The birth of Major League Soccer. Fans at the Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California, prepare to watch San Jose Clash take on DC United in the first ever MLS match.
The birth of Major League Soccer. Fans at the Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California, prepare to watch San Jose Clash take on DC United in the first ever MLS match.
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Those in attendance saw Eric Wynalda score the first ever MLS goal, firing San Jose Clash to a narrow 1-0 victory over DC United.
Those in attendance saw Eric Wynalda score the first ever MLS goal, firing San Jose Clash to a narrow 1-0 victory over DC United.
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The early MLS provided a mix of footballing excitement, strange rule changes (among which were countdowns at the end of each half and no tie games) and questionable haircuts. Here, the mulleted Eric Eichmann of Kansas City Wizards runs with the ball during the Wizards 1996 season 3-2 MLS win over the San Jose Clash.
The early MLS provided a mix of footballing excitement, strange rule changes (among which were countdowns at the end of each half and no tie games) and questionable haircuts. Here, the mulleted Eric Eichmann of Kansas City Wizards runs with the ball during the Wizards 1996 season 3-2 MLS win over the San Jose Clash.
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A number of global footballing stars like Colombia's Carlos Valderrama (center) were tempted to exhibit their skills in the MLS in the late 90s. Valderrama played for Tampa Bay Mutiny between 1996 and 2001 when the Mutiny were disbanded.
A number of global footballing stars like Colombia's Carlos Valderrama (center) were tempted to exhibit their skills in the MLS in the late 90s. Valderrama played for Tampa Bay Mutiny between 1996 and 2001 when the Mutiny were disbanded.
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Three MLS franchises have folded over the course of the league's existence. Tampa Bay and Miami Fusion in 2001 as well as Chivas USA most recently in 2014. Here, fans of Chivas USA provide noise and color to welcome their team at one of their last ever games.
Three MLS franchises have folded over the course of the league's existence. Tampa Bay and Miami Fusion in 2001 as well as Chivas USA most recently in 2014. Here, fans of Chivas USA provide noise and color to welcome their team at one of their last ever games.
After a promising start, dwindling attendances became a problem at a number of MLS clubs. This 2005 match between the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars and Real Salt Lake was played in front of a paltry crowd at Giants Stadium.
After a promising start, dwindling attendances became a problem at a number of MLS clubs. This 2005 match between the New York/New Jersey Metro Stars and Real Salt Lake was played in front of a paltry crowd at Giants Stadium.
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But by 2007, the MLS was attracting bona fide football megastars. It was then that David Beckham shocked the world by moving from Real Madrid to Los Angeles Galaxy.
But by 2007, the MLS was attracting bona fide football megastars. It was then that David Beckham shocked the world by moving from Real Madrid to Los Angeles Galaxy.
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Average attendances at MLS games have picked up in recent years as the popularity of the sport has grown. Here, a packed crowd watches Seattle Sounders FC take on Colorado Rapids at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, in 2014.
Average attendances at MLS games have picked up in recent years as the popularity of the sport has grown. Here, a packed crowd watches Seattle Sounders FC take on Colorado Rapids at CenturyLink Field, Seattle, in 2014.
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Hail to the Chief. The MLS cup winners pilgrimage to the White House has become an annual tradition. LA Galaxy made the trip after they defeated New England Revolution in the 2014 final.
Hail to the Chief. The MLS cup winners pilgrimage to the White House has become an annual tradition. LA Galaxy made the trip after they defeated New England Revolution in the 2014 final.
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