Overview

This analysis covers 8,709 MLS matches played between 1996 and 2026, spanning 8,330 regular season games and 379 playoff games across 31 seasons. Data was manually collected and verified from Transfermarkt.

The dataset contains 53 unique scorelines ever recorded in MLS history — from the ubiquitous 2x1 to the once-in-thirty-years 1x8.

Chart 1 — Every Final Score in MLS History

Key takeaway: The 2x1 scoreline has occurred 977 times — roughly 1 in every 9 MLS games ends with a one-goal home win. The top 3 scorelines alone account for 30.7% of all matches ever played.

Chart 2 — Regular Season vs Playoffs

Key takeaway: In the regular season, 2x1 is king. But in the playoffs, 1x0 takes over — knockout football makes teams more cautious. Draws also collapse from 23.1% in the regular season to just 9.2% in the playoffs.

Chart 3 — Home Slice: Who’s Eating in MLS?

Key takeaway: Home teams win more than half of all MLS games ever played. Away teams win roughly 1 in 4. The home advantage in MLS is real, consistent, and has held across 30+ years of the league.

Methodology

  • Source: Transfermarkt match records, manually collected and verified
  • Coverage: All 31 MLS seasons (1996–2026), regular season and playoffs
  • Total matches: 8,709 (8,330 regular season + 379 playoffs)
  • Unique scorelines recorded: 53
  • Tools: R · tidyverse · ggplot2 · ggtext
  • Note: 2026 season is ongoing; data reflects matches played through the collection date

Analysis by Luigi Demasi | Follow @mlsindata for more MLS data content