List of MLS club post-season droughts
These are lists of active and all-time Major League Soccer (MLS) droughts in the MLS Cup Playoffs, CONCACAF Champions League, U.S. Open Cup, and Canadian Championship. Those teams which have never made it in club history are listed by the season that they entered the league.
Among the current 26 MLS clubs to have completed at least one season, 13 have never won the MLS Cup. The longest MLS Cup drought is jointly held by FC Dallas, New England Revolution, and New York Red Bulls, all of whom have played in every MLS season without ever winning the championship. Among those clubs which have won the MLS Cup, the longest title drought is that of Chicago Fire, who have not won the honor since winning MLS Cup 1998. 14 clubs have never won the Supporters' Shield, with Colorado Rapids being the only club to play in every season without ever winning the Shield. Among those clubs who have won the Shield, the longest drought is that of Sporting Kansas City who have not won the honor since the 2000 Major League Soccer season.
The only teams that have never qualified for the post-season tournament are FC Cincinnati, who debuted in 2019, and Austin FC, who debuted in 2021.
Longest active droughts[]
MLS Cup Playoffs appearance[]
Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season. Does not include clubs that made the post-season as of that year.
| Club | Last appearance in post-season |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 1 season |
| Columbus Crew | 2020 | 1 season |
| FC Dallas | 2020 | 1 season |
| Inter Miami CF | 2020 | 1 season |
| Los Angeles FC | 2020 | 1 season |
| CF Montréal | 2020 | 1 season |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2020 | 1 season |
| Toronto FC | 2020 | 1 season |
MLS Cup Conference Semifinals appearance[]
Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season. Does not include clubs that reached the Conference Semifinals that year.
| Club | Last appearance in MLS Cup Conference Semifinals |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 2009 | 12 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2012 | 9 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2015 | 6 seasons |
| CF Montréal | 2016 | 5 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons |
| New York Red Bulls | 2018 | 3 seasons |
| Atlanta United FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Inter Miami CF | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Los Angeles FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Toronto FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 1 season |
| Columbus Crew | 2020 | 1 season |
| FC Dallas | 2020 | 1 season |
| Minnesota United FC | 2020 | 1 season |
| Orlando City SC | 2020 | 1 season |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2020 | 1 season |
MLS Cup Conference Finals appearance[]
Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season. Does not include clubs that reached the Conference Finals that year.
| Club | Last appearance in MLS Cup Conference Final |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 2009 | 12 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2010 | 11 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2012 | 9 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2014 | 7 seasons |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons |
| FC Dallas | 2015 | 6 seasons |
| CF Montréal | 2016 | 5 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2016 | 5 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons |
| New York Red Bulls | 2018 | 3 seasons |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2018 | 3 seasons |
| Atlanta United FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Inter Miami CF | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons |
| Los Angeles FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Nashville SC | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons |
| Toronto FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 1 season |
| Columbus Crew | 2020 | 1 season |
| Minnesota United FC | 2020 | 1 season |
| New England Revolution | 2020 | 1 season |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2020 | 1 season |
MLS Cup Final appearance[]
Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season. Does not include clubs that appeared in MLS Cup 2021.
| Club | Last appearance in MLS Cup final |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 2003 | 18 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2004 | 17 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2003 | 16 seasons1 |
| New York Red Bulls | 2008 | 13 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 12 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2010 | 11 seasons |
| FC Dallas | 2010 | 11 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons |
| CF Montréal | never (club entered MLS in 2012) | 10 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2012 | 9 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | 2013 | 8 seasons |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2013 | 8 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2014 | 7 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2014 | 7 seasons |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons |
| Minnesota United FC | never (club entered MLS in 2017) | 5 seasons |
| Los Angeles FC | never (club entered MLS in 2018) | 4 seasons |
| Atlanta United FC | 2018 | 3 seasons |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons |
| Inter Miami CF | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons |
| Nashville SC | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons |
| Toronto FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 1 season |
| Columbus Crew | 2020 | 1 season |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2020 | 1 season |
- 1 Does not include 2006–2007 when San Jose was dormant.
