Major League Soccer (Related Stories)

Major League Soccer stories in the SI Vault

Goal-Poor By Austin Murphy, April 15, 1996Major League Soccer promised U.S. fans high-scoring games but kicked off its season with a quiet night in the nets.

A Real Kick By Steve Rushin, September 16, 1996Major League Soccer -- yes, soccer -- has put fans in the stands and U.S. stars on the field.

MLS Champ? Hello, ColumbusBy Grant Wahl, March 22, 1999The 1999 MLS season opens this Saturday. Here is a preview of the upcoming year.

Deriding The Metros By Grant Wahl, September 20, 1999The woeful play of its flagship franchise raises serious questions about MLS.

He's Goal-OrientedBy Grant Wahl, May 14, 2001 At only 24, the MetroStars' Clint Mathis may be the best scorer MLS has produced.

Heady Times By Grant Wahl, October 28, 2002After seven years the MLS is finally winning America's hearts and minds.

Freddy Adu By Grant Wahl, March 03, 2003At 13, America's soccer prodigy has the world at his feet.

The Golden Child By Grant Wahl, November 29, 2004With an MLS goal-scoring title and five goals in three U.S. games, Eddie Johnson is cashing in on his early promise.

Vend It Like BeckhamBy Grant Wahl, January 22, 2007 If David Beckham can't sell soccer to Americans, no one can. But what kind of player will the MLS get for $250 million?

Tango Argentina By Grant Wahl, December 01, 2008The Columbus Crew danced to its first MLS Cup title behind the brilliant moves of Guillermo Barros Schelotto, the league's most talented (sorry, Becks!) and influential import.

Raising The Bar By Ben Reiter, August 23, 2010Thierry Henry is MLS's biggest name, but midfielder Rafael Márquez could be its most important player yet.