subject: Major League Soccer - Then & Now [print this page] Having a primary goal to become the world's most competitive and prestigious soccer league, together with one among America's premier sports and entertainment properties, Major League Soccer is a large part of worldwide soccer news and is making great strides toward achieving its aim. With six teams making up the Eastern Conference and an equal number featured in the Western Conference, Major League Soccer is going strong with twelve clubs in only its 11th season.
However, soccer news recalls that the league has made excellent triumphs ever since its inception in 1993. Its inaugural season began in 1995 and soccer news stirred around the new formation of teams, event locations and new players. In 1996, soccer news reported the League's first player draft and spring training. As attendance persisted to grow, ESPN began televising soccer news and popularity leaped throughout the country. During this year, more soccer news reports and members of the media started covering MLS events. Supporters appeared in large fashion to get a peek of their fave teams and players.
In 1998, Major League Soccer underwent its very first expansion season, which ensured big modifications for the League. With the adding up of two teams, which delivered the club count from its original 10 to the twelve, soccer news introduced the latest League members as Chicago and Miami. Both teams turned out powerful throughout their first year as they advanced to the playoffs. The following year, in 1999, Columbus Crew Stadium officially opened as the first major league stadium in the United States that was built especially for soccer. Its presence paid off as countless numbers of fans packed the house to see featured competitions.
In 2002, Major League Soccer eliminated two of their 12 clubs from the roster and once more came back to 10 teams. Tampa Bay and Miami were no more League teams, but were swapped out in 2004 with other expansion teams. Real Salt Lake and Club Deportivo Chivas USA joined the League and dragged the club number back up to its current 12 teams.
The clubs of Major League Soccer consist of both domestic and international competitors. With such a diverse roster, players are constantly being shown in soccer news magazines, soccer news televised programs and interviews.
Nowadays, Major League Soccer continues to gain in popularity in the United States and all over the world. Cheering fans, thrilling competitions and major soccer news coverage are among the list of many indications that Major League Soccer is here to stay.
