Since the 2020 MLS schedule dropped, fans have been planning their weekends for this upcoming season.
In the case of those clubs facing the toughest schedules of 2020, they can use all the help they can get from supporters in the stands. The MLS schedule is broken up pretty simply: Every team plays conference opponents twice and 10 of 13 non-conference opponents once. This means that every team will have three MLS teams they will not face this year. So not every schedule is made the same, making the strength of schedule calculation all the more interesting.
Another factor that throws a wrench into this calculation is there will be two new teams in MLS this year. Though Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC are on every team's schedule, their effect on this number could not be calculated.
Below you'll find the complete table, calculated by taking the 2019 average points per game at home and on the road for each team's opponent. The higher the figure, the harder the schedule.
The figures are even closer than usual, as an extra conference matchup that could sway averages has been eliminated.
Minnesota United FC will be heading into 2020 with what appears to be the easiest schedule, while Sporting Kansas City have the toughest. Minnesota have the benefit of not playing three Eastern Conference playoff teams (NYC, PHI, TOR), while Sporting will be traveling to two of the best home teams in 2019, as they will be visiting Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union.
