What Is the MLS Supporters' Shield?
The Real Champion of Major League Soccer
In the world of Major League Soccer, there are numerous accolades and trophies that teams strive to win. One of those awards is the MLS Supporters' Shield.
This accolade holds a special place in the hearts of both fans and players, as it represents excellence in the regular season.
FC Cincinnati recently won their first-ever Supporters’ Shield trophy. Some soccer fans may not be aware of the Supporters’ Shield’s importance due to it lacking the importance of the MLS Cup.
The MLS Supporters' Shield Explained
The MLS Supporters' Shield is an annual award presented to the team that finishes the regular season with the best record in Major League Soccer. Unlike other trophies in MLS, such as the MLS Cup or the U.S. Open Cup, which are decided through knockout-style tournaments, the Supporters' Shield is awarded based on regular-season performance alone.
The winner of the Supporters' Shield is the team that accumulates the highest number of points throughout the regular season. In MLS, teams earn points through a system where they receive three points for a win, one point for a draw, and zero points for a loss. The team with the most points at the end of the regular season is crowned the recipient of the MLS Supporters' Shield.
What is the MLS Supporters' Shield
The MLS Supporters' Shield was first introduced in 1999, the inaugural season of Major League Soccer, with the goal of recognising the best-performing team during the regular season. Unfortunately, it is an often-overlooked and forgotten-about trophy. While it recognises the best team from the regular season, the MLS Cup, which is given out at the end of the playoffs, is seen as the most important prize in the league.
Significance of the MLS Supporters' Shield
Winning the Supporters' Shield is a significant achievement in MLS for several reasons:
Regular Season Excellence: The Supporters' Shield emphasizes the importance of consistency and excellence throughout the regular season, making it a true test of a team's quality over the course of a campaign.
Qualification for CONCACAF Champions League: The team that wins the Supporters' Shield also earns the right to represent MLS in the CONCACAF Champions League, a prestigious continental competition featuring clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Fan and Community Recognition: The award holds a special place in the hearts of MLS supporters, as it is often seen as a reflection of their unwavering dedication and passion for their teams.
Club Prestige: For clubs, winning the Supporters' Shield is a testament to their ability to build and maintain a strong squad over an entire season, adding to their reputation within the league.
Teams with Multiple Supporters' Shield Wins
Several MLS teams have distinguished themselves by winning the Supporters' Shield multiple times. As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, some of the notable teams with multiple Supporters' Shield victories include:
D.C. United: One of the league's founding clubs, D.C. United, and the first dynasty of MLS, have four Supporters’ Shields to their name. The Black and Red have not won a Supporters’ Shield since 2007, however.
LA Galaxy: The LA Galaxy, led by legendary players like Landon Donovan and David Beckham, won four Supporters’ Shields, with the most recent coming in 2011.
New York Red Bulls: The New York Red Bulls won three Supporters’ Shields between 2013 and 2018.
Columbus Crew: The Crew lifted three Supporters’ Shields in 2004, 2008, and 2009.
The MLS Supporters' Shield is a prestigious award that recognizes regular-season excellence in Major League Soccer. It serves as a testament to a team's consistency and quality over the course of a gruelling season. Winning the Supporters' Shield is a significant achievement for both players and fans, and it also provides the added bonus of qualifying for the CONCACAF Champions League, where MLS teams can compete on a broader stage. As the MLS continues to grow and evolve, the Supporters' Shield remains a coveted prize that adds excitement and meaning to the regular season.