Eastern Conference (MLS) facts for kids
| Founded | 1996 |
|---|---|
| No. of teams | 13 |
| Country | United States Canada |
| Confederation | CONCACAF |
| Most recent champion(s) |
Columbus Crew SC (2020) (3rd title) |
| Most titles | D.C. United New England Revolution (5 titles each) |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Domestic cup(s) | U.S. Open Cup (USA) Canadian Championship (Canada) |
The Eastern Conference is one of two main groups of teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). Think of it like a division in a sports league. The other group is called the Western Conference. Teams in the Eastern Conference mostly play against each other during the regular season. This conference was created in 1996 when MLS first started.
Contents
Teams in the Eastern Conference
The Eastern Conference has many exciting teams from both the United States and Canada. These teams compete each year to win their conference and then the overall MLS Cup.
Current Teams
Here are the teams that are currently part of the Eastern Conference:
| Team | City | Stadium | Joined | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta United FC | Atlanta, Georgia | Mercedes Benz Stadium | 2017 | |
| Chicago Fire FC | Chicago, Illinois | Soldier Field | 2002 | Joined after another group, the Central Division, was stopped. |
| Columbus Crew SC | Columbus, Ohio | Mapfre Stadium | 1996-1999 2002- |
Was in the Central Division for the 2000 season. Rejoined the Eastern Conference in 2002. |
| FC Cincinnati | Cincinnati, Ohio | Nippert Stadium | 2019 | |
| D.C. United | Washington, D.C. | Audi Field | 1996 | |
| Inter Miami CF | Miami, Florida | Inter Miami CF Stadium | 2020 | |
| Montreal Impact | Montreal, Quebec | Saputo Stadium | 2012 | |
| Nashville SC | Nashville, Tennessee | Nissan Stadium | 2020 | |
| New England Revolution | Foxborough, Massachusetts | Gillette Stadium | 1996 | |
| New York City FC | Bronx, New York | Yankee Stadium | 2015 | |
| New York Red Bulls | Harrison, New Jersey | Red Bull Arena | 1996 | Started as New York/New Jersey Metrostars. Changed to New York Red Bulls in 2006. |
| Orlando City SC | Orlando, Florida | Orlando City Stadium | 2015 | |
| Philadelphia Union | Chester, Pennsylvania | Talen Energy Stadium | 2010 | |
| Toronto FC | Toronto, Ontario | BMO Field | 2007 |
Eastern Conference Champions Each Season
The team that finishes first in the Eastern Conference at the end of the regular season is called the "Conference Winner." Sometimes, these winners also go on to win the MLS Cup, which is the championship for the entire league.
| Season | Team | Regular Season Record (Wins–Losses–Ties) | Playoffs Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Tampa Bay Mutiny | 20–12–0 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 1997 | D.C. United | 21–11–0 | Won MLS Cup |
| 1998 | D.C. United | 24–8–0 | Lost MLS Cup |
| 1999 | D.C. United | 23–9–0 | Won MLS Cup |
| 2000 | MetroStars | 17–12–3 | Lost Semifinals |
| 2001 | Miami Fusion | 16–5–5 | Lost Semifinals |
| 2002 | New England Revolution | 12–14–2 | Lost MLS Cup |
| 2003 | Chicago Fire | 15–7–8 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 2004 | Columbus Crew | 12–5–13 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2005 | New England Revolution | 17–7–8 | Lost MLS Cup |
| 2006 | D.C. United | 15–7–10 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 2007 | D.C. United | 16–7–7 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2008 | Columbus Crew | 17–7–6 | Won MLS Cup |
| 2009 | Columbus Crew | 13–7–10 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2010 | New York Red Bulls | 15–9–6 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2011 | Sporting Kansas City | 13–9–12 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 2012 | Sporting Kansas City | 18–7–9 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2013 | New York Red Bulls | 17–9–8 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2014 | D.C. United | 17–9–8 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2015 | New York Red Bulls | 18–10–6 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 2016 | New York Red Bulls | 16–9–9 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2017 | Toronto FC | 20–5–9 | Won MLS Cup |
| 2018 | New York Red Bulls | 22–7–5 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 2019 | New York City FC | 18–6–10 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 2020 | Philadelphia Union | 14–4–5 | Lost first round |
- Before 2000, MLS games did not have ties.
- In 2001, the Miami Fusion were named winners of the Eastern Division after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks caused the rest of the regular season to be cancelled.
Related Pages
- Western Conference (MLS)
- Central Division (MLS)
See also
In Spanish: Conferencia Este (MLS) para niños
