MLS: The Fun and Exciting Game of Soccer in the US

MLS

: Soccer League

What Is MLS?

You've been hearing a lot lately about soccer becoming a big deal here in the good old US of A. And you're thinking, wait a second, doesn't the rest of the world call it football? You're not wrong! But here in America, we've got our own professional league called Major League Soccer, or MLS for short. Stick with me, and I'll give you the lowdown on why MLS is the most fun and exciting sports league around. With star players from across the globe, devoted fans, and games jam-packed with action, you'll see why soccer - er, football - fever is sweeping the nation. So get ready to get hyped about headers, corner kicks, penalty shots and more. MLS just might become your new favorite sport!

The History of Major League Soccer (MLS)

Major League Soccer or MLS is the top-tier professional soccer league in the US and Canada. Founded in 1993, MLS features 26 teams across the US and Canada, with plans to expand to 30 teams. 

A Growing League

The league has come a long way since its early days. Initially consisting of only 10 teams, MLS has added 16 new teams over the last 10 years and continues to grow quickly. New expansion teams in Austin, St. Louis, and Charlotte will join the league over the next few years.

An Exciting Brand of Soccer

If you enjoy fast-paced, attacking soccer, MLS is the league for you. MLS is focused on an exciting style of play with lots of goals and highlights. The quality of play has also improved dramatically over the years. Top players from Europe and South America now view MLS as an attractive destination and young American stars are developing in the league.

Support Your Local Team

One of the best parts of MLS is the opportunity to support your hometown club. MLS teams have passionate fanbases, especially the Seattle Sounders, Atlanta United, LA Galaxy, and Portland Timbers. Attending a game in person is an unforgettable experience, with loud fans, great atmospheres, tailgating, and more. 

MLS may not have the prestige of the Premier League or La Liga yet, but it's an entertaining league on the rise. If you're looking to follow an up-and-coming soccer competition, look no further than Major League Soccer.

Why MLS Is Growing in Popularity

MLS soccer has seen huge growth in popularity over the last decade. More fans are turning out for games, and TV viewership numbers keep breaking records. There are a few reasons why MLS is becoming a major league.

Exciting play

The action on the field is thrilling to watch. MLS showcases some of the most exciting players and plays in soccer. The athleticism, skill, and drama keep fans on the edge of their seats. New generations of homegrown stars, like Atlanta United’s Josef Martinez or LAFC’s Carlos Vela, are scoring amazing goals that go viral online.  

New stadiums

MLS teams have built soccer-specific stadiums that provide an unbeatable live experience. These intimate venues are packed with passionate fans singing, chanting, and cheering on their clubs. The energy and atmosphere at places like Providence Park in Portland or Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City are hard to match.  

Rising talent

MLS has become a launching pad for rising stars. Players like Miguel Almiron, Alphonso Davies, and Tyler Adams have moved on to top European clubs, showing that MLS develops world-class talent. At the same time, more international stars in their prime are coming to MLS, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gonzalo Higuain, and Chicharito. 

Growth of soccer culture

Soccer has become hugely popular among younger Americans who grew up playing the sport. MLS taps into the passion of this demographic and is building a soccer culture in North America. Fan groups, watch parties, fantasy games, and more have created communities around following MLS.

The combination of an exciting product on the field, great venues, rising talent, and a growing soccer culture in North America points to a bright future for MLS. The league has firmly established itself as a major player in professional sports, and its popularity will likely only continue to increase in the years to come.

MLS Teams, Players, and Stadiums

Star-Studded Rosters

The MLS showcases some of the best soccer players in the world. Major stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović, Wayne Rooney, and Carlos Vela light up the pitch with amazing plays and lots of goals. Homegrown players are also rising through the ranks, like 19-year-old sensation Alphonso Davies, who plays for Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Historic Stadiums

Several MLS teams play in iconic stadiums built for the 1994 World Cup.  CenturyLink Field, home of Seattle Sounders FC, and Red Bull Arena, home of New York Red Bulls,  are renowned for their atmosphere. New soccer-specific stadiums are raising the bar, like LAFC’s Banc of California Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue in downtown Los Angeles.

Regional Rivalries

Just like other major sports leagues, the MLS has intense rivalries between close teams. The California Clásico pits LA Galaxy against  LAFC.  Cascadia Cup matches are hugely popular, with Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders, and Vancouver Whitecaps all vying for the fan-created trophy. Canadian teams Toronto FC and Montreal Impact also have a long-standing rivalry, competing for the Voyageurs Cup.

The growing quality of play, world-class facilities, and passion of the fans are all reasons why the MLS is quickly becoming one of the most prominent soccer leagues in the world. Support your local club and you’ll experience the exciting, community-driven culture of soccer that’s sweeping North America.

MLS FAQs: Common Questions About the League

What does MLS stand for?  

MLS stands for Major League Soccer. It’s the top-tier professional soccer league in the US and Canada.

When did MLS start?  

MLS kicked off its inaugural season in 1996 with 10 teams. It has since grown to 28 teams across the US and Canada. The league’s newest expansion teams, Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC, joined in 2020.

What’s the MLS season schedule? 

The MLS regular season runs from March to October, with each team playing 34 games. The playoffs, known as the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, start in October and end with the championship match, MLS Cup, in November. Teams also compete in the Canadian Championship and Leagues Cup.

Where can I watch MLS games?

You can catch MLS matches on the ESPN networks, FOX Sports, Univision, and TSN in the US and Canada. Many games are also streamed on the ESPN+ and TSN GO streaming services.

Local TV deals mean some games are only available on regional sports networks. All out-of-market games are available on the MLS LIVE streaming package.

Can I go to an MLS game? 

Absolutely! Tickets for most MLS games start around $20-30. Some of the most popular teams, like Atlanta United, Seattle Sounders, and LA Galaxy may charge $50 or more for good seats. But deals can always be found. The atmosphere at MLS stadiums is fun, family-friendly, and very passionate. Singing, chanting, and waving team flags are highly encouraged!

With new world-class stadiums, rising stars, and an exciting style of play, MLS provides an entertaining soccer experience for fans. Check it out—you may just get hooked like so many others have.