Ranking the Winningest MLS Franchises in League History

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; A giant replica of the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy is seen at center field before the 2016 MLS Cup between the Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; A giant replica of the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy is seen at center field before the 2016 MLS Cup between the Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
21 of 23

Embed from Getty Images

#3 – Miami Fusion

Matches Played: 132

Wins: 59

Percentage: 44.7%

The third and final MLS franchise to have folded in our rankings. Much like Tampa Bay, Miami was successful on the field, but that wasn’t enough to save the club. The Fusion only existed for four years, but made the playoffs three of those. Winning at least 12 games all four seasons, the team was always competitive.

Miami’s final season in 2001 saw the club win the Eastern Conference and Supporters’ Shield. They topped Kansas City in the playoffs before falling to San Jose. Had the team been founded a decade later, they would likely still be playing and the Beckham Miami project would be non-existent. However, they averaged under 10,000 fans over the four years and could never find a way to pull in the casual fan. The MLS seems determined to find a way to get Miami back into the league even with all the setbacks. But replicating a nearly 45% win rate is unlikely for a new expansion team.