The 2013 Playoffs Could Set a Record for Goals Per Game

The 2013 MLS Playoffs are on track to have more goals per game than any year since 2003 and the introduction of the aggregate goals rule to MLS. With 36 goals from 12 games so far (3 gpg), an exact match to 2003's 33 goals from 11 games (3 gpg), it is worth taking a look at the history of high scoring games in the MLS Playoffs.

Making History

Since the league adopted the aggregate home and away series as a part of the playoffs in 2003, no series has had more goals scored than the 9 in San Jose's 5-4 aggregate win over the LA Galaxy. The 7 goals scored in the game's second leg are also the most in a playoff game since 2003.

The Timbers came close to making history with their 5-3 aggregate win over the Seattle Sounders, but they were just short of the record for goals in a series. The upcoming match against RSL has a real possibility of setting a new record for goals in an aggregate series, with six already scored and another two needed from the Timbers at a minimum.

Most Goals in a Home and Away Series

9:

San Jose Earthquakes 5 - LA Galaxy 4 (2003)

8:

FC Dallas 4 - Colorado Rapids 4 (2006)

Portland Timbers 5 - Seattle Sounders 3 (2013)

7:

Houston Dynamo 4 - New York Red Bulls 3 (2013)

Sporting Kansas City 4 - New England Revolution 3 (2013)

Least Goals in a Home and Away Series

1:

New England Revolution 1 - New York Red Bulls 0 (2007)*

Kansas City Wizards 1 - Chivas USA 0 (2007)*

Most Goals in a Playoff Game

8:

Columbus Crew 5 - Metrostars 3 (1998)

7:

LA Galaxy 6 - Dallas Burn 1 (1998)

LA Galaxy 5 - Tampa Bay Mutiny 2 (2000)

LA Galaxy 5 - Kansas City Wizards 2 (2002)

San Jose Earthquakes 5 - LA Galaxy 2 (2003)

6:

Columbus Crew 5 - DC United 1 (1999)

Chicago Fire 6 - New England Revolution 0 (2000)**

Dallas Burn 4 - Colorado Rapids 2 (2002)

San Jose Earthquakes 4 - Chicago Fire 2 (2003)

DC United 3 - New England Revolution 3 (2004)

Real Salt Lake 4 - Portland Timbers 2 (2013)

*What the heck happened in 2007?

**Highest margin of victory in a playoff game.