MLS Soccer Betting Lines: The 1994 World Cup triggered a soccer boom in the United States that led directly to the creation of Major League Soccer, the most successful professional soccer league in the history of this country. The first campaign took place in 1996 with 10 teams, and MLS has been steadily expanding ever since with 18 teams, 16 in the US and two in Canada, slated to take part in the regular season, beginning in March and ending in November of 2012.

After its first season, MLS did suffer a decline in attendance and the league's quality was cast in doubt due to the struggles of the US national team. The United States finished last at the 1998 World Cup with a roster comprised almost entirely of MLS players, and the ongoing financial problems forced the league to contract two franchises, the Tampa Bay Mutiny and Miami Fusion, and also led to the departure of original commissioner Doug Logan.

His replacement Don Garber, a former NFL international chief, emerged as an influential figure in shoring up the league's future by emphasizing the development of young American talent as well as the construction of soccer-specific stadiums. Columbus Crew Stadium, built in 1999, is often cited as a league model and all but three teams will play in their own stadiums in 2011. The LA Galaxy and Chivas USA share the Home Depot Center.

DaMarcus Beasley and Landon Donovan were the first breakout stars in Major League Soccer and when the United States reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, the dramatic run had the opposite effect of 1998, boosting the league's credibility tremendously. Attendance has steadily increased and after losing an estimated $350 million between its founding and the year 2004, MLS is now showing sings of long-term profitability.

An increase in television coverage has seen revenues continue to grow for each team, while soccer-specific stadiums reduce costs. Both ESPN and the Fox Soccer Channel now televise MLS games, and the arrival of foreign stars like David Beckham and Thierry Henry has given the league an international profile. Major League Soccer also received a great deal of attention with the signing of 14-year old phenom Freddy Adu back in 2004.

Adu eventually left for Portuguese powerhouse Benfica and a number of other players have been snapped up by top European clubs based on their exploits in MLS, including Tim Howard (Manchester United), Clint Dempsey (Fulham) and Jozy Altidore (Villarreal). The next step for Major League Soccer to continue earning respect is for its teams to perform well in competitions like the Concacaf Champions League and the Club World Cup.

DC United actually captured the continental championship back in 1998 and the Bruce Arena-led club also emerged as the first dynasty in Major League Soccer, winning the MLS Cup in three of the first four seasons. The expansion Chicago Fire interrupted DC's run in 1998, while Kansas City claimed its first-ever title in 2000. United did reclaim the trophy in 2004 and is the most successful franchise in league history with four MLS Cups.

Following this initial period of domination by one club, Major League Soccer has featured a great deal of parity with seven different teams claiming the title since 2000. The Galaxy (2002, 2005), San Jose Earthquakes (2001, 2003) and Houston Dynamo (2006, 2007) are the only other franchises to capture more than one MLS Cup, with Houston earning the distinction of being the only club besides DC to win consecutive titles before falling on hard times last year.

Donovan leads in playoff goals with 17, while former US international Cobi Jones has taken part in the most postseason games (45), though he could be passed by goalkeeper Kevin Hartman in 2012. Midfielder Steve Ralston, who retired this past year, is the all-time regular-season leader in both games played and minutes, with Hartman closing in on both marks, so some major records could fall in what should be another exciting campaign that kicks off next month.

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