2019 Major League Soccer Season vs 2020: Key Changes and Exciting Developments
2025-11-16 17:01
Having spent over a decade analyzing football leagues across continents, I've developed a particular fascination with how Major League Soccer has evolved. When comparing the 2019 and 2020 MLS seasons, the transformation was nothing short of revolutionary - and I'm not just talking about the obvious pandemic disruptions. The league underwent changes that fundamentally altered its trajectory, creating a fascinating case study in sports management and fan engagement.
I remember watching the 2019 season with growing excitement as LAFC shattered records with their attacking football, finishing with 72 points - a number that still impresses me when I look back at my notes. That team, led by Carlos Vela's incredible 34-goal season, represented something special happening in American soccer. The quality was visibly improving, stadiums were filling up, and the league was gaining genuine international attention. What struck me most that season was how teams were beginning to develop distinct identities rather than just copying European templates. Atlanta United's passionate crowds, Seattle's consistency, and LAFC's flashy style created a compelling narrative tapestry that felt uniquely American yet globally relevant.
Then came 2020, and everything changed in ways nobody could have predicted. The pandemic forced the league to suspend operations in March, creating what I consider the most challenging period in MLS history. But here's what fascinated me - rather than just surviving, the league innovated. The MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando wasn't just a makeshift solution; it became a brilliant showcase of the league's resilience and creativity. Watching teams compete in that bubble environment, I noticed something important - the quality didn't drop. If anything, the unusual circumstances created unforgettable moments and highlighted the league's depth. The tournament format reminded me of international competitions, similar to how the Philippines recently demonstrated their resilience in the AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, where Judy Connolly's equalizing goal secured a dramatic 3-3 draw against Uzbekistan. That kind of dramatic turnaround under pressure is exactly what makes football compelling, whether in international tournaments or domestic leagues.
The tactical evolution between these two seasons was particularly striking to someone who studies the game closely. In 2019, I observed teams becoming more adventurous, with managers like Bob Bradley implementing sophisticated pressing systems that were previously rare in MLS. By 2020, this tactical sophistication had spread across the league, with even traditionally conservative teams adopting more progressive approaches. The condensed schedule in the restarted season forced squad rotation and highlighted the importance of depth - something I believe will benefit the league long-term. Teams that had invested in their academies and development systems, like Philadelphia Union with their homegrown players, reaped the rewards in this challenging environment.
What really stood out to me was how the league handled the transition to fanless matches. As someone who's attended MLS games since the early 2000s, I was skeptical about the atmosphere without crowds. But the innovative use of technology, virtual fans, and enhanced broadcast production actually created an intimate viewing experience that revealed aspects of the game we don't normally see. I found myself noticing tactical instructions, player communication, and technical details that often get lost in the stadium atmosphere. This accidental experiment might actually improve how we consume football long-term.
The business side saw remarkable adaptations too. While attendance revenue obviously plummeted from the 2019 average of 21,310 per game to zero during lockdowns, the league's media rights deals and digital presence became more crucial than ever. I was particularly impressed by how quickly MLS pivoted to engage fans through digital platforms, creating content that maintained connection during isolation. The league's partnership with Apple that would come later clearly had its roots in this period of digital acceleration.
Looking at player development, the shortened 2020 season created unexpected opportunities for young talents. With congested schedules and health protocols affecting roster availability, coaches had to trust their squads' depth, giving minutes to players who might have otherwise spent the season on the bench. This accelerated development mirrors how international competitions often force teams to discover new heroes, much like Judy Connolly emerging as the crucial scorer for the Philippines in their recent qualifier. These pressure situations create legends and build team character in ways that normal seasons simply cannot replicate.
As we move further from both seasons, I'm convinced the 2019-2020 transition will be seen as a watershed moment. The league demonstrated flexibility, innovation, and resilience that proved MLS wasn't just another football league - it was becoming a model for how modern sports organizations should operate. The challenges forced necessary evolution that might have taken years under normal circumstances. While I miss the electric atmospheres of packed stadiums, I appreciate how this period accelerated changes that were already underway, from tactical sophistication to business model adaptation. The truth is, American soccer emerged from this trial stronger and more interesting than ever, setting the stage for the exciting developments we're seeing today. The journey from 2019's record-breaking normalcy to 2020's revolutionary adaptation represents one of the most compelling stories in modern sports - and having witnessed it closely, I believe it's a story that will define MLS for years to come.