MLS Cup championship[]
Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season. Does not include the winner of MLS Cup 2021 (New York City FC).
| Club | Last MLS Cup | Subsequent final losses | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| FC Dallas | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2010 | 26 seasons |
| New England Revolution | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014 | 26 seasons |
| New York Red Bulls | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2008 | 26 seasons |
| Chicago Fire | 1998 | 2000, 2003 | 23 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2004 | 17 seasons | |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2003 | 16 seasons1 | |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2007 | 2011, 2012 | 14 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | 2009 | 2013 | 12 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 12 seasons | |
| Colorado Rapids | 2010 | 11 seasons | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons | |
| CF Montréal | never (club entered MLS in 2012) | 10 seasons | |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2013 | 8 seasons | |
| LA Galaxy | 2014 | 7 seasons | |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons | |
| Portland Timbers | 2015 | 2018, 2021 | 6 seasons |
| Minnesota United FC | never (club entered MLS in 2017) | 5 seasons | |
| Los Angeles FC | never (club entered MLS in 2018) | 4 seasons | |
| Toronto FC | 2017 | 2019 | 4 seasons |
| Atlanta United FC | 2018 | 3 seasons | |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons | |
| Inter Miami CF | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons | |
| Nashville SC | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons | |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2019 | 2020 | 2 seasons |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 1 season | |
| Columbus Crew | 2020 | 1 season |
- 1 Does not include 2006–2007 when San Jose was dormant.
Supporters' Shield win[]
Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season. This list does not include the current holder of the Supporters' Shield (New England Revolution).
| Club | Last Supporters' Shield won | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Rapids | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 26 seasons |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2000 | 21 seasons |
| Chicago Fire | 2003 | 18 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | 17 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | never (club entered MLS in 2006) | 16 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2007 | 14 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2009 | 12 seasons |
| Portland Timbers | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons |
| CF Montréal | never (club entered MLS in 2012) | 10 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2011 | 10 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2012 | 9 seasons |
| New York City FC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2014 | 7 seasons |
| Atlanta United FC | never (club entered MLS in 2017) | 5 seasons |
| FC Dallas | 2016 | 5 seasons |
| Minnesota United FC | never (club entered MLS in 2017) | 5 seasons |
| Toronto FC | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons |
| New York Red Bulls | 2018 | 3 seasons |
| Inter Miami CF | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons |
| Los Angeles FC | 2019 | 2 seasons |
| Nashville SC | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 1 season |
| Philadelphia Union | 2020 | 1 season |
CONCACAF Champions League appearance[]
Updated through 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.
| Club | Last Champions League Qualification |
Method of Qualification | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 20041 | 2003 Supporters' Shield | 18 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2013–14 | 2012 Supporters' Shield | 8 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2015–16 | 2014 Eastern Conference regular season | 6 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2015–16 | MLS Cup 2014 | 6 seasons |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015)2 | 6 seasons | |
| Real Salt Lake | 2015–16 | 2014 Supporters' Shield fourth place3 | 6 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2016–17 | 2015 Canadian Championship | 5 seasons |
| FC Dallas | 2018 | 2016 Supporters' Shield and 2016 U.S. Open Cup4 | 4 seasons |
| Minnesota United FC | never (club entered MLS in 2017)2 | 4 seasons | |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019)2 | 3 seasons | |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2019 | 2018 U.S. Open Cup | 3 seasons |
| New York Red Bulls | 2019 | aggregate record in 2017 and 2018 runner-up5 | 3 seasons |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2019 | 2017 U.S. Open Cup | 3 seasons |
| Inter Miami CF | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 2 seasons | |
| Los Angeles FC | 2020 | 2019 Supporters' Shield | 2 seasons |
| Nashville SC | never (club entered MLS in 2020)2 | 2 seasons | |
| Atlanta United FC | 2021 | 2019 U.S. Open Cup6 | 1 season |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 1 season | |
| Columbus Crew | 2021 | MLS Cup 2020 | 1 season |
| Philadelphia Union | 2021 | 2020 Supporters' Shield | 1 season |
| Portland Timbers | 2021 | MLS is Back Tournament | 1 season |
| Toronto FC | 2021 | 2020 Canadian Championship finalist7 | 1 season |
| CF Montréal | 2022 | 2021 Canadian Championship | 0 seasons |
| Charlotte FC | never (club entered MLS in 2022) | 0 seasons | |
| Colorado Rapids | 2022 | 2021 Western Conference regular season | 0 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2022 | 2021 Supporters' Shield | 0 seasons |
| New York City FC | 2022 | MLS Cup 2021 | 0 seasons |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2022 | 2021 Supporters' Shield third place8 | 0 seasons |
- 1 The first CONCACAF Champions League was in 2008–09. Dates before this reference qualification for the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.
