Author: Cody Aceveda

Rumors have been quietly rumbling all throughout the MLS off-season that league executives were considering changing the MLS playoffs' structure. First, there were reports that the league was looking to capitalize on the World Cup’s popularity and introduce a postseason tournament with a group stage and knockout competition to decide the league's winner. Then, there were reports of a best-of-three series to replace the win-or-go-home one-game playoff format MLS fans have grown to love over the last four years. Now, reports have emerged that MLS is closing in on changing its playoff format to the best-of-three format originally discussed along with the addition of a play-in game for the 8th and 9th best team in each conference. The result of these changes would lead to more team...

To many, Rayo Vallecano is just one of the “other teams” in Madrid. The club isn’t as glamourous as their neighbors Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid, but it’s arguably more interesting. You might not believe us now but keep reading and see for yourself what makes this working-class football club so special. Rayo Vallecano’s rise back to LaLiga Rayo Vallecano were promoted from the Segunda Division in 2021 through the division’s promotion playoff. Rayo were the lowest-seeded team in that playoff after finishing sixth in the league that year. Rayo defeated Leganés and Girona in successive two-legged ties to gain promotion. They accomplished this without one of their most important players. Starting goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was busy representing North Macedonia at the 2020 Euros, ...