One day left! First Kick is nearly here, and it’s time to take a look at the number 1 through MLS history...
First 1: Former US national team star Tab Ramos was the first player to sign with MLS. He was soon followed by a tidal wave of US teammates including John Harkes, Tony Meola, Alexi Lalas, Marcelo Balboa and Eric Wynalda. Speaking of Waldo...
1 Score: Wynalda was the first goalscorer in MLS history, getting the lone goal in the then-San Jose Clash’s 1-0 home victory over D.C. United. DC, of course, would go on to be the league’s first MLS Cup champions, while the Clash didn’t have much luck until they changed their name to the Earthquakes. They picked up their first Cup in 2001.
[inline_node:327135]1 Winner: Brazilian defender Branco of the Metrostars was the first World Cup winner to ply his trade in MLS. Branco was a member of Brazil’s 1994 team, and it’s safe to say his international career was far more distinguished than his time in MLS. Other World Cup champs to play in MLS are Lothar Mattheus, Youri Djorkaeff and Thierry Henry.
Double 1: In addition to being the first MLS Cup winners, that D.C. United team from 1996 were also the first double winners, taking home both the MLS Cup and the US Open Cup. The following year they took home another double, winning the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield. No team has won the treble.
1 MVP: The league’s first MVP was Colombian maestro Carlos Valderrama. And the recipient of his largesse was...
Golden 1: Roy Lassiter, winner of the first MLS Golden Boot thanks largely to El Pibe’s creative exploits. Lassiter’s 27 goals in 1996 still stand as a league record.
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