The 2008 MLS Cup playoffs was the postseason to Major League Soccer's 2008 season, and culminated with MLS Cup 2008 on November 23, 2008 at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California.
Format
At the 2008 season's end, the top three teams of each conference made the playoffs; in addition, the clubs with the next two highest point totals, regardless of conference, were added to the playoffs. In the first round of this knockout tournament, aggregate goals over two matches determined the winners; the conference finals were one match each, with the winner of each conference advancing to MLS Cup 2008. In all rounds, the tie-breaking method was two 15-minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shoot-out if necessary. The away goals rule was not used.
Qualified teams
Conference standings Eastern Conference
Western Conference
Overall standings
Bracket
1 The New York Red Bulls earned the eighth and final playoff berth, despite finishing fifth in the Eastern Conference. They represented the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoff bracket, as only three teams in the Western Conference qualified for the playoffs.
Conference semifinals Eastern Conference
Columbus Crew won 3–1 on aggregate.
Chicago Fire won 3–0 on aggregate.
Western Conference
New York Red Bulls won 4–1 on aggregate.
Real Salt Lake won 3–2 on aggregate.
Conference finals Eastern Conference
Western Conference
MLS Cup 2008
See also MLS Cup playoffs 2008 Major League Soccer season
References