| With it's primary goal to be the world's most | | | | powerful during their first year as they |
| competitive and prestigious soccer league, | | | | advanced to the playoffs. The following |
| along with one of America's premier sports | | | | year, in 1999, Columbus Crew Stadium |
| and entertainment properties, Major League | | | | officially opened as the first major league |
| Soccer is a large part of worldwide soccer | | | | stadium in the United States that was |
| news and is making great strides toward | | | | constructed specifically for soccer. It's |
| accomplishing it's objective. With 6 teams | | | | presence paid off as thousands of fans packed |
| making up the Eastern Conference and an equal | | | | the house to watch featured competitions. |
| number featured in the Western Conference, | | | | |
| Major League Soccer is going strong with 12 | | | | In 2002, Major League Soccer removed 2 of |
| clubs in only it's 11th season. | | | | their 12 clubs from the roster and once again |
| | | | returned to 10 teams. Tampa Bay and Miami |
| However, soccer news recalls that the league | | | | were no longer League teams, but were |
| has made great achievements since it's | | | | replaced in 2004 with other expansion teams. |
| inception in 1993. It's inaugural season | | | | Real Salt Lake and Club Deportivo Chivas USA |
| began in 1995 and soccer news stirred around | | | | joined the League and brought the club number |
| the new formation of teams, event locations | | | | back up to it's current 12 teams. |
| and new players. In 1996, soccer news | | | | |
| reported the League's first player draft and | | | | The clubs of Major League Soccer consist of |
| spring training. As attendance continued to | | | | both domestic and international competitors. |
| grow, ESPN began televising soccer news and | | | | With such a diverse roster, players are |
| popularity soared across the nation. During | | | | constantly being featured in soccer news |
| this year, more soccer news reports and | | | | magazines, soccer news televised programs and |
| members of the media began covering MLS | | | | interviews. |
| events. Supporters turned out in large | | | | |
| fashion to catch a glimpse of their favorite | | | | Today, Major League Soccer continues to gain |
| teams and players. | | | | in popularity in the United States and around |
| | | | the world. Cheering fans, exciting |
| In 1998, Major League Soccer underwent it's | | | | competitions and major soccer news coverage |
| first expansion season, which meant big | | | | are among the many indications that Major |
| changes for the League. With the addition of | | | | League Soccer is here to stay. |
| two teams, which brought the club count from | | | | |
| it's original 10 to the 12, soccer news | | | | offers real time Major League Soccer news |
| introduced the latest League members as | | | | and many other sports news including FIFA |
| Chicago and Miami. Both teams proved | | | | word cup. |