About Major League Soccer
General Overview

YOUNG, DIVERSE AND INNOVATIVE

As Major League Soccer embarks on its seventh season, soccer at all levels continues to grow in the United States. For the first time in nearly a generation, the millions of young Americans who play the Beautiful Game have the opportunity to see, touch and feel the inspirational icons and approachable heroes of MLS simply by turning on the TV, opening a newspaper or walking into an MLS stadium. Now, more than ever, they truly believe that the game they love will be a lifelong endeavor.

More than 17 million fans representing a true cross-section of America have attended MLS matches during the league's first six seasons, a testament to the popularity of the world's game in the United States.

Major League Soccer has quickly become the "Meeting Place for the New America." From the league's diverse fan base to its unique mix of American and international stars on the field, MLS represents the inclusion of many different cultures that now thrive in today's ever-changing society. MLS is young, diverse and innovative, the League poised to increase its influence on the American sports landscape.

In order to ensure that American soccer fans have convenient and comprehensive access to the glory of the World's Game and MLS success on the world stage, Major League Soccer created an innovative television deal for 2002 and beyond. In an unprecedented move, MLS acquired the English-language TV rights to the next three FIFA World Cups, packaged them with a five-year MLS television slate and arranged to air these stellar competitions on the Disney family of networks. This landmark agreement combines the most valuable soccer programming in America, the World Cup and Major League Soccer, on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 through 2006. MLS and its players will be strategically integrated with the most watched soccer programming on English language television in America. Destination viewing in a consistent timeslot on MLS "Soccer Saturday," along with broadcasts of the 2002 and 2006 Men's FIFA World Cups and the 2003 Women's World Cup make the Disney networks the home of soccer in America for the next five years.

Major League Soccer has allowed the sport to enjoy unprecedented success during its first six campaigns on the field, in the stands, on television and among the League's numerous commercial affiliates. MLS will continue to make exciting and important strides to establish itself as one of America's major professional sports leagues and looks forward to making a significant impact on the U.S. and international sports landscapes.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER HEADQUARTERS

110 East 42nd Street
10th Floor
New York, NY 10017

Phone: 212.450.1227
Fax: 212.450.1300

THE STRUCTURE

MLS is currently the United States' only Division I men's professional outdoor soccer league, as sanctioned by FIFA and U.S. Soccer. The 2002 campaign features a realigned two-conference format with 10 teams in major media markets (including five of the top 10 Hispanic markets) playing 28 regular season matches, 14 at home and 14 away. The MLS schedule is augmented by participation in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, select international tournaments, and various exhibitions.

Eastern Conference

Chicago Fire - Cardinal Stadium
Columbus Crew - Columbus Crew Stadium
D.C. United - RFK Stadium
MetroStars - Giants Stadium
New England Revolution - CMGI Field

Western Conference

Colorado Rapids - Invesco Field at Mile High
Dallas Burn - Cotton Bowl
Kansas City Wizards - Arrowhead Stadium
Los Angeles Galaxy - Rose Bowl
San Jose Earthquakes - Spartan Stadium

MLS PHILOSOPHY

Major League Soccer has made great strides during its first six seasons, both on and off the field. The League's goal is to, over time, become one of the world's most competitive and prestigious soccer leagues.

As MLS continues to develop, the League has created five guiding principles for all aspects of League business.

· Become the meeting place for U.S. soccer fans
· Reflect inclusiveness and diversity
· Stay young in attitude, style and fan profile
· Convey and evoke passion for soccer
· Be the inspirational destination point for today's soccer-playing youth

In addition, MLS will continue to assist and improve the performance of U.S. National Teams in domestic and international competitions on all levels.

THE BEGINNING

On December 17, 1993, in fulfillment of U.S. Soccer's promise to FIFA, World Cup USA 1994 Chairman and CEO Alan I. Rothenberg announced the formation of Major League Soccer and unveiled the League logo. After receiving formal bids from 22 cities to secure a team, signing many top U.S. and international stars, solidifying financial investment and welcoming key corporate sponsors, MLS unveiled its plans for the League's inaugural season on October 17, 1995.

Following the MLS Player Combine in January, 1996, and the League's first player draft one month later, each of the 10 charter clubs entered its first-ever spring training with high expectations. An overflow crowd of 31,683 at Spartan Stadium witnessed San Jose forward Eric Wynalda score the League's historic first goal in a 1-0 victory over D.C. United before a live national television audience on ESPN. The ultimate goal - the launch of a world-class professional outdoor soccer league in the United States with 10 teams nationwide - had become a reality.

THE PLAYERS

The top American players playing abroad returned home in 1996 to excite U.S. fans with an attacking brand of soccer. In addition, many established and rising international stars brought their skills and experience to American soil.

MLS teams feature a unique mix of domestic and international players. For the 2002 season, each MLS roster will include 22 players, four of which must be signed to either a Nike Project-40 or Developmental contract. The remaining roster positions can include up to three players designated as Senior Internationals.

World Cup heroes such as Hristo Stoitchkov (Bulgaria) and Carlos Valderrama (Colombia) head a list of international soccer legends that now call MLS home. Alex Pineda Chacon, the League's 2001 Honda MVP, and savvy Scotsman John Spencer are the two most recent foreign imports to showcase their flair in MLS stadiums. Nigerian striker Daniel Amokachi joins MLS for the 2002 season and promises to showcase the combination of size, speed and strength that made him a favorite on American soil during World Cup USA 1994 and the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

Joining these soccer greats will be established world-class American stars such as U.S. National Team regulars Brian McBride, Chris Armas, Clint Mathis, Josh Wolff, Landon Donovan, Cobi Jones, and Jeff Agoos.

