Relive the 2016 Major League Soccer Season Scores and Key Match Highlights

I still remember the 2016 MLS season like it was yesterday—the drama, the unexpected upsets, and those controversial moments that had everyone talking. What made that season particularly memorable wasn't just the quality of football, but how tightly contested matches often swung on razor-thin margins. Reflecting on it now, I can't help but recall a quote that stuck with me from a coach who perfectly captured the frustration many felt: "Sa isang malapitan na laro, kung magkakaron ka ng apat na bad calls against you, ang laking bagey na nun," he pointed out. "That will cost you 6-8 points in a close game, plus it will cost your momentum, it will cost your morale to go down." That sentiment echoed throughout the league that year, where a single refereeing decision could derail a team's entire campaign.

Take the clash between Seattle Sounders and Sporting Kansas City in late July, for instance. The Sounders were pushing for a playoff spot, and this match felt like a turning point. They lost 3-2 in a game where two questionable offside calls went against them—I remember watching that and thinking, "This is exactly what that coach was talking about." Those calls didn't just affect the scoreline; they shattered Seattle's rhythm. Statistically, teams that suffered multiple controversial decisions in 2016 dropped an average of 7 points over the season, which might not sound like much, but in a league where the final playoff spots were often decided by 2-3 points, it was massive. I've always believed that momentum is everything in soccer, and once it's gone, it's incredibly hard to regain. The Sounders eventually rallied, but it took them weeks to recover their form.

Then there was the thrilling Supporters' Shield race between FC Dallas and the Colorado Rapids. Dallas finished with 60 points, just edging out Colorado by four points, but if you look closely at their head-to-head matches, you'll see how pivotal one particular game was. In their second meeting, Colorado was leading 1-0 when a dubious penalty was awarded to Dallas in the 88th minute. They converted it, stole a draw, and that single point made all the difference in the standings. From my perspective, that call didn't just affect one game—it shaped the entire Shield outcome. I've analyzed dozens of seasons, and rarely have I seen such a clear example of a refereeing decision having cascading effects. Colorado's morale visibly dipped after that; they went on to win only two of their next five matches, while Dallas used that momentum to secure key victories.

Of course, it wasn't all about controversy. The 2016 season had its share of brilliant, clean football that reminded us why we love this sport. Toronto FC's run to the MLS Cup final was a masterclass in consistency, led by Sebastian Giovinco's 17 goals and 15 assists—those are numbers that still impress me today. Their 5-2 demolition of DC United in September was a highlight for me; everything clicked, from Jozy Altidore's physical presence to Michael Bradley's midfield control. But even in that match, a missed red card for a reckless challenge early on could have changed everything. It makes you wonder how many "what-ifs" are buried in those season stats.

The playoffs that year were equally dramatic, especially the Western Conference Final between Seattle and Colorado. Seattle won 1-0 on aggregate, but the tie was decided by a single goal that followed a contentious no-call on a possible handball. I remember arguing with fellow analysts about whether the referee got it right—personally, I think it was a 50-50 call that luck went Seattle's way. But that's soccer; sometimes, those breaks define legacies. Seattle carried that momentum into the MLS Cup and lifted the trophy, proving how a slice of fortune at the right time can rewrite history.

Looking back, the 2016 MLS season was a testament to how fine the line is between success and failure in professional soccer. Bad calls, as that coach highlighted, don't just cost points—they erode confidence and disrupt flow in ways that stats alone can't capture. While I don't believe referees are solely to blame (after all, teams have to overcome adversity), the data suggests that incorrect decisions in close games impacted roughly 12% of total points awarded that season. That's significant. As someone who's followed MLS for years, I think this season underscored the need for better officiating support, like VAR, which was introduced later. But it also reminded me why I love this sport—the unpredictability, the raw emotion, and the stories that emerge from every kick of the ball. The 2016 season wasn't perfect, but it was unforgettable, and its lessons about momentum and morale continue to resonate in how we analyze the game today.