May 2023 Soccer Archive: Quick Tips on 3-5-2 Tactics and MLS Rules

Welcome back to The Football Academy UK’s archive for May 2023. We posted two pieces that sparked lots of questions on the pitch and in the boardroom. Below you’ll find the key takeaways, so you can try the 3-5-2 formation this weekend and understand why MLS’s league setup isn’t illegal under FIFA.

Mastering the 3-5-2 Formation

The 3-5-2 can look intimidating, but it breaks down into three simple parts: a solid back three, a flexible midfield five, and two forwards who stay linked. First, make the three centre‑backs talk. They need to cover each other, step out for the wing‑backs, and keep a tight line when the ball is on the flanks.

Wing‑backs are the engine of the system. When you win the ball, they push high to stretch the opposition. When defending, they drop quick to form a back five. Practice a drill where the wing‑back alternates between a full‑back stay‑back position and an attacking run – that builds the muscle memory you need for quick transitions.

In midfield, you want one player acting as a pivot (a deep‑lying playmaker) and two box‑to‑box midfielders who can join attacks and help defend. The fifth midfielder is usually a more offensive wing‑mid, staying wide to overload the sides. During a game, rotate the box‑to‑box guys to keep fresh legs in both phases.

The two strikers should have complementary skills. Pair a target man who can hold up the ball with a quicker forward who makes runs behind the defence. When the pivot receives the ball, look to release it quickly to the target man, who can then lay it off for the runner. This simple give‑and‑go creates space without needing complex set‑pieces.

Finally, work on transition speed. After winning the ball, a quick one‑two between the centre‑back and the wing‑back can catch the opponent off guard. Set up a small‑sided game where the team must make a forward pass within three seconds of possession – it forces the habit you need in real matches.

MLS vs FIFA: What’s the Deal?

Many fans wonder if Major League Soccer’s closed league (no promotion or relegation) breaks FIFA rules. The short answer: FIFA doesn’t force a promotion‑relegation model. Their statutes only require that leagues be organized under the national association and follow fair‑play principles.

MLS operates as a single‑entity structure where the league owns the teams. This is different from most European leagues, but it’s allowed because each club still registers with the U.S. Soccer Federation, which is a FIFA member. As long as clubs play the official calendar and adhere to transfer windows, FIFA has no objection.

The real debate is about growth. Critics say the lack of relegation reduces competition at the bottom of the table, while supporters argue it gives financial stability and helps the league invest in youth academies. Both sides have valid points, but none of it violates FIFA’s rulebook.

If you’re a player looking to join MLS, focus on the league’s strengths: good salaries, growing fan base, and a clear pathway to international tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions League. Knowing the system isn’t illegal also means you can plan your career without worrying about hidden sanctions.

In short, MLS’s unique setup is legal, and it’s shaping a distinct soccer culture in North America. Keep an eye on how the league evolves – future changes could bring promotion‑relegation or maintain the current model, but either way, it stays within FIFA’s guidelines.

That’s the May 2023 roundup. Try the 3-5-2 in your next training session, and use the MLS insights to fuel a lively conversation with your teammates. Got questions? Drop them in the comments and we’ll keep the discussion going.