Major League Soccer: Foundation and Early Growth (1996–2010)

1. MLS is established as Division I league

   Feb 1, 1993Labels: Major League

   • MLS Wiki

2. Inaugural match kicks off MLS play

   Apr 6, 1996Labels: San Jose, D C

   • 1996 Season

3. D.C. United wins the first MLS Cup

   Oct 20, 1996Labels: D C, LA Galaxy

   • MLS Cup 1996

4. Chicago Fire and Miami Fusion join MLS

   Jan 1, 1998Labels: Chicago Fire, Miami Fusion

   • MLS Expansion

5. Columbus opens MLS’s first soccer-specific stadium

   May 15, 1999Labels: Columbus Crew

   • Crew Stadium
   • Crew History

6. MLS contracts two Florida teams

   Jan 8, 2002Labels: Miami Fusion, Tampa Bay

   • SBJ Report
   • 2002 Season

7. LA Galaxy move into the Home Depot Center

   Jun 7, 2003Labels: LA Galaxy, Home Depot

   • MLS Cup 2003
   • DHSP Wiki

8. MLS Players Union reaches first CBA

   Dec 1, 2004Labels: MLS Players

   • MLSPA History
   • SBJ CBA

9. Toronto FC is awarded an expansion franchise

   Nov 12, 2005Labels: Toronto FC

   • MLS Expansion
   • SBJ Toronto

10. San Jose roster relocates to form Houston Dynamo

    Dec 15, 2005Labels: San Jose, Houston Dynamo

    • Houston Chronicle
    • Dynamo Wiki

11. MLS signs first major rights-fee TV deal

    Aug 6, 2006Labels: MLS, ESPN

    • SBJ ESPN
    • MLS TV Wiki

12. MLS introduces the Designated Player Rule

    Jan 1, 2007Labels: Designated Player

    • MLS DP Rule

13. David Beckham signs with LA Galaxy

    Jan 11, 2007Labels: David Beckham, LA Galaxy

    • ESPN Beckham

14. Seattle is awarded a 2009 expansion team

    Nov 13, 2007Labels: Seattle Sounders, Seattle

    • Sounders Release
    • Sounders Wiki

15. Seattle Sounders FC begin play with record crowds

    Mar 19, 2009Labels: Seattle Sounders

    • Sounders Wiki

16. MLS and players agree to a second CBA

    Mar 20, 2010Labels: MLS Players

    • MLSPA History