The 2004 playoffs.

The format

How 2004 worked.

Same structure as 2003: top four per conference, two-legged aggregate conference semifinals, single-match conference finals at the higher seed, and MLS Cup at a predetermined venue. The golden goal was gone — level ties now played two full 15-minute extra-time periods before penalties.

• Golden goal abolished: level matches played two full 15-minute extra-time periods before penalties (regular-season overtime was also dropped).
• Dallas Burn's last season under that name.

1. 01Conference semifinalsTwo legs, aggregate · Aggregate goals over two legs, no away-goals rule; a level tie went to two 15-minute extra-time periods and then penalties.Oct 22 – 31
2. 02Conference finalsSingle match · Single match hosted by the higher seed; two 15-minute extra-time periods, then penalties.Nov 5 – 6
3. 03MLS CupSingle matchNov 14

Seeding

Seeded 1–4 within each conference on regular-season points. Pairings E1 v E4, E2 v E3, W1 v W4, W2 v W3. Columbus (E1) and Kansas City (W1) both finished on 49 points, Columbus taking the Supporters' Shield.

Hosting

Conference semifinals: the lower seed hosted the first leg and the higher seed the second. Conference finals: hosted by the higher seed. MLS Cup at the Home Depot Center as the predetermined venue.

Ties

Aggregate goals over two legs, no away-goals rule; a level aggregate went to two 15-minute extra-time periods and then penalties. Single matches: two 15-minute extra-time periods, then penalties — D.C. United beat New England 4–3 on penalties after a 3–3 Eastern final.