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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Trophy for MLS team with top record to be awarded after all

A member of the Emerald City Supporters carries the MLS Supporters Shield during the traditional March to the Match in 2014 in Seattle. The Supporters’ Shield, the trophy given to the MLS team with the best regular-season record, will be handed out after all this season.  (Associated Press)
Associated Press

The Supporters’ Shield, the trophy given to the MLS team with the best regular-season record, will be handed out after all this season.

The Supporters’ Shield Foundation, which oversees the annual award, reversed its recent decision to dispense with the Shield during a season disrupted by the pandemic.

“We had based our initial decision on the many schedule imbalances throughout the 2020 season,” the foundation said in a statement Friday. “However, the conversations we have had over the last week have proven that a winner should be declared no matter what.”

The Shield has been handed out since 1998. The 1996 and 1997 teams were later inscribed on the trophy.

Toronto FC is leading the standings with four games remaining. D.C. United and the Los Angeles Galaxy have won the Shield four times.