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10 Best MLS Teams of All Time: 2023 Edition

best MLS players

Who are the best MLS teams of all time in a league that continues to grow in popularity and in strength?

Best MLS Teams

The MLS is climbing up the ranks of the best soccer leagues in the world. From 12 teams in 2005, the league just keeps on expanding. Let’s take a look at the 10 best MLS teams. 

10. Toronto FC (1 MLS Cup)

Toronto FC played their first MLS game in 2007 and have built a reputation as a strong team with a large payroll over the years. They had the marquee players to match including Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley and Sebastian Giovinco.

In 2017 Toronto FC became the first Canadian team to win the MLS Cup, completing the double by winning the Supporters’ Shield too. As a Canadian team they can’t compete in the US Open Cup but they have won a record eight Canadian Championships.

9. Portland Timbers (1 MLS Cup)

Playing their first league game in 2011 the Portland Timbers have the biggest MLS rivalry with the Seattle Sounders. One of the most well supported teams, the Timbers hold the record for most sold out games in a row with 163 straight games before COVID interrupted the streak.

Portland trails their much hated Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle in terms of achievements. The Timbers were crowned MLS Cup winners in 2015, were runners up in 2018 and 2021, and won the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020.

8. Chicago Fire FC (1 MLS Cup)

Chicago Fire made Xherdan Shaqiri the highest paid MLS player at the time in 2022 with the hopes of adding to the club’s lone MLS Cup win in their inaugural season in 1998.

Long gone are the days of Pitor Nowak, Chris Armas and Lubos Kubik. But despite their lack of success recently, Chicago Fire FC still remains one of the best MLS teams with four MLS Open Cups and the 1998 league title to their name. 

7. San Jose Earthquakes (2 MLS Cups)

An inaugural member of Major League Soccer, the San Jose Earthquakes have a rich history of star players on their roster including all-time MLS record goalscorer Chris Wondolowksi, Jeff Agoos and all-time great Landon Donovan.

San Jose will be looking to add to their earlier franchise success having won the MLS Cup in 2001 and 2003, and earning Supporters’ Shields in 2005 and 2012.

6. Columbus Crew SC (2 MLS Cups)

Columbus Crew were one of the original MLS franchises and have continued to be one of the best teams in the league with stars like Brian McBride and Jeff Cunningham. In 2021, the club won their first continental trophy by winning the Campeones Cup by beating Mexican champions Cruz Azul in 2021.

The Crew have won the MLS Cup twice, the US Open Cup once, have earned three Supporters’ Shields and reached the CONCACAF Champions Cup/League quarter-finals on three occasions. 

5. Sporting Kansas City (2 MLS Cups)

Sporting Kansas City were previously known as the Kansas City Wizards but re-branded after their move to Children’s Mercy Park, one of the best MLS Stadiums. Historically a strong and well-balanced team, they’re one of the best teams in US Open Cup history with four trophies, as well as MLS Cup victories in 2000 and 2013.

Kansas City have done it all without big name marquee signings, relying on hard working players throughout their history from players such as Graham Zusi and Matt Besler. 

4. Houston Dynamo (2 MLS Cups)

Taking the league by storm after being founded in 2005, Houston Dynamo won back-to-back MLS Cups in their first few seasons featuring stars Brad Davis, Brian Ching and Ricardo Clark.

Houston have typically had one of the more solid defenses and dynamic midfields in Major League Soccer and they’ll be looking to add to the success of their earlier years and their US Open Cup win in 2018.

3. Seattle Sounders FC (2 MLS Cups)

Seattle Sounders quickly established themselves as a MLS powerhouse after their first official Major League Soccer game in 2009. With arguably the best fans in the league behind them Seattle has become one of the best MLS teams and a Western Conference juggernaut.

With two MLS Cups, four US Open Cups and the 2022 CONCACAF Champions Cup to their name, they’re one of the most successful teams in America.

2. D.C. United (4 MLS Cups)

A foundation member of Major League Soccer, D.C. United are the second best MLS team with four MLS Cups, four Supporters’ Shields, three US Open Cups, and a CONCACAF Champions Cup won in 1998.

One of the greatest defenders in MLS history Jeff Agoos featured for DC United in three league title campaigns, as well as one of the best American soccer players Eddie Pope. Premier League great Wayne Rooney enjoyed two seasons at the club as a player and took over as head coach in 2022.

1. LA Galaxy (5 MLS Cups)

Many of the best MLS players of all time have played for the LA Galaxy including David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan. The Galaxy have fallen on hard times as of late but they’re the best team in MLS history on the back of their earlier glory days.

In 2000 the Galaxy won the CONCACAF Champions Cup and earned their first of two US Open Cups in 2001. The Galaxy won their first championship in 2002 and they’re the most successful team in Major League Soccer, holding the record for league titles with five MLS Cups and four Supporters’ Shields. 

Matt Ieriko

Matt Ieriko is a freelance writer who’s evolved his lifelong passion for sport into the creation of WolfgangSport.com in 2020 – an American sports blog covering the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, MLS and more. As an Australian, he’s always been fascinated with the cultural differences and global significance of sports in America.

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