The inaugural presentation of the redesigned shield took place on the final day of the 2013 MLS season , with the New York Red Bulls becoming the first recipients of the revamped trophy . The new design not only elevated the visual appeal of the trophy but also symbolized the league ' s commitment to celebrating excellence in the regular season .
2020 : A Year of Unprecedented Challenges : The year 2020 presented unprecedented challenges for sports leagues worldwide , and MLS was no exception . On October 17 , 2020 , Major League Soccer announced , following a decision made by the ISC , that the Supporters ' Shield would not be awarded at the end of the regular season . This decision was largely influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the league .
The announcement stirred significant backlash within the MLS community , drawing criticism from various members , including Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney , whose team led the Supporters ' Shield standings at the time .
In response to the negative reactions , on October 23 , the Supporters ' Shield Foundation reversed its initial decision , reinstating the Shield for the 2020 season . The Philadelphia Union ultimately secured the Shield but faced an unexpected challenge – a delay in shipping from Los Angeles prevented them from using the actual shield during the celebration .
Undeterred , the Union improvised with a temporary replacement fashioned from a repurposed Captain America shield with a vinyl cover , showcasing the resilience and creativity of the MLS community in the face of adversity .
The saga of the Supporters ' Shield , from its redesign to the challenges of 2020 , reflects the enduring spirit of the league and its dedicated supporters .
As MLS continues to evolve , the Supporters ' Shield stands as a symbol of resilience , community , and the pursuit of excellence in North American soccer ( football ).
The journey of the MLS Supporters ' Shield is a testament to the dedication and passion of football supporters who sought to celebrate excellence in the regular season . From its humble beginnings to its integration into continental competitions , the Supporters ' Shield has evolved into a symbol of achievement and a source of pride for the clubs and fans alike .
As MLS continues to grow and thrive , the Supporters ' Shield remains a cherished tradition that
honors the spirit of competition and sportsmanship .
If you still are confused , just know that the “ Supporter ’ s Shield ” is different than championship match and postseason tournament . Supporter ’ s Shield recognizes the year ' s best regular-season team .
*** Bear in mind that the Supporter ’ s Shield being the best overall not always wins the champion title .
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