The MLS Supporters’ Shield is the trophy awarded to the Major League Soccer team with the best regular-season record. It’s a major honor in MLS, separate from the MLS Cup playoffs, and it recognizes consistency over the full season.

Quick Scoop

  • It goes to the team that finishes the regular season with the most points.
  • The award was created by fans and later recognized by MLS as a major trophy.
  • Since 2006, winning the Shield has also carried qualification implications for international competition.

Why it matters

The Supporters’ Shield is often treated as proof that a team was the best over the whole season , even though the MLS Cup playoff champion is crowned separately. In some seasons, the same team wins both, but that is not required.

In one line

If you want the simplest definition: the Supporters’ Shield is MLS’s regular-season championship trophy.