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MLS: Complete week one attendance stats – Vancouver Whitecaps growth

By Daniel Garza

SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 4: Members of Los Angeles FC stand on the field with youth escorts before the start of a match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on March 4, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Los Angeles FC won 1-0. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MARCH 4: Members of Los Angeles FC stand on the field with youth escorts before the start of a match against the Seattle Sounders at CenturyLink Field on March 4, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. Los Angeles FC won 1-0. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
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The MLS season kicked off last weekend and the first attendance stats of the season are in. Find out how each club fared in their respective home matches.

The first week of the MLS season brought plenty of thrills, with upsets and dominance galore, and there were plenty on-hand to witness these feats.

Here’s a look at the attendance numbers behind a rousing week one.

MLS Week 1 numbers

  • Toronto FC: 26,663
  • Houston Dynamo: 20,377
  • Philadelphia Union: 16,452
  • Orlando City: 25,527
  • FC Dallas: 16,116
  • San Jose: 18,000
  • Seattle Sounders: 40,070
  • Vancouver Whitecaps: 27,837
  • Sporting Kansas City: 20,831
  • LA Galaxy: 25,462

Total attendance: 237,335

Week 1 average: 23,734 (rounded up from 23,733.5)

*All stats from MLSSoccer.com

(Photo by Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Chevrier/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Analysis

Of course, it was the opening weekend of the season, which typically draws larger crowds in general. However, weather can play a factor as well, as clubs across the country can struggle in March due to less than ideal conditions.

The Seattle Sounders actually saw fairly lower numbers compared to their 2017 average of 43,666. In fact, they were lower than their season low attendance mark of 40,182 in 2017. Not the best start.

More from MLS Multiplex

  • LA Galaxy had a very good weekend as they drew a number just a few hundred less than their 2017 highest attendance of 26,667. If they continue their winning ways then expect them to post higher numbers across the board.

    • Vancouver Whitecaps beat their highest attendance of 25,083 by over 2,000. It was a great start as well, with a 2-1 win against their fellow Canadian club the Montreal Impact.

    Toronto FC had numbers below their 2017 season average of 27,647.

    Houston Dynamo had a good showing with over 20,000 fans on hand for a massive win over Atlanta United. Their attendance number was better than their 2017 season average and just about 2,000 under their highest attendance.

    San Jose somehow pulled off an even number at 18,000. They were over 1,000 below their 2017 season average of 19,875.

    Sporting KC were just about 100 supporters short of matching their 2017 highest attendance.

    Philadelphia Union had an average crowd for their opening match as supporters braved the cold for an opening win. Their 2017 season average was 16,812.

    FC Dallas were just about 100 people short of reaching their 2017 season high of 16,291.

    Orlando City continued their impressive attendance record as they have one of the most consistent and impressive supporter bases in the league.

    The MLS average as a whole for 2017 was 22,112. With an attendance average of 23,734, the season is off to a good start. However, as mentioned, the opening weekend is not always indicative of what’s to come. As teams excel and struggle, the attendance will fluctuate but with new additions to the league in terms of clubs and players it will be interesting to see what we see as a whole.

    Next: MLS: Top 5 Goals From Matchweek 1

    Seven clubs will host their first match of 2018 this upcoming weekend, including Atlanta United who led MLS in attendance last season  Stay tuned to see how each club did next week.

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