MLS will introduce the away goals rule to break ties in this year's playoffs.
The rule -- already used around the world as the preferred tiebreaker for two-leg series -- will come into affect if the aggregate score is tied in the MLS conference semifinals and finals.
The team that scored more goals in its road game will advance to the next playoff round. If both teams scored the same number of away goals, two 15-minute periods extra times will be played, followed by penalties if necessary.
However, unlike what fans may be familiar with in the UEFA Champions League or World Cup qualification, the away goal rule will not apply to goals scored in extra time. That contingency is consistent with the CONCACAF Champions League.
The lower seed will host the first leg of each playoff series.