Here are the results of the February, 1997 poll, in which 1050 fans voiced their opinions about the shootout and the number of foreign players that MLS teams should field.
Question 1: Which of the following options should be used if an MLS game ends in a tie?
| Nothing, both teams receive one point for a tie | 353 |
| 30-minute sudden-death OT, one point each if still tied | 290 |
| 30-minute sudden death, shootout if still tied | 273 |
| Go directly to a shootout | 103 |
| Go directly to penalty kicks | 32 |
Question 2: Do you support the shootout?
| No | 679 |
| Yes | 371 |
Question 3: How many foreign players should MLS teams be allowed to field?
| 5 players | 689 |
| 4 players | 264 |
| 3 players | 82 |
| 2 players | 13 |
| 1 player | 4 |
| no players | 7 |