Those that think the league should resemble those in Europe more are referred to as Euro-snobs. Those that think it should be more "American" are usually reminded that the league used to take a more "American" approach but it failed to capture the interest of a very educated soccer population in this country.
Schedules, playoffs, single table or not, relegation, etc. are always open for discussion. But perhaps the biggest of them all is who is the league's true champion, MLS Cup winner or Supporter Shield winner?
"American" fans will say MLS Cup winner, "Euro-snobs" will say Supporter Shield winner.
I constantly go back and forth because I can see the benefit of both parties' arguments.
So awhile back I floated the idea on BigSoccer that the league should play a Super Cup game pitting the MLS Cup winner against the Supporter Shield winner. I suggested it be the first game of the following year or could even be played in the off season as a charity match to raise money for a worthy cause.
Not too many agreed with me or some thought it was a good idea but that it would never happen because it was gimmicky. I still think it is a good idea.
Anyway, so recently I went back through the leagues schedules to see who would have won the Super Cup had it been contested. To keep it simple I just looked at the first game played between the two teams the following year no matter whose home pitch it was played on.
It was fun and kept me entertained for a few days as I went back through the old schedules and looked for articles about the games.
Here is what I came up with;
1997 - unknown (Tampa Bay won the Supporters Shield, DC United won MLS Cup. I haven't been able to find a schedule that goes that far back to see who won their first game in 1997.)
1998 - DC United undisputed
1999 - unknown (LA won the Supporters Shield, Chicago won MLS Cup. Still looking for a schedule for 1999 season.)
2000 - DC United undisputed
2001 - Kansas City Wizards undisputed
2002 - Not Contested (Miami Fusion won the Supporters Shield, San Jose won MLS Cup. Miami Fusion went out of business in 2002 leaving the Super Cup uncontested.)
2003 - LA Galaxy undisputed
2004 - Chicago Fire (Played San Jose on May 10th in Chicago to a 0 - 0 draw. They met again on May 31st in San Jose and Chicago won 4 - 1.)
2005 - DC United (Played Columbus Crew on May 8th in DC to a 1 - 1 draw. They met again on June 19th in DC again and the Crew were beaten 3 - 1.)
2006 - Not Contested (This game would have been epic. San Jose vs LA, but unfortunately San Jose moved to Houston 2006 due to stadium issues. I chose not look at the first Houston vs LA game of 2006. That wouldn't be fair to the San Jose fans.)
2007 - DC United (Played Houston on April 15th in DC and won 2 - 0.)
2008 - DC United (Played Houston on May 26th in DC and won 2 - 1.)
2009 and beyond look for subsequent posts with photos and articles.
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I also invisioned a big ass trophy that would stand out, black, like some ancient greek pottery that all leagues around the world would envy.
Anyway, it could happen.
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