MLS Western Conference

Major League Soccer (MLS) is a men’s professional soccer league run by the United States Soccer Federation. The league consists of 30 teams, 26 in the United States and 3 in Canada.

Objectives

Students will learn about the different teams in the MLS Western Conference and write their locations on a map.

Materials

Worksheet

Academic Standards

Grade 6
Social Studies 6.3.A The student is expected to identify and explain the geographic factors responsible for patterns of population in places and regions.

Social Studies 6.3.C The student is expected to identify and locate major physical and human geographic features such as landforms, water bodies, and urban centers of various places and regions.

Social Studies 6.19.C The student is expected to organize and interpret information from outlines, reports, databases, and visuals, including graphs, charts, timelines, and maps.
Grade 7
Social Studies 7.20.C The student is expected to organize and interpret information from outlines, reports, databases, and visuals, including graphs, charts, timelines, and maps.
Grade 8
Social Studies 8.29.C The student is expected to organize and interpret information from outlines, reports, databases, and visuals, including graphs, charts, timelines, and maps.

Discussion Questions

Discussion Questions:

How many teams are there in MLS?
Why do you think MLS splits its teams into Eastern and Western Conferences?

Reflection Questions

Which MLS Western Conference team do you find most interesting, and why?
How do you think the geographical location of a team might influence its style of play or fan base?
Why is it important for fans and players to understand the different teams in the Western Conference?

Answer Key

Image from source document

Setup

You can choose to keep this lesson simple and follow the worksheet, or make it a little more complex by providing more instruction about each of the teams in the MLS Western Conference.

Vocabulary

MLS Western Conference: One of two geographical divisions in Major League Soccer (MLS), comprising 15 of the league's 30 teams across the western United States and Canada. It organizes regular-season play and playoff qualification leading up to the annual MLS Cup.

Activity

Start the lesson by leading students in a short discussion to assess what they already know about the MLS Western Conference teams.
- Use the questions provided as a jumping-off point, or come up with your own.
Explain what the MLS Western Conference is and its significance:
- Major League Soccer (MLS) is the professional soccer league in the United States and Canada, comprising teams divided into two conferences: Eastern and Western.
- The MLS Western Conference includes teams primarily based in the western part of the United States and Canada.
Provide students with an overview of the MLS Western Conference teams. Choose which information about the teams you would like to share. You can also add to the information below.
- Houston Dynamo FC
  - Location: Houston, Texas
  - Founded: 2006
  - Stadium: Shell Energy Stadium
  - Significance: Houston Dynamo FC has a history of success in the league, with two MLS Cup titles and a diverse, multicultural fan base.
- Austin FC
  - Location: Austin, Texas
  - Founded: 2021
  - Stadium: Q2 Stadium
  - Significance: Known for its passionate fan base and vibrant culture, Austin FC represents the lively spirit of Texas's capital city.
- Colorado Rapids
  - Location: Commerce City, Colorado
  - Founded: 1996
  - Stadium: Dick's Sporting Goods Park
  - Significance: One of the original MLS teams, the Rapids are known for their strong defense and the challenge of playing at high altitude.
- FC Dallas
  - Location: Frisco, Texas
  - Founded: 1996
  - Stadium: Toyota Stadium
  - Significance: Renowned for their youth academy, FC Dallas has produced numerous talented players who have gone on to succeed in MLS and internationally.
- LA Galaxy
  - Location: Los Angeles, California
  - Founded: 1996
  - Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
  - Significance: One of the most successful and recognized teams in MLS, the Galaxy have won multiple MLS Cups and have attracted world-renowned players.
- Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
  - Location: Los Angeles, California
  - Founded: 2014 (began play in 2018)
  - Stadium: BMO Stadium
  - Significance: LAFC quickly became a dominant force in MLS with strong performances and a passionate fan base, known as "The 3252.”
- Minnesota United FC
  - Location: Saint Paul, Minnesota
  - Founded: 2010 (joined MLS in 2017)
  - Stadium: Allianz Field
  - Significance: Known as the "Loons," Minnesota United FC has brought exciting soccer to the Twin Cities, with strong support from its local fans.
- Portland Timbers
  - Location: Portland, Oregon
  - Founded: 1975 (joined MLS in 2011)
  - Stadium: Providence Park
  - Significance: The Timbers have a deep-rooted soccer tradition and are famous for their vibrant supporter culture, known as the "Timbers Army."
- Real Salt Lake
  - Location: Sandy, Utah
  - Founded: 2004
  - Stadium: America First Field
  - Significance: Real Salt Lake has a history of competitive play, with a strong focus on teamwork and community engagement.
- San Diego FC
  - Location: San Diego, California
  - Founded: 2023 (joins MLS in 2025)
  - Stadium: Snapdragon Stadium
  - Significance: San Diego FC is MLS’s 30th club and brings top-tier professional soccer to San Diego for the first time. The team has strong community ties, including ownership by the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and is building a reputation with a modern stadium, youth academy, and a passionate new fan base.
- San Jose Earthquakes
  - Location: San Jose, California
  - Founded: 1996
  - Stadium: PayPal Park
  - Significance: Known for their resilient play and dedicated fan base, the Earthquakes are one of the original MLS teams and have a storied history.
- Seattle Sounders FC
  - Location: Seattle, Washington
  - Founded: 2007 (joined MLS in 2009)
  - Stadium: Lumen Field
  - Significance: The Sounders are one of the most successful teams in MLS, with multiple MLS Cup victories and a large, passionate fan base.
- Sporting Kansas City
  - Location: Kansas City, Kansas
  - Founded: 1995 (began play in 1996)
  - Stadium: Children's Mercy Park
  - Significance: Sporting KC has a reputation for strong defense and tactical play, with a dedicated following in the Midwest.
- St. Louis CITY SC
  - Location: St. Louis, Missouri
  - Founded: 2019 (began play in 2023)
  - Stadium: CITYPARK
  - Significance: As one of the newest teams in MLS, St. Louis CITY SC represents a city with deep soccer roots and a growing fan base.
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC
  - Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
  - Founded: 1974 (joined MLS in 2011)
  - Stadium: BC Place
  - Significance: Vancouver Whitecaps FC is one of Canada's most prominent soccer clubs, known for its community outreach and diverse team.

Additional Activity

Have students plan an in-depth road trip to visit all team locations (or 5 of their favourite teams). Include the cost of gas, attendance for at least 2 people at each game, any purchases at the game, and overnight accommodations.