Section 6: Scoring
Goal
A goal is scored when the whole of the ball passes over the goal line, between the goalposts and under the crossbar, provided no infringement was committed previously by the team scoring the goal (IFAB Law 10). All MLS venues use goal-line technology or league-approved goal-line confirmation processes; VAR may also be used to verify goal/no-goal incidents.
Match Result and Standings
- 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss
- The 10-tier standings tiebreaker chain (Section 5) governs final standings position when teams are level on points
- The Supporters' Shield is awarded to the regular-season points winner
Penalty Kick Shootout (KFTPM)
If a playoff match remains level after the applicable regulation/extra-time format, the IFAB Kicks From the Penalty Mark procedure is used: each team takes five alternating kicks from the penalty mark; if still tied, kicks proceed in sudden death until a winner is determined.
Yellow Card Carryover Into Shootouts
Per the 2026 MLS playoff guidelines, yellow cards issued during regulation or extra time do not carry into the penalty shootout. A player or team official who receives a yellow card during the match (regulation/extra time) and a separate yellow card during the penalty shootout is not sent off solely on that combined basis.
Round One Best-of-3 Tiebreakers
In the Round One Best-of-3 Series, the series is decided by the first team to win two matches; goal differential across the series is not used. A regulation tie in any single Best-of-3 match is resolved immediately by penalty shootout (no extra time in Round One).