- 2 FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, and Orlando City SC played in other leagues before joining MLS and could have qualified for the Champions League by winning the U.S. Open Cup. This table only counts their droughts from when they joined MLS.
- 3 Seattle Sounders FC qualified for the 2015-16 Champions League twice by winning both the Supporters' Shield and the MLS Cup. Their second berth was passed to the best US-based club in the Supporters' Shield standings not yet qualified.
- 4 This club qualified for the Champions League through multiple pathways.
- 5 Toronto FC won MLS Cup 2017, but were ineligible for the Champions League berth because they are a Canadian club. The berth was passed to the best US-based club in the aggregate 2017 and 2018 MLS Supporters' Shield standings not yet qualified.
- 6 The 2020 U.S. Open Cup was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. US Soccer decided to award the spot which would ordinarily go to its champion to the previous year's champion.
- 7 The final of the 2020 Canadian Championship was unable to be held prior to the start of the 2021 champions league due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, Canada Soccer selected Toronto FC, one of the finalists, as Canada's representative.
- 8 The 2021 U.S. Open Cup was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. US Soccer decided to award the spot which would ordinarily go to its champion to the best US-based club in the Supporters' Shield standings not yet qualified.
Domestic cup championship[]
Updated through 2021 U.S. Open Cup and 2021 Canadian Championship.
| Club | Last domestic cup won | Subsequent final losses | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Rapids | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 1999 | 24 seasons1 |
| New York Red Bulls | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2003, 2017 | 24 seasons1 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 22 seasons1, 2 | |
| Columbus Crew | 2002 U.S. Open Cup | 2010 | 17 seasons1 |
| Real Salt Lake | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | 2013 | 15 seasons1 |
| LA Galaxy | 2005 U.S. Open Cup | 2006 | 14 seasons1 |
| Chicago Fire | 2006 U.S. Open Cup | 2011 | 13 seasons1 |
| New England Revolution | 2007 U.S. Open Cup | 2016 | 12 seasons1 |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 2014, 2015, 2018 | 10 seasons1 |
| Portland Timbers | never (club entered MLS in 2011)3 | 9 seasons1 | |
| D.C. United | 2013 U.S. Open Cup | 6 seasons1 | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2015 Canadian Championship | 2016, 2018 | 6 seasons |
| New York City FC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 5 seasons1 | |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015)3 | 5 seasons1 | |
| Seattle Sounders FC | 2014 U.S. Open Cup | 5 seasons1 | |
| FC Dallas | 2016 U.S. Open Cup | 3 seasons1 | |
| Minnesota United FC | never (club entered MLS in 2017)3 | 2019 | 3 seasons1 |
| Los Angeles FC | never (club entered MLS in 2018) | 2 seasons1 | |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2017 U.S. Open Cup | 2 seasons1 | |
| Toronto FC | 2018 Canadian Championship | 2019, 2021 | 2 seasons4 |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019)3 | 1 season1 | |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2018 U.S. Open Cup | 1 season1 | |
| Atlanta United FC | 2019 U.S. Open Cup | 0 seasons1 | |
| Austin FC | never (club entered MLS in 2021) | 0 seasons1 | |
| CF Montréal | 2021 Canadian Championship | 0 seasons | |
| Charlotte FC | never (club entered MLS in 2022) | 0 seasons | |
| Inter Miami CF | never (club entered MLS in 2020) | 0 seasons1 | |
| Nashville SC | never (club entered MLS in 2020)3 | 0 seasons1 |
- 1 Does not include 2020–2021 when the U.S. Open Cup was canceled.
- 2 Does not include 2006–2007 when San Jose was dormant.
- 3 FC Cincinnati, Minnesota United FC, Nashville SC, Orlando City SC, and Portland Timbers played in other leagues before joining MLS and competed in the U.S. Open Cup during those years. This table only counts their droughts from when they joined MLS.
- 4 Does not include the 2020 Canadian Championship, the final of which has not yet been held and to which Toronto FC has qualified.
Longest all-time droughts[]
Each list below shows the 20 longest droughts, plus ties, in the given category.
