It had been 12 years since the NASL went out of business. We all had great memories of the circus, featuring stars of all ages and nationalities.
1996 was the first MLS season. We all hoped for the same circus to return. The changes were also welcomed. This league was associated with FIFA. That was not the case of the NASL, having other rules regarding offside. They also had special shoot outs, not accpeting games to end in draws.
One attraction in the MLS in that first year was actor Andrew Shue. Los Angeles Galaxy signed him. He had previous life in soccer, but most of us knew him from the popular TV show, Melrose Place.
The first MLS season had 10 teams in the competition. 5 in east and 5 in west. They were seperated in two groups.
The 10 teams were the following:
East: Tampa Bay Mutiny, D.C. United, New York Metro Stars, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, West: Los Angels Galaxy, Dallas Burn, Kansas City Wiz, San Jose Clash, Colorado Rapids.
USA had several soccer stars at the time. Two years earlier, they played in the World Cup for their country. Cobi Jones, Brad Friedel, Alexi Lalas, Tony Meola, John Harkes, Roy Wegerle and Hugo Perez were all players taking part in that first season.
Carlos Valderama, Jorge Campos, Eduardo Hurtado, Raul Diaz Arce, Roberto Donadoni, Leonel Alvarez, Mo Johnston, Chris Woods, Robert Warzycha and Welton were the most known foreign players.
Embed from Getty ImagesCARLOS VALDERAMA
Tampa Bay Mutiny
The fact that most players were from the USA also showed the determination to bring forward their own players into this league. NASL took a different approach, bringing as many stars as possible to attract attention from past heroes rather than building their own.
Tampa Bay Mutiny (East) and Los Angeles Galaxy (West) were the two teams at the top of their respective groups. D.C. United became the overall winners of the MSL Cup.
The league is in it’s 30th season. Tampa Bay Mutiny is no longer part of it. D.C. United and Los Angeles Galaxy are still playing a major part in the MLS.
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