Who is the greatest MLS team of all time? After Wilfried Nancy led the Columbus Crew to their second trophy in just nine months, we need to look at how things have gone from their 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 by era. They cannot last longer than five seasons with factors such as domestic success, continental success and average league performance. Teams that have achieved double-digit success as well as consecutive successes in 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 memorable milestone in the club's history. Although the Revolution were 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, finishing second in 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 cannot help but regret the missed opportunities to prove its absolute strength at 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, marking a strong mark 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 immediately achieved great success starting in the 1999 season. He led the team to the Supporters' Shield that season, then won the MLS Cup double, a feat that could not have been achieved without the outstanding contribution of goalkeeper Tony Meola.
The following seasons, the Wizards encountered some difficulties and took a step back, but they never lost their form. Notably, in 2004, the team added another victory to the US Open Cup, defeating the in-form 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 impressive success, including two U.S. Open Cup wins in 2000 and 2003, along with 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 stars like Jesse Marsch and Chris Armas dominating the midfield, the Fire became a force to be reckoned with. In 2000, the team won the Open Cup and reached the MLS Cup final, building on their success 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 their 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 greatness for Chicago Fire, as the team has 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 made important strategic steps. The signing of stars Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Alejandro Moreno in 2007, although not immediately effective, laid a solid foundation for future success. Under coach Sigi Schmid, the team not only won the double in 2008, but also saw Chad Marshall named Defender of the Year. This was also the peak of Schmid's era at Columbus, before he left to take over at the Seattle Sounders. However, the Crew did not lose 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) has made a strong mark in MLS history with a series of major titles. The team won the Supporters' Shield in 2019 and 2022, and reached the pinnacle when 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 when winning the MLS Golden Boot and the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title. The success did not stop there, when Diego Rossi followed in 2020 and won the MLS Golden Boot, strengthening the team's offensive strength. 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 three times 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 any other is Toronto FC. Their 2017 season was one of their best ever.
Winning the Supporters' Shield, MLS Cup, and Canadian Championship under Greg Vanney, Toronto established themselves as one of the best teams in the history of the league while Sebastian Giovinco cemented his legacy in the league. Winning the Supporters' Shield by a whopping 12 points, it was a domination from start to finish with Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Victor Vazquez all scoring 20 or more goals in all competitions. TFC would finish those seasons in the Canadian Championship on a memorable run before dropping down the pecking order after Giovinco left. Toronto FC went from first in the league in points to 19th a season later, with a 33-point difference and failing to qualify for the playoffs.
4. Seattle Sounders (2014-19)
Between 2014 and 2019, the Seattle Sounders enjoyed a number of 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, which would also bring Seattle their first Supporters' Shield before losing in the Western Conference Final to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Schmid would leave 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 would soon follow in the form of Nicolas Lodeiro. Jordan Morris and Lodeiro would make up for the loss of Clint Dempsey to an irregular heartbeat to lead Seattle to their first MLS Cup title in 2016 but they wouldn't stop at winning another MLS Cup title in 2019.
3. Columbus Crew (2020-24)
In recent years, the team has won a number of 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 makes 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 will take over the Crew in 2022 and Cucho Hernandez will join him. While Zelerayan was sold to Saudi Arabia, Rossi joined the Crew to help re-energize, leading 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 is a team that could be 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 to reinvent yourself.
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 showed outstanding stability but also affirmed the strength of the Galaxy 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 and underscoring 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 with eight trophies collected in only three years. One of the few teams truly worthy of being called a dynasty, D.C. were led by Arena and immediately found success with the trio of Jaime Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, and Raul Diaz Arce. It wouldn't stop there with U.S. internationals including Eddie Pope, Jeff Agoos, and John Harkes also in the side. D.C. would win consecutive MLS Cups in 1996 and 1997 but 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 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 won 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 are written.
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