standings were determined by points per game (PPG) rather than total points.
Adapting to the Pandemic
The 2020 season required significant structural adjustments. On October 29, the league announced that final regular season standings and playoff qualification would be decided by points per game (PPG). This decision was necessary because eight clubs in the Western Conference were unable to complete their scheduled 23 matches due to COVID-19 disruptions.
To ensure the playoffs could begin on schedule, seven postponed matches were cancelled. Additionally, a 12-day break was implemented between Decision Day and the start of the playoffs to accommodate an international break. While the league waived quarantine requirements for players returning on charter flights, several positive COVID-19 cases still impacted the opening rounds of the tournament.
The Road to the Final
Conference Qualification
The playoffs featured 18 teams: the top ten from the Eastern Conference and the top eight from the Western Conference. In the East, teams ranked seventh through tenth competed in a play-in round to determine who would advance to the first round.
Eastern Conference Highlights
The Philadelphia Union entered the playoffs as the regular season Supporters' Shield champions but suffered an early exit, falling in the first round to the New England Revolution. The Columbus Crew SC eventually emerged as the Eastern Conference champions after defeating the New England Revolution 1–0 in the conference final.
Western Conference Highlights
The Seattle Sounders FC, the defending 2019 champions, navigated a tough bracket to reach the final. They secured their spot by defeating Minnesota United FC 3–2 in the Western Conference final.
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The MLS Cup Final
The championship match took place on December 12, 2020. Because Columbus Crew SC held the better regular season record, they hosted the final. In a dominant performance, Columbus Crew SC defeated the Seattle Sounders FC 3–0, with goals from Lucas Zelarayán (two) and Etienne.
This victory earned Columbus Crew SC their second MLS Cup title, marking their first championship since 2008.
Tournament Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 20 – December 12, 2020 |
| Host Country | United States |
| Total Teams | 18 |
| Matches Played | 17 |
| Champions | Columbus Crew SC |
| Runners-up | Seattle Sounders FC |
| Top Goal Scorer | Kevin Molino (4 goals) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were points per game used for the 2020 standings?
Points per game (PPG) were used because eight Western Conference clubs could not play all 23 scheduled matches due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making total points an unfair metric for comparison.
Who was the top goal scorer of the 2020 playoffs?
Kevin Molino of Minnesota United FC was the top scorer, netting 4 goals during the tournament.
Which team won the 2020 MLS Cup?
Columbus Crew SC won the 2020 MLS Cup by defeating the Seattle Sounders FC 3–0 in the final.
How did the play-in round work in the Eastern Conference?
The play-in round involved the teams ranked 7th through 10th. Nashville SC (7th) played Inter Miami CF (10th), and the New England Revolution (8th) played the Montreal Impact (9th) to determine who would advance to the first round.
Where did Toronto FC play their home playoff match?
Due to travel restrictions between Canada and the United States, Toronto FC hosted their match at Pratt & Whitney Stadium in East Hartford, Connecticut, instead of BMO Field.