Who is the greatest MLS team of all time? After Wilfried Nancy led the Columbus Crew to their second trophy in just nine months, it's time to look at their journey from the first season in 1996 all the way to 2024. From a strong regular season to success in the playoffs and continental competitions, there is a lot to take into account. That is why we have compiled a list of the greatest MLS teams in history, categorized by era. Each team's period of success cannot exceed five seasons, considering factors such as domestic success, continental success, and average league performance. Teams that have achieved double-digit achievements and consecutive successes across seasons are given special consideration. So, let's take a look at the best teams in MLS with Win Betting Tips in the following article.
Who is the best team in the MLS?
10. New England Revolution (2005-07)
Between 2005 and 2007, the New England Revolution enjoyed an impressive run of success, most notably winning the U.S. Open Cup in 2007, a significant milestone in the club's history. Although the Revolution was one of the strongest teams in the league, they had never won the MLS Cup, dominating the Eastern Conference for three consecutive seasons from 2005 to 2007. However, each time they reached the MLS Cup final, they were defeated, causing the title to elude the club.
Despite this, 2007 brought joy as the Revolution won the U.S. Open Cup with a dramatic 3-2 victory over FC Dallas. Pat Noonan, Taylor Twellman, and Wells Thompson all scored in the match, with Twellman scoring four goals and finishing second on the tournament's top scorer list. Under the guidance of coach Steve Nicol, the Revolution not only became a powerful force but also discovered the talent of Clint Dempsey. However, the team could not help but regret the missed opportunities to prove its absolute strength at the MLS Cup.
9. Kansas City Wizards (2000-04)
In 2000, the Kansas City Wizards established themselves as a force in the league by winning both the MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield, leaving a strong legacy in the club's history. In 2004, they continued their success by winning the U.S. Open Cup, adding another important trophy to their collection. Under the guidance of coach Bob Gansler, the Wizards achieved great success starting with the 1999 season. He led the team to the Supporters' Shield that season, and then won the MLS Cup double, a feat that could not have been achieved without the outstanding contribution of goalkeeper Tony Meola.
In the following seasons, the Wizards encountered some difficulties and experienced a decline in form, but they never lost their overall competitiveness. Notably, in 2004, the team won another U.S. Open Cup title, defeating the strong Chicago Fire, a victory that helped them maintain their place among the tournament's top teams.
8. Chicago Fire (2000-03)
From 2000 to 2003, the Chicago Fire enjoyed remarkable success, securing two U.S. Open Cup titles in 2000 and 2003, as well as the Supporters' Shield in 2003. This was a golden period in the club's history, as they established themselves as one of the league's best teams. With key players like Jesse Marsch and Chris Armas controlling the midfield, the Fire became a formidable force in the league. In 2000, the team won the Open Cup and reached the MLS Cup final, continuing their momentum from their first MLS Cup title under Bob Bradley in 1998.
Even when faced with the challenge of moving their home stadium to Naperville, Illinois, while Soldier Field underwent renovations, the Fire did not lose its edge. Under the guidance of coach Dave Sarachan, 2003 saw the team win a major trophy double, including the Supporters' Shield and the US Open Cup, further cementing their reputation. However, this was also the last great achievement for Chicago Fire, as the team had won only one more trophy since 2003, marking a regrettable decline after a glorious period.
7. Columbus Crew (2008-11)
In 2008 and 2009, Columbus Crew achieved great success, marking a glorious period in the history of the team. In 2008, they won the double, including the MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield, affirming their position as one of the strongest teams in the league. This impressive achievement was further consolidated in 2009 when the Crew successfully defended the Supporters' Shield, showing their stability and superior strength over two consecutive seasons.
To achieve these successes, Columbus Crew took significant strategic steps. Although the signing of stars Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Alejandro Moreno in 2007 was not immediately effective, it laid a solid foundation for future success. Under coach Sigi Schmid, the team not only won the double in 2008 but also had Chad Marshall named Defender of the Year. This marked the peak of Schmid's era at Columbus before he left to take over as head coach of the Seattle Sounders. However, the Crew maintained their form after Schmid's departure. Under coach Robert Warzycha, they went on to win the Supporters' Shield in 2009, cementing their status as one of the league's most successful teams during this period.
6. Los Angeles FC (2019-22)
From 2019 to 2022, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) made a strong mark in MLS history with a series of major titles. The team won the Supporters' Shield in both 2019 and 2022 and reached the pinnacle of success by winning the MLS Cup in 2022. These achievements not only affirmed LAFC's position but also marked a successful and ambitious era in the tournament.
Since its debut in 2018, LAFC has made a strong impression, redefining the standard for expansion teams. Under the leadership of coach Bob Bradley, the team quickly won the Supporters' Shield in 2019, with Carlos Vela shining brightly, winning the MLS Golden Boot and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. The success did not stop there, as Diego Rossi followed in 2020, winning the MLS Golden Boot and strengthening the team's offense. The pinnacle of this journey came in 2022 when LAFC not only won the Supporters' Shield but also won the MLS Cup. This was the result of a combination of individual talent and collective strength that made LAFC a new symbol of success in MLS history.
