TORONTO - During Sunday’s state of the union address, MLS commissioner Don Garber hinted at significant changes to some of the leagues basic principles.

Most importantly to TFC fans, there is a ray of hope regarding the possible expansion of the current playoff format. The league is considering expanding from the current eight teams to 10. No time table has been set.

The commissioner also stated that the league is considering altering its schedule to conform to the international calendar. That means games are played in the traditional European style, through the wintertime, with a break during the coldest months. And move as such would allow the MLS to fall in line with FIFA˛s international calendar.

When Vancouver and Portland enter the league next year, the schedule will remain balanced but moved to 34 games. In 2012, when Montreal slides in, the schedule will most certainly go to an unbalanced, divisional format.

The scenario goes as follows: a team would play three games against one team and one against another in order to enhance geographical rivalries.