The 2004 MLS season was a landmark year marked by significant expansion and the emergence of young talent. The league expanded to 10 teams with the addition of Real Salt Lake and CD Chivas USA, bringing MLS to new markets in Utah and Los Angeles. The season ran from April 3 to November 14, with each team playing 30 regular season matches.
D.C. United captured their fourth MLS Cup title, defeating the Kansas City Wizards 3-2 in the championship match at The Home Depot Center (now Dignity Health Sports Park). The regular season was dominated by the Columbus Crew, who won the Supporters' Shield with 47 points. Amado Guevara of the MetroStars claimed the MVP award after leading the league with 10 goals and 15 assists.
The 2004 season is perhaps most remembered for the professional debut of Freddy Adu, who became the youngest player in MLS history at age 14 when he signed with D.C. United. Adu's signing brought unprecedented media attention to MLS and represented a major step in the league's efforts to develop homegrown talent. The season also featured strong performances from veterans like Landon Donovan and Carlos Ruiz, who helped establish MLS as a growing force in American soccer.