5. Toronto FC (2016-18)
Between 2016 and 2018, the team won several major titles, including the Canadian Championship in 2016, 2017, and 2018. They also won the MLS Cup in 2017 and the Supporters' Shield that same year, cementing their dominance both domestically and regionally. Another team that may have peaked above all others is Toronto FC. Their 2017 season was one of their best.
By winning the Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup, and Canadian Championship under Greg Vanney, Toronto established itself as one of the best teams in the history of the league, while Sebastian Giovinco cemented his legacy. By winning the Supporters' Shield with a whopping 12-point margin, Toronto dominated from start to finish, with Giovinco, Jozy Altidore, and Victor Vazquez all scoring 20 or more goals in all competitions.
TFC finished those seasons in the Canadian Championship with a memorable run, but their form dropped after Giovinco left.
Toronto FC went from first in the league in points to 19th a season later, with a 33-point drop, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
4. Seattle Sounders (2014-19)
Between 2014 and 2019, the Seattle Sounders enjoyed some impressive achievements, including winning the US Open Cup and the Supporters' Shield in 2014. The team also won the MLS Cup twice, in 2016 and 2019, cementing their position as a force in the league.
The Stefan Frei era began in Seattle under Schmid in 2014, bringing Seattle their first Supporters' Shield, before losing in the Western Conference Final to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Schmid left to manage the LA Galaxy in 2016, with Brian Schmetzer returning to the role of head coach. One of the best signings in MLS history soon followed in the form of Nicolas Lodeiro. Jordan Morris and Lodeiro made up for the loss of Clint Dempsey to an irregular heartbeat, leading Seattle to their first MLS Cup title in 2016. However, they didn’t stop there, winning another MLS Cup title in 2019.
3. Columbus Crew (2020-24)
In recent years, the team won several notable titles, including the MLS Cup in 2020 and 2023, the Champions League in 2021, and the League Cup in 2024, confirming their success and strength in the tournament. There are familiar faces everywhere as the Crew make their second appearance on this list. After being acquired by Jimmy Haslam - owner of the Cleveland Browns - a new era began in Columbus with Lucas Zelerayan and Darlington Nagbe joining in 2020. The duo quickly led the Crew to an MLS Cup title under Caleb Porter.
After a dip in form, Nancy took over the Crew in 2022, and Cucho Hernandez joined him.
While Zelerayan was sold to Saudi Arabia, Rossi joined the Crew to help re-energize the team, leading them on a nine-month run that saw the Crew win the 2023 MLS Cup, reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final, and win the 2024 Leagues Cup.
This team has the potential to be ranked higher on this list, as they are still in the running for the Supporters' Shield and could win back-to-back MLS Cups. It's an impressive way for a team to reinvent itself.
2. Los Angeles Galaxy (2010-14)
From 2010 to 2014, the Los Angeles Galaxy enjoyed a golden period, winning a series of important titles and cementing their place in MLS history. The team won the Supporters' Shield twice in 2010 and 2011 and won the MLS Cup three times in 2011, 2012, and 2014.
This achievement not only demonstrated outstanding stability but also affirmed the Galaxy's strength in a fiercely competitive era.
Under the leadership of coach Bruce Arena, the Galaxy became a perfect combination of global superstars such as Robbie Keane, David Beckham, and Landon Donovan. With the support of other key players, they played up to the high expectations placed on them. Winning three MLS Cups in four years and two Supporters' Shields is not only an incredible achievement, but it also establishes the Galaxy as a symbol of MLS success. In particular, the 2014 MLS Cup win made the Galaxy the first team in league history to win five MLS Cup titles, a historic achievement that underscored the legendary stature of the team.
1. D.C. United (1996-99)
From 1996 to 1999, D.C. United won many important titles, including three MLS Cup titles in 1996, 1997, and 1999. The team also won three Supporters' Shields in 1996 and 1997, along with two international titles, the Concacaf Champions Cup and Copa Interamericana in 1998. In addition, D.C. United won the U.S. Open Cup in 1996.
D.C. United's feats may never be equaled, having collected eight trophies in only three years. One of the few teams truly worthy of being called a dynasty, D.C. was led by Arena and immediately found success with the trio of Jaime Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, and Raul Diaz Arce. The success didn't stop there, as U.S. internationals including Eddie Pope, Jeff Agoos, and John Harkes were also part of the team. D.C. won consecutive MLS Cups in 1996 and 1997 and also collected two Supporters' Shields during this span, an Open Cup trophy, a Concacaf Champions Cup title, and a Copa Interamericana. They also took home the MLS Cup in 1999 with CBS Sports soccer analyst Thomas Rongen at the helm.
Conclusion
MLS has seen its fair share of great teams over the years. From the early dominance of D.C. United, who won three MLS Cups in their first four seasons, to the golden era of the Los Angeles Galaxy, who claimed three consecutive titles. Teams like Toronto FC, Columbus Crew, and Seattle Sounders have also made their mark by winning the double in different periods. Factors like domestic success, continental success, and consistency over multiple seasons have shaped their place in MLS history. With constant competition, the list of great teams will surely continue to change as new eras unfold.
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