The opening weekend of Major League Soccer’s 25th Anniversary season offered no shortage of exciting on-the-field moments. From Portland goalkeeper Steve Clark’s Flash-inspired fingertip save to Carlos Vela’s borderline perverse floating dream-goal against Inter Miami, the league has proven that it can offer a consistent, respectable, and exciting product on the pitch.
The quality of play has improved exponentially over the past 25 years, which has been integral to the league’s growth. As someone who attended matches throughout MLS’ inaugural season, I can attest to this assertion. But just as important as the improvements made on the field are the strides made off the field in the past two and a half decades.