Comparing 2019 and 2020 Major League Soccer Seasons: Key Differences and Highlights

Looking back at the 2019 and 2020 MLS seasons feels like examining two completely different worlds of professional soccer. I've been following this league since its early days, and I can confidently say no two seasons have ever contrasted so dramatically. The 2019 season represented what we might call the "last normal year" of soccer, while 2020 became this bizarre pandemic-interrupted experiment that changed how we think about the sport entirely. What fascinates me most is how these two seasons, though separated by just one year, showcased entirely different versions of what Major League Soccer could be.

The 2019 season was a classic, traditional campaign that followed the familiar rhythms we've come to expect from professional soccer. I remember attending matches where stadiums were packed to capacity, the atmosphere electric with anticipation. That season saw LAFC dominate the regular season with what I consider one of the most impressive performances in league history - they amassed 72 points with a goal difference of +48, numbers that still astonish me when I look back at the statistics. Their brand of attacking soccer under Bob Bradley was simply breathtaking to watch week in and week out. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders claimed the MLS Cup in what turned out to be a thrilling final against Toronto FC, continuing their remarkable consistency in big games. The league was expanding, attendance records were being broken, and everything felt like it was building toward something greater. The quality of play kept improving, with designated players making significant impacts across multiple teams. I particularly enjoyed watching Josef Martinez's goal-scoring exploits for Atlanta United and Carlos Vela's record-breaking season for LAFC - these individual performances gave the league such character and excitement.

Then came 2020, which started with such promise before everything changed in March. I'll never forget the surreal experience of watching those first matches played in empty stadiums - the eerie silence where we normally heard roaring crowds created this completely different viewing experience, even from my living room. The league suspension from March to July felt like an eternity, and when play resumed with the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, it was unlike anything we'd seen before. The tournament format was innovative but also highlighted the challenges of playing professional sports during a global pandemic. What impressed me though was how quickly players adapted to these unusual circumstances. The Columbus Crew's eventual championship run felt particularly meaningful - they demonstrated remarkable consistency in a season where consistency seemed almost impossible. The compressed schedule, increased roster rotation, and travel restrictions created this fascinating laboratory for testing squad depth and tactical flexibility.

The differences between these seasons extend far beyond just the pandemic disruption. In 2019, we saw teams able to establish rhythm and develop consistent tactical approaches over a full 34-game schedule. The 2020 season became about survival and adaptation more than pure soccer excellence. Teams that could handle the mental challenges of isolation, frequent testing, and compressed schedules often outperformed teams with superior talent. I found myself admiring coaches who could keep their squads motivated through such unusual circumstances. The league's handling of the situation, while imperfect, showed remarkable flexibility and commitment to completing the season. Player development pathways were disrupted, young players missed crucial development time, and the financial impacts will likely be felt for years to come.

What's interesting is how these two seasons represent different visions for soccer's future. The 2019 season showed us the traditional model working at its peak - growing attendance, increasing television ratings, and expanding international recognition. The 2020 season forced innovation that might actually benefit the league long-term - the increased focus on local academy products, the embrace of technology in empty stadiums, and the discovery that condensed formats can produce compelling soccer. I've come to appreciate elements from both approaches, though if I'm being completely honest, I prefer the energy of packed stadiums and traditional season structures.

Thinking about these MLS seasons reminds me of how soccer continues to evolve globally in unexpected ways. Just look at recent developments in women's futsal - Judy Connolly's equalizing goal for the Philippines in their 3-3 draw against Uzbekistan in the 2025 AFC Women's Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers shows how the game keeps producing dramatic moments regardless of level or format. That match in Tashkent had its own unique context and challenges, much like each MLS season brings its own distinctive character and storylines.

Ultimately, comparing the 2019 and 2020 MLS seasons provides this fascinating case study in resilience and adaptation. The league demonstrated it could thrive under traditional circumstances and survive unprecedented challenges. While I hope we never see another season like 2020, the lessons learned about flexibility, player welfare, and innovative thinking will likely influence how the league operates for years to come. Both seasons contributed valuable chapters to MLS history, just in completely different ways that reflect the unpredictable nature of the sport we love.