Major League Soccer - The Third Decade Quiz

The 2016 season produced another first-time champion when Seattle Sounders FC completed a remarkable turnaround. After a difficult start to the year, Seattle surged into the playoffs and advanced to its first MLS Cup appearance. Their opponent was Toronto FC, the first Canadian club to reach the final.

After a scoreless match through regulation time and extra time, Seattle prevailed 5-4 in a penalty shootout to capture the club's first MLS Cup. Goalkeeper Stefan Frei earned MLS Cup MVP honours after a series of key saves, including a memorable stop in extra time.

Toronto FC entered 2017 as one of the league's strongest clubs, finishing atop the standings and capturing the Supporters' Shield before making another run to MLS Cup. Awaiting them in the final was defending champion Seattle Sounders FC, in a rematch of the previous year's championship game. Goals from Jozy Altidore and Víctor Vázquez led Toronto to a 2-0 victory, securing the first MLS Cup title for a Canadian club. Altidore was named MLS Cup MVP.

Atlanta United enjoyed an outstanding 2018 season, finishing near the top of the league standings in only the club's second year of existence (finished 2nd in the Eastern Conference). Led by league MVP Josef Martínez, Atlanta carried that success into the playoffs and reached its first MLS Cup.

Their opponent was the Portland Timbers, who were appearing in their second MLS Cup final in four years. Atlanta earned a 2-0 victory on home soil behind goals from Martínez and Franco Escobar. Martínez was named MLS Cup MVP as Atlanta captured its first championship.

Seattle Sounders FC returned to the MLS Cup in 2019 for a third championship meeting with Toronto FC in four seasons. After another strong campaign, Seattle advanced through the league's new single-elimination playoff format to host the final for the first time.

The championship match remained scoreless until the second half, when Seattle pulled away with goals from Kelvin Leerdam, Víctor Rodríguez, and Raúl Ruidíaz. A late Toronto goal made the final score 3-1. Rodríguez was named MLS Cup MVP as the Sounders captured their second league title (their first was in 2016).

The 2020 MLS season was unlike any other, with the schedule heavily affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, Columbus Crew emerged as one of the league's top teams and advanced to the MLS Cup against defending champion Seattle Sounders FC. Columbus dominated the final, earning a 3-0 victory through goals from Lucas Zelarayán and Derrick Etienne Jr. Zelarayán scored twice and added an assist, earning MLS Cup MVP honours as the Crew claimed their second championship (their first was in 2008).

New York City FC reached new heights in 2021, advancing to the first MLS Cup final in club history after a strong postseason run as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. Their opponent was the Portland Timbers. After NYCFC carried a 1-0 lead deep into stoppage time, Portland equalized on the final play of regulation to force extra time.

It remained 1-1 at full time and the match went to penalties, where NYCFC prevailed 4-2. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson starred in the shootout and was named MLS Cup MVP as New York City captured its first championship.

Founded in 2018, Los Angeles FC quickly established itself as one of MLS's top clubs. In 2022, LAFC captured the Supporters' Shield and advanced to MLS Cup after finishing level on points with the Philadelphia Union, who would become their championship opponent.

The final became one of the most dramatic matches in league history. It was 2-2 after regulation time and finished 3-3 after extra time -- with a late equalizer from Gareth Bale in the 8th minute of stoppage time. LAFC prevailed 3-0 in a penalty shootout. Substitute goalkeeper John McCarthy made two saves and earned MLS Cup MVP recognition as LAFC secured its first championship.

Columbus Crew returned to the MLS Cup in 2023 under head coach Wilfried Nancy. After finishing among the league's top teams during the regular season, the Crew advanced through the playoffs to face defending champion Los Angeles FC. Columbus struck twice in the first half through Cucho Hernández and Yaw Yeboah before holding off a late LAFC comeback attempt.

The 2-1 victory delivered the club's third MLS Cup title (2008, 2020 and 2022). Hernández was named MLS Cup MVP.

The LA Galaxy returned to the MLS Cup in 2024 after a decade without a championship. Following a strong regular season that saw them finish among the league's top teams, Los Angeles advanced to the final against the New York Red Bulls. The Galaxy took control early with goals from Joseph Paintsil and Dejan Joveljiæ in the opening 13 minutes. New York pulled one back before halftime, but Los Angeles held on for a 2-1 victory and a record sixth MLS Cup title (2002, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2024). Midfielder Gastón Brugman was named MLS Cup MVP.

Having joined MLS in 2020, Inter Miami CF reached their first-ever MLS Cup final in club history in 2025. The Eastern Conference champions advanced through the playoffs to face the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, who were also appearing in their first championship match.

After Vancouver equalized early in the second half, Inter Miami responded with goals from Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende to earn a 3-1 victory. Lionel Messi provided two assists and was named MLS Cup MVP as Inter Miami captured its first championship.