MLS Cup 2016 facts for kids

MLS Cup 2016 was a big soccer game played on December 10, 2016. It was the championship match for Major League Soccer (MLS). Two top teams, Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC, played against each other. Seattle Sounders FC won the game after a thrilling penalty shootout. The final score in the shootout was 5–4.

These two teams met again in the MLS Cup 2017. In that game, Toronto FC won with a score of 2–0.

What Was the MLS Cup 2016?

The MLS Cup is the final game of the Major League Soccer season. It decides which team is the champion of the league. In 2016, it was the 21st time this special game was played. Teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences compete to reach the final.

The Teams That Played

The two teams in the 2016 MLS Cup were Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC. Seattle Sounders FC represented the Western Conference. Toronto FC was the champion of the Eastern Conference. Both teams had worked hard all season to get to this important game.

How the Game Was Decided

The game was very close and exciting. Neither team scored any goals during the regular playing time. They also did not score during the extra time, which is called overtime. Because the score was still 0–0, the winner had to be decided by a penalty shootout.

In a penalty shootout, players take turns kicking the ball towards the goal. Only the goalkeeper tries to stop it. Seattle Sounders FC won the shootout 5–4. This meant they became the MLS Cup champions for 2016.

Images for kids

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  Brian Schmetzer was promoted to head coach during the 2016 season and led the Sounders to the MLS Cup

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  The renovated and expanded BMO Field in Toronto hosted MLS Cup 2016

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  Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei, whose save in extra time earned him match MVP honors

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  The MLS Cup victory parade in Downtown Seattle, on December 13, 2016

See also

In Spanish: MLS Cup 2016 para niños