MLS: Everything To Know

MLS: History, Upcoming Matches 2024, Predictions, starters, Awards, Net worth, previous Highlights, Coach,Players, Records, Transfers, League And Everything To Know

Major League Soccer (MLS) isn’t just a soccer league; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has reshaped the sports landscape in North America. From passionate fans to star-studded matches, MLS has become an integral part of our sporting fabric.

A Brief History

• • MLS began playing in 1996 with ten teams.
  • By 1998, the league expanded to 12 teams.
  • However, due to rapid over-expansion and poor franchise placement, MLS eliminated two teams after the 2001 season, returning to ten teams.

Resurgence and Growth:

• • MLS resumed its expansion plans and began adding new teams:
    • 2010: Philadelphia Union (16 teams)
    • Also 2011: Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps (18 teams)
    • 2012: Montreal Impact (19 teams)
    • ALso 2015: NYCFC, Orlando City (20 teams)
    • 2017: Atlanta United, Minnesota United (22 teams)
    • And also in 2018: LAFC (23 teams)

Continued Expansion:

• • MLS has continued to grow, with more teams joining the league:
    • 2023: St. Louis City SC (29th team)
    • 2025: San Diego FC (planned for 30 teams)

Criteria for Awarding Expansion Franchises:

• • MLS considers several factors when awarding expansion franchises:
    • Committed owners with financial stability
    • Stadium plans (preferably soccer-specific)
    • Market size and local fan base

Future Outlook:

• • The league may expand to 32 teams in the future.
  • Expanding nationally is essential for securing TV rights fees and also achieving MLS’s goal of becoming a top global league.

Upcoming Matches 2024:

Here are some notable upcoming matches in the 2024 MLS season:

1. FC Dallas vs. Portland Timbers:
   • Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
   • Time: 00:30 (ET)
   • Venue: Toyota Stadium, Frisco
   • Win Probability: FC Dallas (41.8%), Portland Timbers (32.4%)
2. Also Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City:
   • Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
   • Time: 01:30 (ET)
   • Venue: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City
   • Win Probability: Colorado Rapids (59.4%), Sporting Kansas City (19.1%)
3. Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC:
   • Date: Friday, July 5, 2024
   • Time: 02:30 (ET)
   • Venue: Rose Bowl, Pasadena
   • Win Probability: Los Angeles Galaxy (32.8%), Los Angeles FC (42.6%)
4. Also Philadelphia Union vs. New York Red Bulls:
   • Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
   • Time: 23:30 (ET)
   • Venue: Subaru Park, Chester
   • Win Probability: Philadelphia Union (38.7%), New York Red Bulls (35.7%)
5. Columbus Crew vs. Toronto FC:
   • Date: Saturday, July 6, 2024
   • Time: 23:30 (ET)
   • Venue: Lower.com Field, Columbus
   • Win Probability: Columbus Crew (64.3%), Toronto FC (15.6%)

Predictions and Awards:

• MLS Cup Title Odds:
  • Inter Miami (+250) with Lionel Messi leading the charge.
  • Also Defending champions Columbus Crew, LAFC, and FC Cincinnati are strong contenders.
  • New York Red Bulls are a surprising dark horse.
• Individual Awards:
  • Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player:
    • Luciano ‘Lucho’ Acosta (FC Cincinnati), Thiago Almada (Atlanta United), and Dénis Bouanga (LAFC) are finalists.
  • Also Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year:
    • Bradley Carnell (St. Louis CITY SC), Pat Noonan (FC Cincinnati), and Wilfried Nancy (Columbus Crew) are contenders.
  • Allstate MLS Goalkeeper of the Year:
    • Pedro Gallese (Orlando City SC), Roman Bürki (St. Louis CITY SC), and also Roman Celentano (FC Cincinnati) are finalists.
  • Also ML Newcomer of the Year:
    • Eduard Löwen (St. Louis CITY SC), Giorgos Giakoumakis (Atlanta United), and also Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF) are competing.

The MLS Experience

1. Franchise System:
   • MLS operates on a franchise model, with teams representing cities across the U.S. and Canada.
   • Each team has its unique identity, fan base, and also stadium.
2. Player Diversity:
   • ML blends homegrown talent with international stars.
   • From Wayne Rooney to Carlos Vela, the league also attracts players from around the world.
3. Also Fan Culture:
   • Supporters’ groups create an electric atmosphere at matches.
   • Tifos, chants, and tailgates also make MLS games an unforgettable experience.
4. Rivalries:
   • El Tráfico (LAFC vs. LA Galaxy), the Cascadia Cup (Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders), and also the Hudson River Derby (New York Red Bulls vs. NYCFC) are just a few of the intense rivalries.
5. Global Impact:
   • ML collaborates with international leagues, participates in tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions League, and also showcases its talent worldwide.

Looking Ahead

• ML continues to grow, with new teams, stadiums, and investment pouring in.
• The league’s impact extends beyond the pitch,also influencing youth development and soccer culture.