I get the criticism that the lack of a balanced schedule (as best as one can balance it) is a mark against the Supporter's Shield. That said, the MLS Cup has nothing close to balance and has way more random elements. The real argument is traditional soccer versus American mentality of crowning a champion at the end. To me we have a hybrid system and enjoy both. I still think the MLS Cup holds the sway over general perception and prestige. Winning the shield is almost odd sensation as an American. My club, Cincinnati, won it with three matches to spare. We essentially won it with a great run way back roughly 25-50% through the season. Of course that night in Toronto clinching it was great, but it was a little odd we celebrated it at home the next match after a loss as the final matches dont impact the race. Ultimately I hope we win both as sure if we don't plenty of fans will still call it a disappointment.
I personally disagree, the Supporters Shield is not as important as the Cup because of the issue you brought up at the end: the schedule isn't balanced. Some teams will play others twice or even three times in a season, while others may not ever meet even once in a single season. Yes, the geographical constraints make a balanced schedule akin to the European leagues next to impossible, and because of that I feel like it actually makes the Supporters Shield the most pointless trophy in the league. Yes, Cincinnati had a really good year winning the shield, but would they have reached that pinnacle if they played St. Louis more than once? Or if they played LAFC at all? Would Minnesota have gotten higher in the standings if they played Miami instead of Orlando? Or could Houston have lost and fallen further if they played Nashville instead of Columbus? There are too many "what if" scenarios that leave holes in the the overarching importance of the shield. Yes, consistent form throughout the entire season matters, but so does the quality and form of your opponents.
It's weird how the MLS cup is seen as the "main" trophy when it theoretically isn't
Yeah I mean the supporters shield is literally for the best performing team in the league
The supporter’s shield is just a recognition, not a trophy or championship
That's why they need a true football league with relegation and promotion. The play off can be another completion itself
I get the criticism that the lack of a balanced schedule (as best as one can balance it) is a mark against the Supporter's Shield. That said, the MLS Cup has nothing close to balance and has way more random elements.
The real argument is traditional soccer versus American mentality of crowning a champion at the end.
To me we have a hybrid system and enjoy both.
I still think the MLS Cup holds the sway over general perception and prestige. Winning the shield is almost odd sensation as an American. My club, Cincinnati, won it with three matches to spare. We essentially won it with a great run way back roughly 25-50% through the season. Of course that night in Toronto clinching it was great, but it was a little odd we celebrated it at home the next match after a loss as the final matches dont impact the race.
Ultimately I hope we win both as sure if we don't plenty of fans will still call it a disappointment.
That's why the need at
I personally disagree, the Supporters Shield is not as important as the Cup because of the issue you brought up at the end: the schedule isn't balanced. Some teams will play others twice or even three times in a season, while others may not ever meet even once in a single season. Yes, the geographical constraints make a balanced schedule akin to the European leagues next to impossible, and because of that I feel like it actually makes the Supporters Shield the most pointless trophy in the league. Yes, Cincinnati had a really good year winning the shield, but would they have reached that pinnacle if they played St. Louis more than once? Or if they played LAFC at all? Would Minnesota have gotten higher in the standings if they played Miami instead of Orlando? Or could Houston have lost and fallen further if they played Nashville instead of Columbus? There are too many "what if" scenarios that leave holes in the the overarching importance of the shield. Yes, consistent form throughout the entire season matters, but so does the quality and form of your opponents.