I realize there is some discusssion of this on the Nick Webster thread, but MLS Magazine is doing a small feature on the greatest games of all-time. Here's what's on our list, but are we missing anything? NY-LA LA-FCD (SuperLiga -- we're including MLS vs. MLS games in other competitions) SJ Comeback vs. L.A. (5-2 OT) 2004 EC Final (DC-NE, 3-3 and PKs) MLS Cup 96 (DC-LA) MLS Cup 98 (DC-Chi) MLS Cup 03 (SJ-Chi) MLS Cup 06 (Hou-NE) 2003 WC Final (KC-SJ) 99 PO Dal-Chi, G3 SJ-NY 04 How to judge the best game? Well, I think it's in the eye of the beholder. Someone on the other thread said they couldn't list the LA-NY game because it didn't mean anything, and another noted that the defense was substandard. But there was end-to-end action, great drama and a fantastic atmosphere. So if there are games that don't mean a whole lot but were exciting --possibly because of lax defending -- love to hear about them. Thanks for your help.
I'm not saying this as an FCD fan, but as a soccer fan. MLS Cup 06 was one of the most boring games I've ever seen. 2 minutes of action does not make up for 118 of pure boredom.
The atmosphere was crap, unless you enjoy 12 year old girls and Metro fans shrieking for Beckham. If you want crap atmosphere, end-to-end action, and "great drama", I recommend the NHL or MISL. The NY v LA match wouldn't be in my Top 20 list. I've seen more entertaining 0-0 draws.
Not looking for argument on any of the choices listed. Looking for other choices. If you don't like some of the ones listed, offer something new.
I thought the NE vs DC semifinal in 04 was the best game I've seen, in terms of the overall package, excitement, good play, great goals, intense fans...
2004 Eastern Conference Final: DC vs. NE. One of the greatest games ever. 3-3 then went to PKs. The final that year was pretty good. DC wins 3-2, plays the last 36 minutes down a man.
I hope there's an MLS Network one day with some of these games so I can see them. I only started watching MLS last season, but I would expect (hope?) that playoff games would tend to be more exciting. One of the most entertaining regular season games I've been to was the first Houston-Dallas game last year, a 4-3 affair in front of over 21000 people.
Drive up I-95 if you want some atmosphere at an NHL game. Guarantee that the Flyers fans are 100 times more vocal than the (few) fans the Caps draw. I agree, the EC Final was definitely one of the best games this league has ever seen.
The FCD vs Colorado playoff game in Dallas last year. That was an exciting game as the Rapids had to come back twice and then win it in PKs.
MetroStars vs. San Jose 4-4 at Giants Stadium in 2003. Not to be confused with the 5-5 game at Spartan Stadium in 2004. Most famous for Ramiro Corrales towel-snapping Amado Guevara in the knee from the bench, and Guevara reacting as if he'd been shot in the eye, but also featuring stoppage-time goals by both sides (Mathis and Donovan). San Jose vs. Colorado 4-3, June 3, 1999. Not a game of great import, but very exciting with the Clash scoring three goals in 7 minutes late in the game to come back from a 3-1 deficit. Also featured a spectacular goal by Eddie Lewis in the first half.
2004 EC Final (DC-NE, 3-3 and PKs) That's my vote for best game I've ever seen in MLS. Some games have been more dramatic (like SJ's comeback that stuck a dagger in my heart) but I think the best game is when two teams stand toe to toe and slug it out back and forth, instead of one team playing great for a half, building a lead, then the other team coming back and dominating the second half to get the win. That DC-NE 2004 Eastern-Conference Final was two teams just taking the other team's best shot, then turning around and dishing it back at 'em - over and over again for all 120 minutes. That gets my vote.
Obviously, you were not there. The atmosphere was incredible, but I understand, you're just jealous... happens to the best of us.
What he said. Best MLS game I've ever seen in my life, and I've been a fan since 96 and seen many, many games. It had everything - quality, drama, atmosphere. In fact, about two years ago a soccer friend of mine was disparaging MLS. I told him that it's a lot better than he thinks, he just has to give it a chance. So he basically challenged me to prove it - to name even one game that might change his mind. So, I found a copy of this game on the internet and sent him a link... he is now a season ticket holder. If DC and NE play each other for the Eastern Conference final again this year, I would love for MLS to find a way to rebroadcast their 2004 meeting as part of the buildup/marketing of their latest match. Every fan of MLS should see that game. And, hopefully, it would be followed by another classic playoff meeting between these two teams.
Man you are such a hater. There are like 6 guys on the planet who thought that game was crap and the atmoshpere was crap...and they all are the most notorious DC asshats on Bigsoccer. Give it up. The atmosphere at that game was racious, over 67K made it the largest stand alone game in MLS history, the game was seen all over the planet, it was end to end and exciting with many goals. that game made all kinds of history and even over the TV you could hear the endless singing and gasps of the crowd. The world hates DC fans for their arrogance and their attitidue of constant belittling of other MLS fans. Whether it be stupid posts like yours above trying to devalue another teams support at a game, or in the pictures thread constantly trying to find reasons to blast ather clubs support...or even plastic DC fans running around with a sense of entitlement. Fact- the NY-LA game ranks among the very best MLS games of all time, all things considered and taken into account. Whether its the best is open for debate, but to claim its not even top 20 or better than any 0-0 draw is just absurd and quite frankly shows your complwete ignorance to the league and the game itself. Try being objective for once instead of viewing everything from your shit covered DC goggles.
Alex, Please list one of those 0-0 draws you have been raving about as being better...we would all love to see what you come up with.
Another game that maybe should get some consideration is the famous 2003 DC-NY game in DC. If you dont remeber its the game that went to overtime where Bradley subbed Gaven in as keeper then moved him to the outfield where he eventually scored the game winner. It was a good game and pretty memorable because of the crazy way it ended. I usually judge games on replay value. If its a game that i just have to see again and again. There have only been a few of those i can recall. The DC-NE Easter final i re-watched at least 6 or 7 times, the NY-LA game i have seen about the same, the SJ-LA game Miricle comback match. I can think of a few others too, but the thread starer included those as well.
My choice. And the LA at NY game this year, in my top 10. Probably the best atmosphere for an MLS game at GS that I've been to, and I've been going since the inception of the league.
1996 or 1997. Columbus at Kansas City. I think a 6-4 final for KC. I like excitement on the field. Could care less about what goes on in the stands.
I hate to remember back to this day, but the San Jose vs L.A. game which we lost 5-4 when leading 4-0. (OUCH!!!!) And I think the best MLS regular season game I have ever seen has to be the L.A. vs Red Bull game. That game had everything for an MLS Cup Final game. The crowd The booing of Beckham The Taunting of Beckham to the NY fans The Goals The atmosphere Watching Tom Arnold cheer the Galaxy and then seeing his and David Beckhams disgust when Pablo Angel scored the winning goal. (OUCH!!!) So yes, in my opinion those are two of the best MLS games I have seen but the sad thing is that L.A. lost in both games!! (OUCH!!!)