US Soccer Competitions: Every professional cup and tournament explained

"In contrast to just about every other major soccer country in the world, the United States does not define its champion based on the regular season. Instead, the team that finishes with the best regular season record out of the entire 30 teams will come away with the Supporters' Shield. The Supporters' Shield isn't just a prestigious trophy it also guarantees you homefield advantage from the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs all the way to the final."

"However, it hasn't always coincided with the ultimate prize, as Lionel Messi's Inter Miami came to found out last season. After finishing with an MLS record 74 points, Miami were bounced in the opening round of the playoffs by Atlanta United. Furthermore, the Supporters' Shield champions will host the Campeones Cup Final against the best team in Mexico. They will face off against whichever team wins the Campeon de Campeones, an annual match held between the Liga MX Apertura and Clausura winners."

"So far this season, we've seen a total of six different MLS teams get their hands on major silverware. Philadelphia Union claimed the Supporters' Shield, Nashville won their first-ever trophy after beating Austin in the U.S. Open Cup Final, Vancouver Whitecaps came away with the Canadian Championship, whilst Seattle Sounders secured their maiden Leagues Cup title. However, the most important trophy is still up for grabs: the MLS Cup title."

Six different MLS teams have won major trophies this season, including Philadelphia Union (Supporters' Shield), Nashville (U.S. Open Cup), Vancouver Whitecaps (Canadian Championship), and Seattle Sounders (Leagues Cup). The MLS Cup remains undecided. The Supporters' Shield is awarded to the team with the best regular-season record among 30 MLS teams and grants homefield advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs. Supporters' Shield winners also host the Campeones Cup final against the Campeon de Campeones winner from Liga MX. The Supporters' Shield does not guarantee MLS Cup success, as Inter Miami earned 74 points but exited in the first playoff round.

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