This Sunday for the first time in MLS history all 20 teams will take the field at exactly the same time in the final matchday of the regular season (4 pm ET). It's what will make Decision Day so special.
As was the case for Week 33 last Sunday, a variety of networks – including, naturally, MLSsoccer.com – will provide unprecedented coverage (get complete TV listings).
Here’s a rundown of all the ways you can take in Sunday’s action:
MLS Matchday Live (3 pm & 6:30 pm ET)
After powering out two huge shows for Week 33, MLSsoccer.com will be at it again for Decision Day on Sunday. A one-hour long MLS Matchday Live will once again air before and after all the action to preview and break down what will surely be a memorable Decision Day.
Beginning at 3 pm ET and then returning following the action at 6:30 pm ET, MLS Matchday Live shows will be streamed live on MLSsoccer.com, the MLS YouTube and MLS Facebook pages and on partner platforms ESPN3, FoxSportsGo, TSNGO and SkySports.com, providing fans with coverage and analysis of all of the biggest stories from the final day of the regular season.
Both shows will feature a full cast of MLS personalities, with former Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid and ex-Vancouver Whitecaps manager Martin Rennie set to join the MLSsoccer.com team in the New York studios.
Several reporters will also contribute from the field, with Jillian Sakovits scheduled to report live from Vancouver, where the Portland Timbers will be fighting for their playoff lives, Bobby Warshaw on-site for Supporters' Shield leaders FC Dallas and their match at the LA Galaxy, Jackie Montgomery in attendance for Seattle's match against Real Salt Lake and Ashleigh Ignelzi on hand at Dick's Sporting Goods Park for Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo.
National TV
The ESPN family of networks will have Decision Day covered front to back in the USA.
ESPN and ESPN Deportes will broadcast the crucial Western Conference battle between the Seattle Sounders and Real Salt Lake live from CenturyLink Field. The match will go a long way toward determining who qualifies and what the seedings looks like out West, with fourth-place RSL looking to clinch to a Knockout Round home match with a win at the streaking Sounders.
Airing parallel to the ESPN and ESPN Deportes match will be ESPN2’s “MLS Decision Day Whiparound” studio show which will provide two hours of unprecedented Decision Day coverage, bringing fans every goal and key moments from around the final day of action.
FS1 and FOX Deportes are also get in on the action, as they’ll air the LA Galaxy-FC Dallas battle at StubHub Center. The current Supporters’ Shield leaders, Dallas would clinch the Shield and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a victory at LA.
In Canada, TSN1 will air the Vancouver Whitecaps-Portland Timbers contest that will determine if the defending MLS Cup champs will qualify for the playoffs. TSN4 and RDS will show Toronto FC’s home match against the Chicago Fire. A TSN studio team will also be delivering regular updates from around the league with goals, news and highlights beginning at 4 pm ET.
MLS LIVE One-Day Pass
For the second-straight week, the MLS LIVE One-Day pass will be available for fans interested in watching the matches (national TV and local blackout policies will apply).
The One-Day Pass will be available for purchase beginning Friday for just $7.99 and will allow fans to watch matches live and on-demand.
Download the official app
If there’s any day when you truly need the official MLS app, it’s Decision Day. The app will be very, very handy to follow your team – or track the competition – via the popular Matchcenter feature.
Fans following the action on social media can join the conversation on Instagram and Twitter using the #DecisionDay hashtag.
Also, you can track live standings on the standings page (updated every 30 seconds throughout Decision Day) as well as a live list of projected playoff matchups until the field is set in stone around 6 pm ET on Sunday.
Playoff Bracket Challenge
As soon as the postseason matchups are set you'll be able to fill out your Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs bracket.
You can sign up now and create your own leagues. And there are prizes at stake, including a VIP trip to the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in Los Angeles.