MLS Cup Playoffs appearance[]
The list only includes MLS clubs that failed to make the playoffs for three or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous post-season appearance |
Next post-season appearance |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto FC | never (club entered MLS in 2007) | 2015 | 8 seasons |
| Chivas USA | 2009 | never (club folded after 2014) | 5 seasons |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 2020 | 5 seasons |
| San Jose Clash/Earthquakes | 1996 | 2001 | 4 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2007 | 2012 | 4 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | 2011 | 2016 | 4 seasons |
| Chicago Fire | 2012 | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2012 | 2017 | 4 seasons |
| Chicago Fire | 2017 | 4 seasons | |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2017 | 4 seasons | |
| D.C. United | 1999 | 2003 | 3 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2004 | 2008 | 3 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | 2008 | 3 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2005 | 2009 | 3 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2006 | 2010 | 3 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2009 | 2013 | 3 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2013 | 2017 | 3 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2015 | 2019 | 3 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2016 | 2020 | 3 seasons |
| Montreal Impact | 2016 | 2020 | 3 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2017 | 2021 | 3 seasons |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons |
MLS Cup Conference Semifinals appearance[]
The list only includes clubs that failed to make the conference semifinals for three or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous appearance in MLS Cup Conference Semifinal |
Next appearance in MLS Cup Conference Semifinal |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 2009 | 12 seasons | |
| Toronto FC | never (club entered MLS in 2007) | 2016 | 9 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2012 | 9 seasons | |
| Philadelphia Union | 2011 | 2019 | 7 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2015 | 6 seasons | |
| Chivas USA | 2009 | never (club folded after 2014) | 5 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2014 | 2020 | 5 seasons |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 2020 | 5 seasons |
| Montreal Impact/CF Montréal | 2016 | 5 seasons | |
| San Jose Clash/Earthquakes | 1996 | 2001 | 4 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2007 | 2012 | 4 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 2015 | 4 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2011 | 2016 | 4 seasons |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2013 | 2018 | 4 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2016 | 2021 | 4 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2017 | 4 seasons | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2017 | 4 seasons | |
| D.C. United | 1999 | 2003 | 3 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2004 | 2008 | 3 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | 2008 | 3 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2005 | 2009 | 3 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2006 | 2010 | 3 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2009 | 2013 | 3 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2010 | 2014 | 3 seasons |
| FC Dallas | 2010 | 2014 | 3 seasons |
| Montreal Impact | never (club entered MLS in 2012) | 2015 | 3 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo | 2013 | 2017 | 3 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | 2014 | 2018 | 3 seasons |
| FC Dallas | 2016 | 2020 | 3 seasons |
| FC Cincinnati | never (club entered MLS in 2019) | 3 seasons | |
| New York Red Bulls | 2018 | 3 seasons |
MLS Cup Conference Finals appearance[]
The list only includes clubs that failed to make the conference finals for five or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous appearance in MLS Cup Conference Final |
Next appearance in MLS Cup Conference Final |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 2009 | 12 seasons | |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 2021 | 11 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2010 | 11 seasons | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons | |
| Dallas Burn/FC Dallas | 1999 | 2010 | 10 seasons |
| Chivas USA | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | never (club folded after 2014) | 10 seasons |
| Toronto FC | never (club entered MLS in 2007) | 2016 | 9 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2012 | 9 seasons | |
| MetroStars/New York Red Bulls | 2000 | 2008 | 7 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | 2013 | 2021 | 7 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2014 | 7 seasons | |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons | |
| New England Revolution | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2002 | 6 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2007 | 2014 | 6 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2008 | 2015 | 6 seasons |
| New York City FC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 2021 | 6 seasons |
| FC Dallas | 2015 | 6 seasons | |
| San Jose Clash/Earthquakes | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2001 | 5 seasons |
| Tampa Bay Mutiny | 1996 | never (club folded after 2001) | 5 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2002 | 2008 | 5 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2006 | 2012 | 5 seasons |
| New York Red Bulls | 2008 | 2014 | 5 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2010 | 2016 | 5 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2014 | 2020 | 5 seasons |
| Montreal Impact/CF Montréal | 2016 | 5 seasons | |
| Colorado Rapids | 2016 | 5 seasons |
MLS Cup Final appearance[]
The list only includes clubs that failed to make the MLS Cup final for seven or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous appearance in MLS Cup Final |
Next appearance in MLS Cup Final |
Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 2003 | 18 seasons | |
| D.C. United | 2004 | 17 seasons | |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2003 | 16 seasons1 | |
| Dallas Burn/FC Dallas | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2010 | 14 seasons |
| New York Red Bulls | 2008 | 13 seasons | |
| Columbus Crew | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2008 | 12 seasons |
| MetroStars/New York Red Bulls | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2008 | 12 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 1997 | 2010 | 12 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 12 seasons | |
| Colorado Rapids | 2010 | 11 seasons | |
| FC Dallas | 2010 | 11 seasons | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons | |
| Chivas USA | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | never (club folded after 2014) | 10 seasons |
| Montreal Impact/CF Montréal | never (club entered MLS in 2012) | 10 seasons | |
| Toronto FC | never (club entered MLS in 2007) | 2016 | 9 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo | 2012 | 9 seasons | |
| Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City | 2004 | 2013 | 8 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | 2013 | 8 seasons | |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2013 | 8 seasons | |
| Seattle Sounders FC | never (club entered MLS in 2009) | 2016 | 7 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2014 | 7 seasons | |
| New England Revolution | 2014 | 7 seasons | |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons |
- 1 Does not include 2006–2007 when San Jose was dormant.
