MLS
Published: | Updated:Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in the United States and Canada that has grown in popularity in recent years. In this article, we’ll explore the history of MLS, the different types of bets you can place on MLS matches, what are the MLS Finals, and some of the most popular players in the league.
History of Major League Soccer
The league was founded in 1993 as part of the United States’ bid to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The league began play in 1996 with 10 teams and has since expanded to 28 teams, with 24 in the United States and 4 in Canada.
Major League Soccer has undergone notable changes and restructuring over the past years. This includes the introduction of a single-entity ownership structure, the creation of a salary cap and a draft system, and the addition of new teams and stadiums.
MLS has also become known for attracting high-profile international players to its clubs, including Thierry Henry, David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Wayne Rooney, and others.
MLS Odds and Bet Types, Explained
Betting on soccer matches is a popular entertainment for many fans, and Major League Soccer is no exception. There are several types of bets you can place on league matches:
Moneyline: A moneyline bet is simply a bet on which team will win the match. The odds for each team are listed, and you place your bet on the team you think will win.
Spread: A spread bet is similar to a moneyline bet but with a handicap added. The underdog is given a certain number of goals to start with, which is subtracted from their final score. The favorite is given a certain number of goals to subtract from their final score. The team that wins after the handicap is applied is the winner of the bet.
Over/Under: An over/under bet is a bet on the total number of goals scored in the match. The sportsbook sets a number, and you bet on whether the total number of goals scored will be over or under that number.
Parlay: A parlay bet is a bet on two or more matches. All of the bets in the parlay must win for the bet to be successful. Parlay bets can have higher payouts than single bets, but they are also riskier.
Futures: A futures bet is a bet on the outcome of a future event, such as the MLS Cup winner or the Golden Boot winner.
MLS Finals
The MLS Cup is the championship match of the Major League Soccer season. The MLS Cup final is typically held in December and is played at a neutral site. The winner of the MLS Cup is awarded the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy.
Essentially, the MLS Cup playoffs consist of 14 teams, with 7 teams from each conference. The top team from each conference receives a bye in the first round of the playoffs. The remaining 12 teams play in a single-elimination tournament, with the higher-seeded team hosting the match. As a result, the winner of each match advances to the next round until two teams remain for the MLS Cup final.
Popular Players in MLS
Major League Soccer has attracted many high-profile international players to its clubs over the years, but there are also several American players who have made a name for themselves in the league. Here are a few of the most popular players in MLS:
- Landon Donovan – Donovan is widely considered one of the best American soccer players of all time. He played for several MLS clubs throughout his career, including the LA Galaxy, and won six MLS Cups.
- Clint Dempsey – Dempsey is another American soccer legend who had a successful career in MLS. He played for the Seattle Sounders and won the MLS Cup with the team in 2016. Dempsey also scored 57 goals in 136 appearances for the US national team.
- David Beckham – Beckham is one of the most recognizable soccer players in the world, and his move to Major League Soccer in 2007 was a significant moment for the league. He played for the LA Galaxy and helped the team win two MLS Cups. Beckham is now an owner of Inter Miami CF, one of the newest teams in MLS.
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Ibrahimovic is a Swedish striker who played for the LA Galaxy from 2018-2019. He made an immediate impact in MLS, scoring 22 goals in his first season and helping the Galaxy reach the playoffs. Ibrahimovic’s flashy style and impressive goalscoring record made him a fan favorite in Major League Soccer.
- Carlos Vela – Vela is a Mexican forward who currently plays for LAFC. He was named the MLS MVP in 2019 after scoring 34 goals in 31 games, breaking the league’s single-season goalscoring record.
Major League Soccer (MLS) is a professional soccer league in North America that comprises teams from the United States and Canada. It was founded in 1993 and began play in 1996.
As of 2023, there are 30 teams in MLS: 27 in the United States and 3 in Canada.
MLS is owned by its member clubs, which are owned by a mix of individuals, groups, and companies.
MLS differs from other soccer leagues in several ways, including its salary cap and single-entity structure. In MLS, the league owns all teams and player contracts, while individual team owners only own a share of the league as a whole.
The MLS Cup is the championship game of the MLS playoffs, which determines the league champion each year. It is held annually in December and features the winners of the Eastern Conference and Western Conference.
Some of the most successful teams in MLS history include LA Galaxy, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, and Seattle Sounders FC.
Some of the most successful players in MLS history include Landon Donovan, David Beckham, Clint Dempsey, and Robbie Keane.
The MLS All-Star Game is an annual exhibition match between the best players from MLS and a visiting international team. It is typically held in July or August and features a week of events leading up to the game.
Since its inception in 1993, MLS has grown significantly in terms of the number of teams, players, and fans. It has also become more competitive, with an increasing number of international stars joining the league each year.
MLS games can be watched on a variety of platforms, including cable and satellite TV, streaming services, and the MLS website and app. Some of the most popular platforms for watching MLS games include ESPN, Fox Sports, and Univision.
