Football world: What is the MLS?
Let's explore Major League Soccer
The MLS is a football (or soccer) league that is growing in popularity. There are many differences to other leagues from throughout the world. This article will explore these differences and explore some iconic players from the last twenty or so years.
A little bit of history
Picture credit - Aftn Canada | Flickr
The MLS is the most recent in a series of men's premier professional national soccer leagues established in the United States and Canada. It is the predecessor of MLS was the North American Soccer League (NASL). This league existed from 1968 until 1984.
Its history essentially dates back to 1988, when the United States bid to host the 1994 World Cup. The United States governing body for the sport said they would establish a tier 1 professional league in exchange for the right to host the World Cup. In 1993, U.S. Soccer selected Major League Professional Soccer (the precursor to MLS) as the exclusive Division 1 professional soccer league. Major League Soccer was then officially formed in February 1995 as a limited liability company.
Major differences
As we have already said, there are many differences between the MLS and most domestic leagues. The season typically starts in late February or early March and runs through mid-October, with each team playing 34 games; the team with the best record is awarded the Supporters' Shield. Fourteen teams compete in the postseason MLS Cup Playoffs in late October and November, culminating in the league's championship game, the MLS Cup.
Instead of operating as an association of independently owned clubs, MLS is a single entity in which each team is owned by the league and individually operated by the league's investors. The league has a fixed membership like most sports leagues in the United States and Canada. It does not use a promotion and relegation process.
Iconic players
The MLS has seen many iconic players ply their trade in the league.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney joined Major League Soccer after signing with D.C. United in 2018. He spent two seasons with the club, where he recorded 23 goals and 15 assists in 48 games. He is now manager of the club after a spell as player and manager with Derby County in the English Championship.
Andrea Pirlo
After his arrival to the United States, Pirlo became a leader for New York City. Beyond his one goal and 18 assists, he played a huge part in shaping the culture at the club.
David Beckham.
No player has had a bigger impact on American soccer. With LA Galaxy, Beckham won two MLS Cups and two Supporters’ Shields. He continues to impact the league as a co-owner of the South Florida expansion team Inter Miami.