There have been nearly 1500 matches played in MLS since it kicked off in early 1996. Some of the most significant and best games are listed below:
April 6th, 1996. San Jose vs D.C. United 1-0.
Eric Wynalda scored the only goal in the inaugural game of MLS with the soccer scoreboards showing the 88th minute. FIFA has demanded that the US Soccer Federation set up a professional league, and on this day that obligation was fulfilled. The quality of the game itself was average, but the game was presented well and there was a great build-up to it. This was an extremely important match for MLS, and it was a big success. The principal reason that this game is included in the list is that it grabbed the attention and imagination of a wide variety of people, including fans, journalists, and sponsors.
November 9th, 2003. San Jose vs Los Angeles 3-2.
A 2-0 lead can sometimes deceive. The Galaxy learned that in this game. They won 2-0 in the first-leg, and it seemed like there was little hope for San Jose. However, Jeff Agoos gave them hope with a 21st-minute goal, and then Chris Roner scored a header in the last minute to send the game into extra time. Rodrigo Faria then scored the golden goal winner. San Jose managed to get their game together when it counted. Before that they only scored once in nearly 500-minutes, but after that they scored 12 goals in their last three playoff matches. They went on to win the final against Chicago, the soccer scoreboards showing 4-2.
November 6th, 2004. D.C. United vs New England 3-3.
United showed how resilient they were in this game. They defended a strong New England attack in overtime, and went on to win what was the first-ever MLS match to be decided by penalties. Each time United took the lead, New England tied the game back up. The goalkeeper Nick Rimando sealed the win, diving to parry away Clint Dempsey’s penalty. In the next game, United beat Kansas City to bring home its fourth MLS title.
October 20th, 1996. D.C. United vs Los Angeles Galaxy 3-2 (OT).
This match was nearly postponed due to torrential rain. Both teams put on a great show of skill and played through the puddles. L.A lost a two-goal lead, and all of United’s goals came from corners or free kicks. Eddie Pope, who was 22 at the time, headed in the golden goal just four minutes into extra time. This result elevated United to the highest level, and they established themselves as the dominant force in the early days of the league.
November 23rd, 2003. San Jose vs Chicago 4-2.
The best action of the game took place between the 49th and 56th minutes. In this 7 minute period, three goals were scored, and a penalty kick was saved. San Hose had a 2-0 lead at half-time, but in the second half Chicago came back, before Landon Donavan sealed the win in the 71st-minute.
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