Comparing 2019 vs 2020 Major League Soccer Season: Key Changes and Impact Analysis

2025-11-16 17:01

When I first started analyzing sports seasons, I never realized how much you could learn by comparing two consecutive years. Let me walk you through my approach to comparing the 2019 and 2020 Major League Soccer seasons, because honestly, the methodology I’ve developed has helped me understand not just soccer, but how leagues adapt under pressure. I remember sitting down with spreadsheets and match reports, thinking I’d just spot a few trends, but boy, was I in for a surprise. The key here is to break it down into manageable steps, and I’ll share what worked for me, along with some pitfalls to avoid.

First off, gather your data systematically. I always start by pulling match results, player stats, and attendance figures from reliable sources like the official MLS website or sports analytics platforms. For the 2019 season, I noted that the average attendance was around 21,000 per game, which felt robust, but then 2020 hit with the pandemic, and that number plummeted to roughly 12,000—a stark reminder of how external factors can skew comparisons. One method I swear by is using spreadsheets to track metrics like goals per game, win rates, and even fan engagement on social media. In 2019, teams averaged about 2.8 goals per match, but in 2020, that dipped to 2.5, partly due to condensed schedules and player fatigue. I made the mistake early on of not accounting for the shortened 2020 season; it’s easy to overlook that 2020 had only 23 matches per team versus 34 in 2019, so always normalize your data to per-game averages to avoid misleading conclusions.

Next, analyze the structural changes. The MLS is known for its evolving format, and 2020 introduced the MLS is Back Tournament, which was a game-changer—literally. I recall watching those bubble matches and thinking how innovative it was, but also how it distorted traditional season comparisons. For instance, teams that excelled in the tournament, like Orlando City, saw a boost in their overall performance, whereas in 2019, consistency over a longer season mattered more. A practical tip: use visualization tools like charts to plot team rankings over time. I found that in 2019, the Supporters’ Shield race was tight, with LAFC topping the table with 72 points, but in 2020, the Philadelphia Union clinched it with 47 points in a shortened season. Don’t just look at the numbers; consider the context, like how travel restrictions in 2020 affected away game performances. From my experience, it’s crucial to factor in off-field elements—I once ignored this and ended up with a skewed analysis that overemphasized on-paper stats.

Now, let’s talk about integrating broader insights, which is where that reference to Judy Connolly and the Philippines’ futsal match comes in. See, when I look at that 3-3 draw against Uzbekistan in the 2025 AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup qualifiers, it reminds me how unexpected events, like a last-minute equalizer, can mirror the unpredictability in MLS seasons. In 2020, we saw similar surprises, like Inter Miami’s rocky start versus their gradual improvement, much like how the Philippines salvaged a draw despite being the underdog. This isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a lesson in resilience. I always advise paying attention to clutch moments—those game-changing goals or tactical shifts—because they reveal deeper trends. For example, in 2020, the increased use of video assistant referee (VAR) led to more disputed calls, similar to how futsal’s fast-paced nature in that qualifier highlighted adaptive strategies. Personally, I think this adds a layer of excitement to analysis, but be careful not to overinterpret isolated incidents; focus on patterns instead.

As I wrap up, reflecting on comparing the 2019 vs 2020 Major League Soccer season has taught me that adaptability is everything. The drop in attendance and altered formats in 2020 didn’t just change the game; they showed how sports can pivot under duress. If you take anything from this, let it be the importance of context and normalization in your data. And hey, maybe next time you’re analyzing a season, you’ll remember Judy Connolly’s equalizer—a small but powerful example of how every detail counts. In the end, whether it’s MLS or futsal, the thrill lies in uncovering those hidden stories behind the stats.