1996 MLS Season
Major League Soccer launched in 1996 with 10 founding clubs. D.C. United dominated the inaugural campaign, winning both the Supporters' Shield and MLS Cup behind Marco Etcheverry and Jaime Moreno.
MLS Cup Final
- Champion
- D.C. United
- Runner-Up
- LA Galaxy
- Score
- 3-2 (OT)
- Supporters' Shield
- D.C. United
Individual Awards
- MVP
- Carlos Valderrama
- Golden Boot
- Roy Lassiter (27 goals)
- Goalkeeper of the Year
- Mark Dodd
- Coach of the Year
- Bruce Arena
- Newcomer of the Year
- Steve Ralston
Major Stories
- •MLS launches with 10 teams in its inaugural season
- •D.C. United wins first MLS Cup
Major Signings
- Carlos Valderrama to Tampa Bay Mutiny
- Marco Etcheverry to D.C. United
Expansion Teams
- LA Galaxy
- D.C. United
- Columbus Crew
- New England Revolution
- NY/NJ MetroStars
- Tampa Bay Mutiny
- Colorado Rapids
- Sporting Kansas City
- FC Dallas
- San Jose Earthquakes
Standings (Top 10)
| # | Team | Record | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Columbus Crew | 20-11-1 | 61 |
| 2 |  Colorado Rapids | 20-11-1 | 61 |
| 3 |  D.C. United | 15-8-9 | 54 |
| 4 |  San Jose Earthquakes | 12-10-10 | 46 |
| 5 |  Sporting Kansas City | 12-10-10 | 46 |
| 6 |  LA Galaxy | 12-15-5 | 41 |
| 7 |  New England Revolution | 9-12-11 | 38 |
| 8 |  New York Red Bulls | 9-12-11 | 38 |
| 9 |  FC Dallas | 7-17-8 | 29 |
Best XI
- Tony Meola
- Eddie Pope
- Carlos Valderrama
- Marco Etcheverry
- Roy Lassiter