Major League Soccer - Then & Now
By Aurel Radulescu
With it’s primary goal to be the world’s most competitive and prestigious league, along with one of America’s premier sports and entertainment properties, Major League is a large part of worldwide news and is making great strides toward accomplishing it’s objective. With 6 teams making up the Eastern Conference and an equal number featured in the Western Conference, Major League is going strong with 12 clubs in only it’s 11th season.

However, news recalls that the league has made great achievements since it’s inception in 1993. It’s inaugural season began in 1995 and news stirred around the new formation of teams, event locations and new players. In 1996, news reported the League’s first player draft and spring training. As attendance continued to grow, ESPN began televising news and popularity soared across the nation. During this year, more news reports and members of the media began covering MLS events. Supporters turned out in large fashion to catch a glimpse of their favorite teams and players.

In 1998, Major League underwent it’s first expansion season, which meant big changes for the League. With the addition of two teams, which brought the club count from it’s original 10 to the 12, news introduced the latest League members as Chicago and Miami. Both teams proved powerful during their first year as they advanced to the playoffs. The following year, in 1999, Columbus Crew Stadium officially opened as the first major league stadium in the United States that was constructed specifically for soccer. It’s presence paid off as thousands of fans packed the house to watch featured competitions.

In 2002, Major League removed 2 of their 12 clubs from the roster and once again returned to 10 teams. Tampa Bay and Miami were no longer League teams, but were replaced in 2004 with other expansion teams. Real Salt Lake and Club Deportivo Chivas USA joined the League and brought the club number back up to it’s current 12 teams.

The clubs of Major League consist of both domestic and international

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competitors. With such a diverse roster, players are constantly being featured in news magazines, news televised programs and interviews.

Today, Major League continues to gain in popularity in the United States and around the world. Cheering fans, exciting competitions and major news coverage are among the many indications that Major League is here to stay.

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