MLS Cup championship[]
The list only includes clubs that failed to win an MLS Cup championship for seven or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous championship | Next championship | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Burn/FC Dallas | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 26 seasons | |
| MetroStars/New York Red Bulls | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 26 seasons | |
| New England Revolution | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 26 seasons | |
| Chicago Fire | 1998 | 23 seasons | |
| D.C. United | 2004 | 17 seasons | |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2003 | 16 seasons1 | |
| Colorado Rapids | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2010 | 14 seasons |
| Houston Dynamo FC | 2007 | 14 seasons | |
| Columbus Crew | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2008 | 12 seasons |
| Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City | 2000 | 2013 | 12 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 12 seasons | |
| Real Salt Lake | 2009 | 12 seasons | |
| Columbus Crew | 2008 | 2020 | 11 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2010 | 11 seasons | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons | |
| Chivas USA | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | never (club folded after 2014) | 10 seasons |
| Toronto FC | never (club entered MLS in 2007) | 2017 | 10 seasons |
| Montreal Impact/CF Montréal | never (club entered MLS in 2012) | 10 seasons | |
| Sporting Kansas City | 2013 | 8 seasons | |
| Seattle Sounders FC | never (club entered MLS in 2009) | 2016 | 7 seasons |
| LA Galaxy | 2014 | 7 seasons | |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015) | 7 seasons |
- 1 Does not include 2006–2007 when San Jose was dormant.
Supporters' Shield win[]
The list only includes clubs that failed to win a Supporters' Shield for eight or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous Supporters' Shield won | Next Supporters' Shield won | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Rapids | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 26 seasons | |
| New England Revolution | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2021 | 25 seasons |
| Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City | 2000 | 21 seasons | |
| Dallas Burn/FC Dallas | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2016 | 20 seasons |
| Chicago Fire | 2003 | 18 seasons | |
| MetroStars/New York Red Bulls | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2013 | 17 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | 17 seasons | |
| Houston Dynamo FC | never (club entered MLS in 2006) | 16 seasons | |
| D.C. United | 2007 | 14 seasons | |
| Columbus Crew | 2009 | 12 seasons | |
| Portland Timbers | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | never (club entered MLS in 2011) | 11 seasons | |
| Chivas USA | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | never (club folded after 2014) | 10 seasons |
| Toronto FC | never (club entered MLS in 2007) | 2017 | 10 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 2020 | 10 seasons |
| Montreal Impact/CF Montréal | never (club entered MLS in 2012) | 10 seasons | |
| LA Galaxy | 2011 | 10 seasons | |
| San Jose Clash/Earthquakes | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2005 | 9 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2012 | 9 seasons | |
| Columbus Crew | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2004 | 8 seasons |
CONCACAF Champions League appearance[]
The list only includes clubs that failed to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions League for five or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2022 CONCACAF Champions League.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous Champions League qualification | Next Champions League qualification | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Fire | 20041 | 18 seasons | |
| Dallas Burn/FC Dallas | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2011–12 | 14 seasons |
| MetroStars/New York Red Bulls | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2009–10 | 12 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 19981 | 2011–12 | 12 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2008–09 | 2022 | 12 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2010-11 | 2021 | 9 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 2021 | 9 seasons |
| Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City | 20051 | 2013-14 | 8 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 2013–14 | 8 seasons | |
| Chivas USA | 2008–09 | never (club folded after 2014) | 7 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 20031 | 2009–10 | 6 seasons |
| San Jose Earthquakes | 20021 | 2013–14 | 6 seasons2 |
| D.C. United | 2015–16 | 6 seasons | |
| LA Galaxy | 2015–16 | 6 seasons | |
| Orlando City SC | never (club entered MLS in 2015)3 | 6 seasons | |
| Real Salt Lake | 2015–16 | 6 seasons | |
| Columbus Crew | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 20031 | 5 seasons |
| New England Revolution | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 20031 | 5 seasons |
| Tampa Bay Mutiny | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | never (club folded after 2001) | 5 seasons |
| Real Salt Lake | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | 2010–11 | 5 seasons |
| Colorado Rapids | 2011–12 | 2018 | 5 seasons |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2015–16 | 5 seasons |
- 1 The first CONCACAF Champions League was in 2008–09. Dates before this reference qualification for the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.
