Major League Soccer : 2008 MLS season preview

Houston Dynamo win second consecutive MLS Cup

The Houston Dynamo scored two second-half goals to defeat the New England Revolution 2-1 in the 2007 MLS final, becoming the first team to successfully defend the Major League Soccer title since D.C. United won the league's first two crowns in 1996 and 1997. Manager Dominic Kinnear, who led the team to consecutive MLS championships, received a contract extension through 2010.

The Dynamo have won the championship both years since the team disbanded as the San Jose Earthquakes and was reborn in Texas two years ago, beating the Revolution both times. The Earthquakes also won the title in 2001 and 2003, while the Revolution fell at the final hurdle for the fourth time. New England lost the 2002 and 2005 MLS Cups in overtime and was beaten in a penalty kick shootout following overtime two years ago.

The overall number of titles for each club in Major League Soccer since 1996 and their success in the last five seasons. Conference finalists (1/2), Conference semi-finalists (1/4), not qualified for the MLS Playoffs (-).

Dutch legend Ruud Gullit to coach David Beckham in LA

The Los Angeles Galaxy have named Ruud Gullit as their new coach. The Dutch legend, once one of the best soccer players in the world and former Chelsea and Newcastle United manager, has been offered a three-year contract, according to local media. The 45-year-old has coached only one season since 1999, leaving Feyenoord at the end of the 2004/05 campaign. He has been working as a television soccer analyst since 2006.

Gullit arrived in Los Angeles following coach Frank Yallop's decision to return to San Jose for a second stint with the Earthquakes. So, after a two-year hiatus from Major League Soccer after the original San Jose franchise relocated to Houston before the 2006 season, the Earthquakes make their return to the league this campaign with the same coach who guided them to championships in 2001 and 2003.

The 2007 MLS regular season standings. z - clinched home field advantage for Conference Championships, x - clinched playoff spot.

This page is introduction to the 2008 Major League Soccer season. Latest news, statistics, results and predictions you can find on our main Sport in USA & Canada > MLS page.

Major League Soccer finals (MLS Cup) in last five seasons

2003   San Jose Earthquakes - Chicago Fire   4:2
2004   D.C. United - Kansas City Wizards   3:2
2005   Los Angeles Galaxy - New England Revolution   1:0 (OT)
2006   Houston Dynamo - New England Revolution   4:3 (penalties)
2007   Houston Dynamo - New England Revolution   2:1