Soccer, or football as it is known in many parts of the world, has a long and storied history in the United States. While the sport has struggled to gain a foothold in the crowded landscape of American professional sports, the Major League Soccer (MLS) has emerged as the top professional league in the country, attracting top players and growing in popularity year after year. In this article, we will explore the history of the MLS and take a look at all of the teams that currently make up the league.
The Early Days of American Soccer
Soccer has been played in the United States since the late 1800s, but it wasn't until the 1960s and 70s that the sport began to gain wider popularity. The North American Soccer League (NASL) was founded in 1968 and featured teams from across the United States and Canada. The league enjoyed some success in the 1970s, but it eventually folded in 1984 due to financial difficulties.
The Birth of the MLS
In the early 1990s, soccer was once again on the rise in the United States. The success of the 1994 World Cup, which was held in the United States, sparked renewed interest in the sport and laid the groundwork for the creation of the MLS. The league was founded in 1993 and began play in 1996 with 10 teams.
How Many MLS Teams are there?
Currently, there are 27 teams in the MLS. The league is divided into the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference, with each conference featuring seven teams.
When does the MLS Season Start?
The MLS season typically runs from March to November, with the top teams from each conference facing off in the MLS Cup playoffs to determine the champion.
MLS Teams, Locations, Stadiums, and Mascots
Below is a table listing all of the current MLS teams, their locations, stadium names, and mascots:
| Team | Location | Stadium Name | Mascot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta United FC | Atlanta, GA | Mercedes-Benz Stadium | Stripes |
| Austin FC | Austin, TX | Q2 Stadium | N/A |
| Chicago Fire FC | Bridgeview, IL | Soldier Field | Sparky the Dragon |
| Colorado Rapids | Commerce City, CO | Dick's Sporting Goods Park | Eddy the Eagle |
| Columbus Crew SC | Columbus, OH | Mapfre Stadium | Crew Cat |
| D.C. United | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field | Talon |
| FC Dallas | Frisco, TX | Toyota Stadium | Tex Hoops |
| Houston Dynamo | Houston, TX | BBVA Stadium | Dynamo Diesel |
| Inter Miami CF | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Inter Miami CF Stadium | N/A |
| LA Galaxy | Carson, CA | Dignity Health Sports Park | Cozmo |
| Los Angeles FC | Los Angeles, CA | Banc of California Stadium | N/A |
| Minnesota United FC | Saint Paul, MN | Allianz Field | PK the Loon |
| Nashville SC | Nashville, TN | Nissan Stadium | N/A |
| New England Revolution | Foxborough, MA | Gillette Stadium | Slyde |
| New York City FC | New York, NY | Yankee Stadium | Clawed |
| New York Red Bulls | Harrison, NJ | Red Bull Arena | Zola |
| Orlando City SC | Orlando, FL | Exploria Stadium | Kingston |
| Philadelphia Union | Chester, PA | Subaru Park | Phang |
| Portland Timbers | Portland, OR | Providence Park | Timber Joey |
| Real Salt Lake | Sandy, UT | Rio Tinto Stadium | Leo the Lion |
| San Jose Earthquakes | San Jose, CA | Earthquakes Stadium | Q |
| Seattle Sounders FC | Seattle, WA | Lumen Field | Blitz |
| Sporting Kansas City | Kansas City, MO | Children's Mercy Park | Blue the Mascot |
| Toronto FC | Toronto, ON | BMO Field | BMO |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | Vancouver, BC | BC Place | Spike the Eagle |
Conclusion
The MLS has come a long way since its inception in 1996, and today it is a thriving professional league with a devoted fan base. With teams located all across the United States and Canada, the MLS offers soccer fans the opportunity to cheer on their favorite club and experience the excitement of live professional soccer. Whether you are a seasoned fan or new to the beautiful game, the MLS has something for everyone.