- 2 Does not include the 2007, 2008, and 2008−09 tournaments which San Jose could not qualify for due to being on hiatus.
- 3 Orlando City SC played in another league before joining MLS and could have qualified for the Champions League by winning the U.S. Open Cup. This table only counts its drought from when it joined MLS.
Domestic cup championship[]
The list only includes clubs that failed to win the U.S. Open Cup or Canadian Championship for six or more consecutive seasons. Updated through 2021 U.S. Open Cup and 2021 Canadian Championship.
Active club streak is highlighted
| Club | Previous domestic cup won | Next domestic cup won | Length of drought |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Rapids | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 24 seasons1 | |
| MetroStars/New York Red Bulls | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 24 seasons1 | |
| San Jose Clash/Earthquakes | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 22 seasons1, 2 | |
| Dallas Burn/FC Dallas | 1997 U.S. Open Cup | 2016 U.S. Open Cup | 18 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | 2002 U.S. Open Cup | 17 seasons1 | |
| Real Salt Lake | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | 15 seasons1 | |
| LA Galaxy | 2005 U.S. Open Cup | 14 seasons1 | |
| Chicago Fire | 2006 U.S. Open Cup | 13 seasons1 | |
| Houston Dynamo FC | never (club entered MLS in 2006) | 2018 U.S. Open Cup | 12 seasons |
| New England Revolution | 2007 U.S. Open Cup | 12 seasons1 | |
| New England Revolution | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2007 U.S. Open Cup | 11 seasons |
| D.C. United | 1996 U.S. Open Cup | 2008 U.S. Open Cup | 11 seasons |
| Philadelphia Union | never (club entered MLS in 2010) | 11 seasons1 | |
| Chivas USA | never (club entered MLS in 2005) | never (club folded after 2014) | 10 seasons |
| Portland Timbers | never (club entered MLS in 2011)3 | 10 seasons1 | |
| Kansas City Wizards | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2004 U.S. Open Cup | 8 seasons |
| Kansas City Wizards/Sporting Kansas City | 2004 U.S. Open Cup | 2012 U.S. Open Cup | 7 seasons |
| Columbus Crew | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | 2002 U.S. Open Cup | 6 seasons |
| Tampa Bay Mutiny | never (club entered MLS in 1996) | never (club folded after 2001) | 6 seasons |
| D.C. United | 2013 U.S. Open Cup | 6 seasons1 | |
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2015 Canadian Championship | 6 seasons |
- 1 Does not include 2020–2021 when the U.S. Open Cup was canceled.
- 2 Does not include 2006–2007 when San Jose was dormant.
- 3 Portland Timbers played in other leagues before joining MLS and competed in the U.S. Open Cup during those years. This table only counts its drought from when it joined MLS.
Metro areas awaiting first MLS Cup[]
This list includes only metropolitan areas that have a club currently playing in MLS. Updated through 2021 Major League Soccer season.
| Metro area | Seasons waited |
MLS Cup Final appearances |
MLS team(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 26 | 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2014 | New England Revolution |
| Dallas | 26 | 2010 | FC Dallas |
| Philadelphia | 12 | never | Philadelphia Union |
| Vancouver | 11 | never | Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
| Montreal | 10 | never | CF Montréal |
| Orlando | 7 | never | Orlando City SC |
| Miami | 6 | never | Miami Fusion, Inter Miami CF |
| Minneapolis | 5 | never | Minnesota United FC |
| Cincinnati | 3 | never | FC Cincinnati |
| Nashville | 2 | never | Nashville SC |
| Austin | 1 | never | Austin FC |
See also[]
- Major League Soccer
- List of Major League Baseball franchise postseason droughts
- List of National Basketball Association franchise post-season droughts
- List of National Football League franchise post-season droughts
- List of National Hockey League franchise post-season droughts
Major League Soccer | |
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Categories:
- Major League Soccer lists
- Playoff streaks
- MLS Cup Playoffs