2011 Major League Soccer Season Review
The 2011 Major League Soccer (MLS) season was a landmark year characterized by the dominance of the LA Galaxy and the expansion of the league's footprint. With 18 teams competing across the Eastern and Western Conferences, the season delivered high-scoring drama and a thrilling playoff race that culminated in a historic championship run.
The campaign was defined by the LA Galaxy's exceptional form, as they managed to secure both the Supporters' Shield—awarded to the team with the best regular-season record—and the MLS Cup. This dual success cemented their status as the powerhouse of North American soccer during this era.
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Key Facts
- Champions: LA Galaxy (3rd MLS Cup title).
- Supporters' Shield: LA Galaxy (4th shield).
- Top Goalscorers: Dwayne De Rosario and Chris Wondolowski (16 goals each).
- Total Goals: 791 goals scored across 306 matches (2.58 per match).
- Highest Attendance: 64,140 for San Jose Earthquakes vs. Seattle Sounders FC.
- Most Valuable Player: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United).
Season Performance and Standings
The regular season saw a fierce battle for supremacy. In the Western Conference, the LA Galaxy led the way with 67 points, followed closely by Seattle Sounders FC. The Eastern Conference was topped by Sporting Kansas City, who finished with 51 points.
Conference Leaders
The LA Galaxy dominated the overall standings, finishing first with 19 wins and only 5 losses. In the East, Sporting Kansas City's consistency earned them the top seed, though the Houston Dynamo and Philadelphia Union remained competitive throughout the year.
Statistical Highlights
The season was marked by several extreme streaks. The LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City shared the record for the longest unbeaten run at 14 matches. Conversely, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC struggled significantly, enduring a 14-match winless streak from March to June.
Offensively, the league saw high-scoring affairs, with the highest-scoring matches reaching 8 goals, such as the clash between Toronto FC and Philadelphia Union (2–6) and Seattle Sounders FC vs. Columbus Crew (6–2).
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Teams | 18 |
| Total Matches | 306 |
| Average Attendance | 17,872 |
| Biggest Home Win | NY 5–0 TOR |
| Biggest Away Win | DCU 0–4 NY, TOR 2–6 PHI, VAN 0–4 LA |
Individual Excellence and Awards
The 2011 season showcased a blend of established global stars and rising domestic talent. Dwayne De Rosario of D.C. United had a stellar year, claiming both the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and the Golden Boot (top scorer) awards.
Top Performers
- Goalkeeping: Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC) was named Goalkeeper of the Year and earned a spot in the Best XI.
- Defense: Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy) took home Defender of the Year honors.
- Coaching: Bruce Arena led the LA Galaxy to glory and was named Coach of the Year.
- New Talent: C.J. Sapong (Sporting Kansas City) was recognized as Rookie of the Year.
The Best XI for the season featured a formidable lineup: Kasey Keller in goal; Todd Dunivant, Omar Gonzalez, and Jámison Olave in defense; Thierry Henry and Chris Wondolowski leading the attack.
Stadiums and Infrastructure
The league operated across a variety of venues, ranging from intimate soccer-specific stadiums to massive NFL arenas. The New England Revolution's Gillette Stadium and the Seattle Sounders' Qwest Field provided the largest capacities, both exceeding 68,000 seats.
Notable Venues
- Highest Capacity: Gillette Stadium (68,756) and Qwest Field (68,740).
- Lowest Capacity: Buck Shaw Stadium (10,525).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2011 MLS Cup?
The LA Galaxy won the 2011 MLS Cup, marking their third title in league history.
Who were the top scorers of the season?
Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United) and Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) tied for the top spot with 16 goals each.
Which team had the longest unbeaten streak?
Both the LA Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City recorded the longest unbeaten runs of the season, each going 14 matches without a loss.
Who was the 2011 MLS MVP?
Dwayne De Rosario of D.C. United was named the Most Valuable Player for the 2011 season.
Which team struggled the most in 2011?
The Vancouver Whitecaps FC had a difficult campaign, recording the longest winless run of 14 matches and finishing at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.