MLS 2020 Season: A Year of Resilience and Triumph
The 2020 Major League Soccer (MLS) season stands as one of the most unique chapters in North American sports history. Marking the league's 25th anniversary, the season was defined by its adaptability in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic, shifting from a traditional calendar to a fragmented schedule that included a specialized tournament and restricted attendance.
The season began on February 29 and was quickly suspended by March 8. It later resumed with the MLS is Back Tournament from July 8 to August 11, followed by the completion of the regular season and a postseason that culminated in the MLS Cup on December 12.
Key Facts
- MLS Cup Champion: Columbus Crew SC (their 2nd title).
- Supporters' Shield Winner: Philadelphia Union (their 1st shield).
- Top Scorer: Diego Rossi with 14 goals.
- Highest Attendance: 69,301 for Atlanta United FC vs. FC Cincinnati on March 7.
- Total Matches Played: 292.
- Tournament Winner: Orlando City SC won the MLS is Back Tournament.
Season Structure and Competition
The 2020 campaign was split into three distinct phases to accommodate health restrictions. After the initial suspension, the league introduced the MLS is Back Tournament, a condensed competition designed to restart play safely. Following this, teams competed to finish their regular season matches to determine playoff seeding.
The regular season saw the Philadelphia Union dominate the standings with 47 points, securing the Supporters' Shield. However, the Columbus Crew SC proved to be the most clinical in the postseason, eventually claiming the MLS Cup.
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Champion | Columbus Crew SC |
| Supporters' Shield | Philadelphia Union |
| Golden Boot (Top Scorer) | Diego Rossi (14 goals) |
| MLS is Back Winner | Orlando City SC |
| Total Goals per Match | 2.83 |
Notable Performances and Records
Individual brilliance was a hallmark of the season. Diego Rossi led the league in scoring, while Orlando City SC displayed remarkable consistency, maintaining an 11-game unbeaten streak from August 26 to October 18. Other impressive runs included D.C. United (9 games) and the LA Galaxy (6 games).
The season also witnessed high-scoring affairs, with the most goals in a single match occurring on October 7, when Portland Timbers defeated LA 6–3 in a 9-goal thriller. Other significant margins included Seattle Sounders' 7–1 victory over San Jose on September 10.
Stadiums and Attendance
Attendance varied wildly due to COVID-19 restrictions. While the season opened with massive crowds—such as the 69,301 fans who watched Atlanta United FC face FC Cincinnati—many venues later operated under strict limits. For example, FC Cincinnati's Nippert Stadium saw no fans during their 2020 home matches.
The league also saw infrastructure changes, with several stadiums being renamed during the 2019–20 offseason and another renaming occurring just before the 2020 postseason.
International Qualification
Performance in the 2020 season determined slots for the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League (the premier club competition for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean). Qualifiers included:
- United States: Atlanta United FC, Columbus Crew SC, Philadelphia Union, and Portland Timbers.
- Canada: Toronto FC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2020 MLS Cup?
Columbus Crew SC won the 2020 MLS Cup, marking the second title in the club's history.
What was the MLS is Back Tournament?
The MLS is Back Tournament was a specialized competition held from July 8 to August 11, 2020, to restart the season following the COVID-19 suspension. It was won by Orlando City SC.
Who was the top goalscorer of the season?
Diego Rossi was the top scorer of the 2020 season, netting a total of 14 goals.
Which team won the Supporters' Shield in 2020?
The Philadelphia Union won their first Supporters' Shield, finishing the regular season with the best overall record and 47 points.
How did the pandemic affect stadium attendance?
Attendance was heavily impacted by health restrictions; while some early matches had large crowds, other teams, such as FC Cincinnati, played home matches with no fans allowed in the stadium.