MLS Supporters' Shield
The Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield is an award, annually given to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular season record, as determined by MLS's points system, similar to the Presidents' Trophy in the NHL. The Shield was first given out following the 1998 season. It is so-named because the award was originally not recognized by the league, but was a product of fans wishing to recognize the team that, in a traditional soccer league, would have won the championship. In February 2006, MLS decided the MLS Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup winner will represent the United States in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. If the Supporters Shield winner wins the MLS Cup, the team with the second-most points also qualifies. With the advent of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2008, the winner of the MLS Supporters' Shield gains automatic qualification into the group stage of the competition.
[edit] Previous winners
| Year | Team | Record | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | 20-12 | 58 |
| 1997 | D.C. United | 21-11 | 55 |
| 1998 | Los Angeles Galaxy | 24-8 | 68 |
| 1999 | D.C. United | 23-9 | 57 |
| 2000 | Kansas City Wizards | 16-7-9 | 57 |
| 2001 | Miami Fusion | 16-5-5 | 53 |
| 2002 | Los Angeles Galaxy | 16-9-3 | 51 |
| 2003 | Chicago Fire | 15-7-8 | 53 |
| 2004 | Columbus Crew | 12-5-13 | 49 |
| 2005 | San Jose Earthquakes | 18-4-10 | 64 |
| 2006 | D.C. United | 15-7-10 | 55 |
| 2007 | D.C. United | 16-7-7 | 55 |
| 2008 | Columbus Crew | -- |