Waiting not so patiently in the wings is a growing arsenal of energetic youngsters including Santino Quaranta, Danny Califf, DaMarcus Beasley, Carlos Bocanegra and Edward Johnson, all of whom will likely play key roles in the U.S. bid to reach the 2006 World Cup.

As the level of play in MLS continues to improve, the league's unique mix of talent and diverse style of play is sure to continue to attract the top players from home and abroad.

A LOOK BACK AT THE FIRST SIX YEARS

In 1996, the persistently-asked question was finally answered with an exuberant "Yes!," Americans showed that they were ready for a big-time professional soccer league. Supporters came out in full force during Major League Soccer's inaugural season, making believers out of sports fans and media members around the globe. Enthusiasm was evident in the 10 MLS stadiums across the country as flag-waving, horn-blowing and roaring fans showed why soccer is here to stay. Nearly 3.1 million fans passed through stadium turnstiles as established World Cup '94 stars Alexi Lalas, Carlos Valderrama, Jorge Campos, Tony Meola, Cobi Jones, Eric Wynalda and Roberto Donadoni launched the first Division I professional soccer league on American soil in 12 years.

Year Two (1997) saw an increased level of play on the field, with a consistent throng of hardcore supporters attending MLS matches. Several new world-class players such as Alain Sutter and Walter Zenga showcased the talents that made them superstars across the globe. In addition, a total of 17 players from the 1994 U.S. World Cup Team donned MLS uniforms.

Year Three (1998) was MLS' first expansion season, as the cities of Chicago and Miami welcomed the League's 11th and 12th teams. Both expansion clubs made the playoffs, and Chicago blazed through the postseason, becoming the second MLS squad to "capture the double," a feat achieved by winning both the MLS Cup and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships.

Year Four (1999) featured the opening of Columbus Crew Stadium, the first major league stadium built specifically for soccer in the United States. The impact of the new stadium in Columbus was evident as the Crew led MLS in attendance, as an average of 17,696 fans per game flocked to watch the club in the league's smallest market.

Year Five (2000) will be remembered as the year of the rules changes. The theme for MLS -- "It's Your Game" - highlighted League rules returning to the international standard. The shootout was eliminated, while overtime and ties made their MLS debut. In addition, the clock returned to counting up and time was officially kept only on the referee's watch. The impact of young American players was seen in the U.S. Olympic Team's fourth-place finish at the Olympic Games in Australia. World-class international players also brought global exposure for the League, as Hristo Stoitchkov, Lothar Matthäus and Luis Hernández made their MLS debuts.

Year Six (2001) featured an amazing turnaround by the San Jose Earthquakes, who went from worst to first on the shoulders of Jeff Agoos and Landon Donovan to claim MLS Cup 2001. The League's sixth campaign also saw increased attendance as well as the exciting and successful conclusion of World Cup Qualifying for the U.S. Men's National Team. Despite a series of injuries that sidelined superstars like Clint Mathis, Josh Wolff and Brian McBride for long stretches, MLS and American soccer persevered to play through what became an extremely difficult year for all Americans following the terrorist attacks on September 11. The Soccer United Relief Fund, set up to unite the American soccer family, has raised more than $500,000 for the rebuilding effort through SURF merchandise sales, events like the Unity Games and charity auctions on Yahoo.com.

MLS 2002

Major League Soccer takes the field with a new but familiar look in 2002 as America's only Division I men's professional soccer league returns to a 10-team, two-conference alignment with increased competition for roster spots after the Miami Fusion and Tampa Bay Mutiny ceased operations in January.

The World Cup will also take center stage beginning in May, when a host of MLS stars will join the U.S. National Team for its fourth consecutive appearance in the planet's greatest event, sporting or otherwise. A strong U.S. performance in Korea/Japan will reinforce what the media and American soccer fans already know - the level of play in MLS and the United States grow stronger every year.

That growth has spawned the Age of the Young American Player, illustrated by the domestic and international success of stars like Clint Mathis, Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Josh Wolff and Bobby Convey. At the same time MLS also boasts its share of experienced veterans, intent on making their younger counterparts earn their place in the spotlight. Players such as Jeff Agoos, Carlos Valderrama, Tony Meola, Hristo Stoitchkov and Peter Nowak unquestionably retain the talent, desire and dedication that have established them as legends.

THE FUTURE

Major League Soccer begins its seventh campaign with a new look and a stronger field of teams in 2002. Having recently committed to long-term funding, MLS Investors remain focused on the future growth and potential of American soccer.

Several cities - including, but not limited to - Seattle, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Rochester, San Diego, Houston, Portland, Sacramento, Milwaukee, Winston-Salem, New York City and Atlanta - have expressed interest in bringing Major League Soccer to their region.

However, expansion will not occur at the expense of the quality of play, the dilution of player talent, or without suitable, professional venues in which to showcase the team, an ownership group committed to the long-term success of MLS and its constituents, or without a community that has a proven ability to support major professional sports, including soccer.

In order to sustain the success of the first six seasons, the League's Board of Governors will continue seeking the funding and construction of soccer-specific stadiums in each market. The Los Angeles Galaxy will soon begin work on their new facility in Carson, California, and projects in Washington D.C., New Jersey and Kansas City remain under serious consideration. In markets such as Colorado and New England, the Rapids and Revolution will play in two of the country's newest state of the art facilities - Invesco Field at Mile High and CMGI Field.