Sounders FC Group Stage opponents in the MLS is Back Tournament next month in Orlando will have a familiar look. MLS announced the Groups for the 26 tournament Thursday morning. The Sounders will be in Group B alongside Western Conference foes , FC Dallas, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and the San Jose Earthquakes.
The tournament schedule, including specific matchup dates and full broadcast details, is being announced at a later date. COMPETITION FORMAT
Each team is playing three group stage matches, and those results count in the 2020 MLS regular season standings. After 16 consecutive days of group stage matches, the top two teams from each group along with the four best third-place finishers move onto the knockout stage. The knockout stage includes a Round-of-16, Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and the Championship, which takes place on August 11. Matches tied at the end of regulation in the knockout phase will proceed directly to a penalty kick shootout.
MLS worked with U.S. Soccer, Canada Soccer and Concacaf to institute a one-time change to MLS berths to the annual Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. The MLS is Back Tournament winner will earn a spot in the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, regardless of whether it is a U.S. or Canadian club. The winner would replace the berth previously awarded to the MLS regular season points leader in the conference opposite of the 2020 Supporters’ Shield winner.
In addition to matches that count in the regular-season standings and the Champions League berth, players have the opportunity to earn additional bonuses as part of a $1.1 million prize pool.
