2019 vs 2020 Major League Soccer Season: Key Changes and Highlights You Need to Know

Having closely followed Major League Soccer's evolution over the past decade, I've never witnessed a more dramatic transformation than what occurred between the 2019 and 2020 seasons. The shift wasn't merely about statistics or standings—it represented a fundamental change in how professional soccer operates in North America. I remember sitting in CenturyLink Field during the 2019 MLS Cup final, watching Seattle Sounders lift the trophy before a roaring crowd of nearly 70,000 fans, completely unaware that the following season would rewrite the league's entire playbook. The contrast between these two years tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and unexpected progress that continues to shape MLS today.

The 2019 season represented what I'd call the peak of MLS's traditional era. We had 24 teams competing, with LAFC absolutely dominating the regular season while setting new records with 72 points and a +48 goal differential. Their style of play under Bob Bradley was simply breathtaking—fast, attacking football that produced 85 goals across 34 matches. I particularly admired Carlos Vela's historic campaign where he shattered the single-season scoring record with 34 goals. The playoff structure followed the familiar format we'd known for years, with Toronto FC eventually facing Seattle in a classic championship match that drew 2.75 million viewers. Stadiums were consistently packed, with average attendance hovering around 21,000 per match, and the league's expansion plans seemed perfectly on track with Inter Miami and Nashville SC preparing to join in 2020. The business side was thriving too—MLS secured a new television deal with ESPN and Fox worth $90 million annually, signaling growing mainstream appeal.

Then came 2020, and everything changed overnight. I'll never forget the surreal experience of watching the MLS is Back Tournament from my living room, seeing players compete in empty stadiums at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the league to suspend operations for nearly four months, creating what I consider the most challenging season in MLS history. When play resumed in July, we saw a condensed schedule, limited travel, and the introduction of multiple competition formats that would have seemed unimaginable just months earlier. The Columbus Crew's championship run felt particularly meaningful—watching them lift the MLS Cup in front of barely 1,500 fans created this poignant contrast to the previous year's celebrations. What struck me most was how teams adapted tactically; we saw more squad rotation, different substitution strategies with the new five-subs rule, and interestingly, more goals per game despite the unusual circumstances.

The financial impact was staggering—I've seen estimates suggesting clubs lost between $7-9 million each due to lost gate revenue, though precise figures remain closely guarded. The league's television ratings dipped by approximately 22% during regular season matches, though the playoffs actually saw increased viewership as sports-starved fans tuned in. What impressed me professionally was how quickly MLS adapted its digital strategy, with the league's streaming platform seeing a 156% increase in unique viewers compared to 2019. This shift toward digital consumption might have taken years under normal circumstances but happened in mere months.

Interestingly, the disruption created unexpected opportunities for player development. The increased roster flexibility allowed younger players more minutes, with the average age of starting lineups dropping by nearly eight months compared to 2019. The 2020 season also accelerated tactical evolution—teams that embraced flexibility and depth tended to outperform those relying on established systems. Philadelphia Union's Supporters' Shield victory perfectly exemplified this, built on squad depth and tactical versatility rather than star power.

Looking at women's soccer developments provides fascinating parallels to MLS's evolution. Just like MLS had to adapt between 2019 and 2020, we're seeing similar transformations across global football. The recent AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers demonstrated how the game continues to evolve even during challenging times. When Judy Connolly scored that equalizing goal for the Philippines in their 3-3 draw against Uzbekistan at Yunusobod Sports Complex, it reminded me of how MLS matches during the pandemic often featured similar moments of brilliance emerging from adversity. These parallel developments across different leagues and formats show football's remarkable resilience.

What truly stands out when comparing these two MLS seasons is how crisis catalyzed innovation. The 2020 season forced the league to experiment with scheduling, broadcasting, and player management in ways that will likely influence MLS for years to come. While I miss the electric atmospheres of packed stadiums from 2019, the 2020 season taught us that the essence of football transcends perfect conditions. The league's ability to navigate such tremendous challenges actually strengthened its foundation, setting up what I believe will be accelerated growth in the coming years. The contrast between these two seasons isn't just about what was lost, but about what we gained—a more flexible, digitally-engaged, and tactically diverse league that's better prepared for whatever comes next.