Major League Soccer’s 27th year was a tale of two standout teams. For much of the season, Los Angeles FC and Philadelphia Union could not be separated. After 34 league matches, two play-off games and a final between the pair that went to extra-time, a penalty shootout was eventually required to decide the overall champion in 2022.
The two clubs from opposite coasts had been the outstanding teams in the regular season, topping their respective conferences and battling it out for the Supporters’ Shield.
LAFC eventually claimed the league leaders’ shield due to MLS tiebreaker rules that prioritise total wins
