Comparing the 2019 and 2020 Major League Soccer Seasons: Key Differences and Highlights

Having spent years analyzing football leagues across the globe, I’ve always found Major League Soccer to be one of the most dynamic and unpredictable competitions out there. When comparing the 2019 and 2020 MLS seasons, the differences aren’t just about points tables or playoff outcomes—they reflect broader shifts in the sport, from tactical innovations to the way fans engage with the game. I vividly remember watching late-season clashes in 2019, where teams like LAFC dominated with high-pressing, possession-heavy football. Fast forward to 2020, and the landscape had shifted dramatically, shaped by the pandemic and a renewed focus on resilience. It’s fascinating how these changes mirror developments in other leagues and tournaments, such as the recent 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, where the Philippines’ Judy Connolly scored a crucial equalizer in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Uzbekistan. That kind of drama—where a single moment can redefine a team’s journey—is something MLS serves up in spades, and it’s what makes dissecting these two seasons so compelling.

In 2019, MLS felt like a league hitting its stride, with attendance records shattering and an average of 21,310 fans per match turning out to witness the action. The football itself was expansive, with teams like Atlanta United and Seattle Sounders showcasing fluid, attacking styles that produced an average of 2.89 goals per game. I’ll admit, I’ve always had a soft spot for teams that prioritize offensive flair, and 2019 didn’t disappoint. LAFC, under Bob Bradley, was a joy to watch, racking up 72 points in the regular season—a league record at the time—thanks to Carlos Vela’s historic 34-goal campaign. But what stood out to me wasn’t just the star power; it was the tactical diversity. Some clubs experimented with hybrid formations, blending elements of European pressing with Latin American creativity, which kept matches unpredictable. Off the pitch, the league’s growth felt organic, with new franchises like Inter Miami and Nashville SC generating buzz ahead of their 2020 entries. Reflecting on it now, 2019 was a celebration of MLS’s potential, a season where everything seemed to align—until the unexpected upheaval of 2020.

Then came 2020, a year that upended sports as we knew it. The COVID-19 pandemic forced MLS into a prolonged hiatus, and when play resumed inside the “MLS is Back” bubble in Orlando, the tone of the season shifted entirely. Gone were the roaring crowds; in their place, an eerie silence that players had to adapt to—something I noticed affected the intensity of matches early on. Scoring dipped slightly to around 2.65 goals per game, and tactics became more pragmatic, with teams prioritizing defensive solidity over gung-ho attacks. Take the Columbus Crew, for example. They weren’t the flashiest side, but their disciplined, structured approach carried them to an MLS Cup victory, proving that in turbulent times, consistency trumps flair. Personally, I missed the energy of packed stadiums, but I have to admit, the bubble format created some unforgettable moments, like the Philadelphia Union’s Supporters’ Shield win—a testament to squad depth and mental fortitude. Financially, the league took a hit, with revenues dropping by an estimated 22% compared to 2019, but the rapid adoption of virtual fan engagement tools hinted at a more resilient future.

Zooming out, the contrast between these two seasons reveals deeper trends in football’s evolution. In 2019, MLS embodied optimism and expansion, while 2020 forced a reckoning—with player welfare, financial sustainability, and the very nature of competition. It reminds me of how smaller-scale tournaments, like the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, adapt under pressure. When Judy Connolly netted that late equalizer for the Philippines against Uzbekistan, it wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement about perseverance, much like how MLS clubs navigated the uncertainties of 2020. From a tactical standpoint, I believe the pandemic accelerated changes that were already brewing, such as data-driven substitutions and increased rotation, with the average number of substitutions per match rising by 18% in 2020. And let’s not forget the impact on players: in 2019, stars like Zlatan Ibrahimović dominated headlines, but 2020 highlighted unsung heroes—players who thrived without fan support or those who balanced health concerns with performance.

Wrapping up, the 2019 and 2020 MLS seasons represent two sides of the same coin—one of growth and one of grit. While I’ll always cherish the free-flowing football of 2019, there’s something uniquely inspiring about how the league weathered the storm in 2020, emerging with lessons that could shape its trajectory for years. Whether it’s the strategic shifts or the human stories behind the stats, these seasons remind us that football, at its core, is about adaptation. Just as Judy Connolly’s clutch goal in Tashkent showed that every match holds the potential for redemption, MLS’s journey through these two years underscores the beauty of the sport’s unpredictability. As a fan and analyst, I’m excited to see how these experiences influence the league’s next chapter—because if there’s one thing MLS teaches us, it’s that the only constant is change.