A Complete Review of 2019 MLS Season and What to Expect in 2020
As I sit down to reflect on the 2019 MLS season, I can't help but draw parallels to that incredible moment in women's futsal where Judy Connolly scored the equalizer for the Philippines against Uzbekistan. Just like that dramatic 3-3 draw in Tashkent, the 2019 MLS season was filled with unexpected twists and emotional highs that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the year. Having followed North American soccer for over a decade, I've witnessed the league's remarkable evolution, and 2019 might just represent its most transformative chapter yet.
The 2019 season kicked off with what many considered the most competitive field in MLS history, featuring 24 teams battling for supremacy. What struck me most was the sheer unpredictability - the Seattle Sounders, who finished the regular season in second place in the Western Conference with 56 points, went on to claim their second MLS Cup in four years. I remember watching that final against Toronto FC and thinking how far the league had come in terms of tactical sophistication and technical quality. The game itself was a masterclass in strategic patience, with Seattle's 3-1 victory showcasing the kind of mature, possession-based football that would have been rare in the league just five years earlier.
What really stood out to me was the emergence of young American talent alongside established international stars. While Zlatan Ibrahimović was grabbing headlines with his 30 goals for LA Galaxy, homegrown players like Jordan Morris were making equally significant contributions. The league saw a record 312 goals scored by American players last season, representing about 42% of all goals scored. This development signals a healthy balance between star power and domestic development that bodes well for the future of American soccer. I've always believed that the true measure of a league's health is its ability to develop local talent while maintaining global appeal, and MLS seems to be hitting that sweet spot.
The supporter culture in 2019 reached new heights, with average attendance climbing to 21,310 per match - the second-highest in league history. Having attended matches in multiple cities last season, I can personally attest to the electric atmosphere in stadiums from Atlanta to Portland. The passion reminded me of that intense futsal qualifier in Tashkent, where every goal mattered deeply to both teams and their supporters. This growing engagement isn't just happening in the stands either - television viewership increased by 6% compared to 2018, with the MLS Cup final drawing approximately 1.2 million viewers across English-language platforms.
Looking ahead to 2020, several developments have me particularly excited. The introduction of Inter Miami CF and Nashville SC expands the league to 26 teams, continuing the strategic growth that has characterized MLS in recent years. Based on what I've seen in preseason preparations, Miami's ambitious recruitment strategy could shake up the Eastern Conference significantly. The league's continued investment in youth development is another trend worth watching - the number of homegrown players making first-team appearances increased by 18% last season, and I expect this trend to accelerate in 2020.
The tactical evolution of the league continues to fascinate me. We're seeing more coaches implementing sophisticated pressing systems and complex build-up patterns rather than relying on individual brilliance alone. Teams like LAFC under Bob Bradley have demonstrated how effective a cohesive tactical philosophy can be - their record-breaking 72-point regular season was no fluke. I predict we'll see more teams adopting data-driven approaches to player recruitment and in-game strategy, following the model that has proven successful in other major leagues.
From a commercial perspective, the new media rights negotiations looming in 2022 will undoubtedly influence strategic decisions made throughout the 2020 season. The league's current $90 million annual deal with ESPN, Fox, and Univision represents significant growth from previous agreements, but I believe there's substantial upside given the increasing quality of play and expanding fan base. The potential for more flexible scheduling and innovative broadcast formats could further enhance the viewer experience.
As someone who's followed MLS since its inception, I'm genuinely optimistic about what 2020 will bring. The foundation built in 2019 - with its compelling narratives, competitive balance, and quality football - sets the stage for another memorable season. Much like how Judy Connolly's last-minute equalizer created momentum for the Philippines team, the successes of 2019 have generated positive energy that should carry through to the new season. The continued development of soccer-specific stadiums, the growing sophistication of front offices, and the increasing quality of coaching all point toward a league that's maturing in all the right ways. While challenges remain, particularly around roster regulations and salary cap constraints, the overall trajectory points upward. The 2020 season promises to build on this momentum, potentially delivering the most competitive and entertaining campaign in MLS history.