Relive the 2016 Major League Soccer Season Scores and Key Match Highlights

I still remember the 2016 MLS season like it was yesterday—the dramatic finishes, unexpected upsets, and those controversial moments that had everyone talking. What made that season particularly memorable wasn't just the quality of soccer on display, but how tightly contested the race was across both conferences. Every point mattered, every goal counted, and as any true fan knows, sometimes the outcome hinged on more than just skill and strategy. I recall watching several matches where a single questionable call seemed to tilt the entire balance of the game. It reminded me of a point made by a coach I once heard in an interview: "Sa isang malapitan na laro, kung magkakaron ka ng apat na bad calls against you, ang laking bagey na nun," he pointed out. "That will cost you 6-8 points in a close game, plus it will cost your momentum, it will cost your morale to go down." That statement stuck with me because it perfectly captures how fragile team confidence can be in a league as competitive as MLS.

Take the Western Conference, for example. FC Dallas finished with 60 points, just edging out the Colorado Rapids by two points. I vividly remember their clash in early August—a match that ended 1-1 but could have easily swung either way. Dallas had a clear penalty shout denied in the 78th minute, and while it's impossible to say for sure, that single decision might have cost them two points right there. Over the course of a season, those missed opportunities add up. In the Eastern Conference, New York Red Bulls and New York City FC were locked in a fierce rivalry, with the Red Bulls ultimately finishing on top with 57 points. Their 7-0 demolition of NYC in May was a statement win, no doubt, but I can't help but think about NYC's 2-2 draw against Orlando City a few weeks prior, where a disputed offside call negated what would have been a late winner. That's another two points lost, and in a tight playoff race, those are the moments that keep coaches up at night.

The playoffs that year were just as dramatic. Seattle Sounders, who finished fourth in the West with 53 points, went on to win MLS Cup. I've always had a soft spot for underdog stories, and Seattle's run was a masterclass in resilience. But even they weren't immune to controversy. In their conference semifinal against FC Dallas, there was a handball incident in the box that went unpunished—a call that, if made, could have changed the entire complexion of the tie. It's moments like these that make you appreciate how much mental fortitude matters. A bad call doesn't just affect the scoreline; it saps a team's energy. I've seen it firsthand—players who were flying high suddenly look deflated, and the momentum shifts irrevocably. That's exactly what the coach was talking about. In a league where the margin for error is so slim, those 6-8 points lost to poor officiating can be the difference between lifting a trophy and watching from home.

Of course, it wasn't all about the controversies. There were plenty of brilliant performances that defined the season. Didier Drogba's hat-trick for Montreal Impact against Philadelphia Union was pure magic—I still rewatch those goals from time to time. Then there was Sebastian Giovinco's MVP season with Toronto FC, where he racked up 21 goals and 15 assists. Those are the numbers that stick in your mind, the kind of production that elevates a team from good to great. But even Giovinco had his share of frustrations. I remember a match against Chicago Fire where he was denied a clear free-kick just outside the box in the dying minutes. Toronto ended up drawing 1-1, and while it's easy to focus on the star players, it's those small, cumulative moments that shape a season.

Looking back, the 2016 MLS season was a perfect storm of talent, tension, and unpredictability. The league has grown so much since then, but that year felt like a turning point—a season where every match mattered, and every decision was scrutinized. As a longtime follower of the sport, I believe that while we can't eliminate human error from officiating, we can certainly learn from it. The introduction of VAR in subsequent years was a step in the right direction, but even now, I find myself thinking about how different the 2016 table might have looked with today's technology. Would FC Dallas have held on to their lead? Would Seattle still have made their incredible cup run? We'll never know for sure, but that's what makes soccer so compelling. It's not just about the goals and the glory; it's about those fine margins that define greatness. And in 2016, those margins were on full display.