For most North American sports fans, the success of one's team is generally defined by making the playoffs and winning the Championship of their respective league. Now, I'm sure the North American soccer fan probably views it this way as well. In MLS, that equates to MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield. I have no issue with those who want to measure their team's success using those barometers.
Give that soccer doesn't conform to the North American standard of competition (league play only etc), I often wonder, given the uneven playing field of MLS, that are the 2 major trophies really that attainable to all?