Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs have been participating in the CONCACAF Champions League since its inception in 2008, and before that in the Champions Cup. The tournament, which includes clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, has offered MLS teams a chance to compete against top regional competition and measure their progress.
In the early years of the MLS, American clubs experienced some success, with LA Galaxy reaching the semis in 1997, DC United winning the competition in 1998, and LA Galaxy doing the same in 2000. It would be an entire decade before an American team would make it to the final again though.
To compete with the dominant Mexican clubs, MLS increased investment in player development, stadium infrastructure, and coaching. This investment started to pay off as scattered appearances from MLS teams in the CONCACAF final began to reoccur, but none of them could manage a win.
That is until 2022, when the Seattle Sounders confidently beat the Mexican club, Pumas UNAM, in the finals – and they knocked out New York City FC in the semi finals to get there. MLS teams made it to the finals the following two years as well, although neither Columbus Crew nor LAFC managed to bring home the trophy. Still, MLS clubs were doing a whole lotter better than they had for a long time.
MLS Presence in the Later Stages
The 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons showed significant improvements for MLS clubs in the CONCACAF Champions League. In the 2015-16 season, four MLS teams reached the quarterfinals: D.C. United, LA Galaxy, Seattle Sounders, and Real Salt Lake. This was the first time that four MLS clubs had ever made it to the last eight of the competition.
Although none of the teams advanced to the semifinals, their collective performance marked a turning point for MLS’s presence in the tournament.
The 2016-17 season was another step forward. FC Dallas reached the semifinals, narrowly losing 4-3 on aggregate to Pachuca. Vancouver Whitecaps also reached the last four, losing to Tigres UANL. This marked the first time two MLS clubs reached the semifinals in the same season.
2018: Toronto FC’s Historic Run
The 2018 CONCACAF Champions League saw Toronto FC achieve what no other MLS team had done before: eliminating two Mexican teams in the knockout stage. Toronto FC defeated UANL Tigres in the quarterfinals and Club América in the semifinals, setting up a showdown with Chivas Guadalajara in the final.
The final was a tightly contested affair, with both legs ending in draws (2-2 and 1-1) and the title being decided through penalty kicks. Unfortunately for Toronto FC and MLS, Chivas edged the shootout 4-2, continuing the Mexican clubs’ dominance in the competition.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Toronto FC’s run gave hope to MLS clubs and demonstrated that the gap between MLS and Liga MX was closing.
Sporting Kansas City made it to the semimfinals a year later.
2020: LAFC’s Run to the Final
The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a unique format for the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League. The competition was suspended in March and resumed in December, with all remaining matches played in a single-elimination format in Orlando, Florida.
LAFC, led by star forward Carlos Vela, capitalized on the unique circumstances, reaching their first-ever final. Along the way, they defeated three Mexican clubs, including powerhouse Club América in the semifinals. In the final, LAFC faced Tigres UANL, and despite taking the lead through a Diego Rossi goal, they ultimately fell short, losing 2-1.
MLS Clubs’ Progress and Challenges
Over the past decade, MLS clubs have shown significant progress in the CONCACAF Champions League. Increased investment, improved player development, and stronger performances against Liga MX opposition have demonstrated the league’s growth.
However, challenges remain. Mexican clubs still dominate the competition, who have won 16 of the 17 tournaments between 2008 and 2024. Additionally, the congested schedule and travel demands can make it difficult for MLS clubs to balance domestic and international competition.
Despite these challenges, the recent successes of MLS clubs in the CONCACAF Champions League provides hope for the future. As the league continues to grow, the gap between MLS and Liga MX continues to narrow, increasing the likelihood of an MLS club finally lifting the trophy in the coming years.
It certainly helps that MLS is now able to attract global superstars like Messi, even if they are not usually in their prime where they join. This calibre of player is still able to perform at the sort of standards that make them match winners in competitions like the CONCACAF Champions League.