When did Major League Soccer begin play?
Major League Soccer began play on the 6th of April 1996. The inaugural match featured the San Jose Clash defeating D.C. United in front of 31,000 fans at Spartan Stadium in San Jose.
Questions about Major League Soccer
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who was the first player signed by Major League Soccer?
Tab Ramos became the first player signed by Major League Soccer on the 3rd of January 1995. He was assigned to the New York/New Jersey MetroStars upon signing.
Which team opened the first soccer-specific stadium for Major League Soccer?
Columbus Crew Stadium opened in 1999 as the first soccer-specific stadium in Major League Soccer history. This venue marked a turning point for the league's financial stability and fan experience.
How many teams are currently in Major League Soccer?
There are 30 teams in Major League Soccer as of 2025. Each team plays two matches home and away against other teams within their conference and six matches against teams from the opposite conference.
What is the average attendance record set by Seattle Sounders FC?
The 2009 season saw Seattle Sounders FC begin play and set a new average attendance record for the league at 30,943 spectators per match. They were the first expansion team to qualify for the playoffs since 1998.