Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Unveils Exciting Schedule with FC Cincinnati Leading the Way
Major League Soccer (MLS) has unveiled the schedule for the Wild Card and First Round Best-of-3 games in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. The tournament will kick off with FC Cincinnati, who secured the 2023 Supporters' Shield, hosting Game 1 and, if required, Game 3. They will face the winner of the Wild Card match between New York Red Bulls and Charlotte FC, which is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25th at 7:30 p.m. ET on MLS Season Pass.
The action begins with Game 1 of the Round One Best-of-3 series, set for Sunday, October 29th, with a kickoff time of 8 p.m. ET. This match will be broadcast on FS1, Apple TV, MLS Season Pass (no subscription required), and TSN/RBS in Canada. FC Cincinnati will also hit the road for Game 2 against their opponent, with the match scheduled for Saturday, November 4th at 7 p.m. ET. If necessary, Game 3 will be played at TQL Stadium on Saturday, November 11th, with a kickoff at 2 p.m. ET. Fans can catch all these matches, along with the entire Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoff series, on MLS Season Pass via Apple.
Ticket sales for FC Cincinnati's playoff matches will commence on Monday, October 23rd, at 10 a.m. ET for Season Ticket Members and Orange and Blue reserve members, followed by a public on-sale at 1 p.m. ET.
The Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs introduce a new playoff format, featuring a home-away-home configuration, ensuring that all teams get at least one home game. In case of a tie at the end of regulation during the Wild Card and Best-of-3 Series matches, no extra time will be played, and the winner will be determined through penalty kicks. The team that secures two victories in the Best-of-3 Series will progress to the Conference Semifinals.
Following the Wild Card games on October 25th, Round One Best-of-3 Series Game 1 matches will be played from October 28th to November 1st at the higher seed's stadium. Lower seeds will host Game 2 matches from November 4th to 8th, and higher seeds will host the decisive Game 3 matches between November 9th and 12th if needed.
MLS Season Pass will offer English and Spanish coverage of every Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Round One match, comprising 16-24 games. Some playoff games will also be available on FOX Sports in the U.S. (FS1 and FOX Deportes) and on TSN and RDS in Canada.
Further details about the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs Conference Semifinals will be released after the conclusion of Round One action. The MLS Cup presented by Audi is scheduled for December 9th at 4 p.m. ET.
For more information on the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, you can visit www.MLSsoccer.com.
Cover Photo Credit: FC Cincinnati & TQL Stadium