Duration of Seattle Sounders Matches: Comprehensive Guide for Supporters
Seattle Sounders FC Matches: Length, Breaks, and Possible Extensions
The Seattle Sounders FC games, like all professional soccer matches globally, last for a minimum of 90 minutes, divided into two halves of 45 minutes each. However, the match duration is often longer due to added time for stoppages.
During a Seattle Sounders game, a halftime break of approximately 15 minutes is provided for players to rest and hydrate, and for fans to discuss the first half's highlights. If the score is tied after regulation time, two additional periods of 15 minutes each (extra time) are played.
A Seattle Sounders FC playoff game typically lasts about 105 minutes if it goes into extra time and a penalty shootout. The detailed breakdown is as follows:
- 90 minutes of regular time.
- Two 15-minute halves of extra time if tied after regulation, totaling 30 extra minutes.
- If still tied, a penalty shootout follows, typically lasting around 10-15 minutes depending on the number of kicks needed.
Therefore, a full playoff match including extra time and penalties can last around 105 to 115 minutes or more in total, not counting stoppage time in the regular or extra periods.
Stoppage time, also known as added time or injury time, is added at the end of each half to compensate for stoppages during the game, such as injuries, substitutions, time-wasting tactics, yellow and red cards, and significant goal celebrations. Serious injuries on the field can cause significant delays, requiring time for medical personnel to assess and stabilize the injured player and possibly stretchering the player off the field.
Weather delays can impact the total duration of a Seattle Sounders game, potentially adding 30 minutes or more to the overall game length. Weather delays and VAR reviews can also contribute to the overall duration of a Seattle Sounders game.
It's essential to note that the official start time for a Seattle Sounders FC match can be found on the official Seattle Sounders FC website, the MLS official website, or through reputable sports news outlets and ticket vendors. An exact end time cannot be predicted due to variable stoppage time and other potential delays, but it can be estimated by adding 90 minutes (regulation time), 15 minutes (halftime), and an estimated 5-10 minutes of stoppage time per half to the official start time.
In knockout stage matches or tournaments, extra time (two 15-minute periods) and penalty shootouts can significantly extend the game if the score is tied after regulation time and stoppage time. In some youth tournaments or friendly matches, the length of the halves might be shorter than the standard 45 minutes.
In summary, Seattle Sounders FC matches consist of two 45-minute halves, with the total playing time being 90 minutes. However, the match duration is often longer due to added time for stoppages. If the score is tied after regulation time, two additional periods of 15 minutes each (extra time) are played. If still tied, a penalty shootout follows, typically lasting around 10-15 minutes depending on the number of kicks needed. The actual game duration is usually longer due to stoppage time, also known as added time or injury time.
Football, as part of the Seattle Sounders FC matches, constitutes two 45-minute halves initially, summing up to 90 minutes. However, due to added time for stoppages, the actual game duration is typically longer. In case of a tie at the end of the regulation time, additional 30 minutes (two 15-minute periods of extra time) are played, making the overall match duration range from 105 to 115 minutes or more.
