MLS turns 20 years old today. It's been a long, winding road for the league, which once looked like it might go under and is now thriving. But most importantly, because the league was founded in the mid 90's, it existed in the golden age of cheesy advertising.
As a result, we have some amazing old MLS commercials.
Behold:
MLS on ESPN2, 1998
MLS in 1998 was a party. At least that's what they were selling on ESPN2 or, as it was called then, THE DEUCE.
Was it really a party? They had Rev. Run so ... let's not answer that.
And seriously, what rhymes with Cienfuegos?
Chicago Fire, 1999
The flames really bring it all together. I didn't know just how scorching hot the Fire were until I saw, well, the fire*. And at the tail end of the commercial, they dedicated two-thirds of the screen to flames, which is spectacular #brand commitment.
* That's not really true because they had just won MLS Cup as an expansion team before, but roll with it.
Chicago Fire, 1999
Another Fire commercial! The commitment to flames remains, but mainly look at Bob Bradley with (some) hair. This is very important.
Kansas City Wizards, 2007
The music and the "now taking reservations" tagline is great, but can we focus on the hair? There's a lot of bleach blonde going on for 2007.
adidas, 1996
John Harkes stormed the White House and kicked a ball into the Oval Office. This is very realistic because Jack Bauer could probably do it, so why not Harkes? Also, Harkes could definitely kick a ball through bulletproof glass. Mainly, this commercial gets credit for cute dogs.
Kansas City Wizards, 1997
THE GOAT.
No MLS commercial will ever be this good. Not only did soccer players in an Austin Powers theme happen, but it debuted in Kansas City during the Grammy's. Everything about this is perfect and Sporting KC should still be using this commerical today.
Not Shown
FC Dallas and MLS never made a Schellas Hyndman butter leather jacket commercial. It is probably the greatest failure in the league's 20 years.
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