Record attendances in United States club soccer

Competitive men's professional soccer has been played in the United States since 1912 and since 2001 for women's. Numerous leagues have existed over the years with some recognized by the United States Soccer Federation and some not. The lists below are the single game attendance records for men's outdoor (60,000+), women's outdoor (20,000+), and men's indoor (18,000+) matches in American club soccer.

Michigan Stadium during Real Madrid vs. Manchester United friendly game which set a record for most fans to watch a soccer game in the United States, August 2, 2014

Men's soccer

edit

MLS attendance

edit

This list includes matches in which at least one Major League Soccer team has participated. This list does not include several matches played in the U.S. between two clubs not based in the United States (e.g. Chelsea vs. A.C. Milan in the 2009 World Football Challenge).

Rank Year Attendance Teams Competition Venue & Location
1 2015 93,226[1] Barcelona at LA Galaxy 2015 ICC Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
2 2009 93,137[2] Barcelona at LA Galaxy Friendly
3 2010 89,134[3] Real Madrid at LA Galaxy Friendly
4 2014 86,432[4] Manchester United at LA Galaxy Friendly
5 2023 82,110[5] Los Angeles FC at LA Galaxy MLS
6 2022 74,479[6] LA Galaxy at Charlotte FC (club inaugural home match) MLS Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
7 2018 73,019[7] Portland Timbers at Atlanta United FC MLS Cup 2018 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
8 2024 72,610[8] Inter Miami CF at Sporting Kansas City MLS Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
9 2019 72,548[9] LA Galaxy at Atlanta United FC MLS Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
10 2018 72,317[10] Juventus at MLS All-Stars All-Star Game
11 2018 72,243[11] Seattle Sounders FC at Atlanta United FC MLS
12 2018 72,035[12] D.C. United at Atlanta United FC MLS
13 2018 72,017[13] Real Salt Lake at Atlanta United FC MLS
14 2018 71,932[14] Orlando City SC at Atlanta United FC MLS
15 2017 71,874[15] Toronto FC at Atlanta United FC MLS
16 2018 71,812[16] Chicago Fire FC at Atlanta United FC MLS
17 2023 71,635[17] Inter Miami CF at Atlanta United FC MLS
18 2010 70,728[18] Manchester United at MLS All-Stars All-Star Game Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
19 2018 70,526[19] New York City FC at Atlanta United FC MLS Playoffs Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
20 2017 70,425[20] Orlando City SC at Atlanta United FC MLS
21 2019 70,382[21] FC Cincinnati at Atlanta United FC MLS
22 2024 70,076[22] Los Angeles FC at LA Galaxy MLS Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
23 2018 70,016[23] New York Red Bulls at Atlanta United FC MLS Playoffs Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

International doubleheaders

edit

The following are MLS league matches that were part of a double-header involving international or foreign teams.

Rank Year Attendance Teams Competition Venue & location
1 2006 92,516[24] New England Revolution at Chivas USA MLS Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
2 1996 92,216 Tampa Bay Mutiny at LA Galaxy MLS Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California
3 2005 88,816 LA Galaxy at Chivas USA MLS Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles
4 1996 78,416 MLS East vs. MLS West MLS All-Star Game Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
5 1999 73,123 D.C. United at San Jose Clash MLS Stanford Stadium, Stanford, California
6 2022 71,189[25] Chivas de Guadalajara at LA Galaxy Leagues Cup SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
América at Los Angeles FC
8 2006 70,550 LA Galaxy at Houston Dynamo MLS Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas
9 2009 61,572 Columbus Crew at San Jose Earthquakes MLS Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California

NASL attendance

edit

This list includes matches in which at least one team from the North American Soccer League (1968–84) has participated.

Rank Year Attendance Teams Competition Venue & location
1 1977 77,691[26] Ft. Lauderdale Strikers at Cosmos NASL playoffs Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
2 1979 76,031[27] Tulsa Roughnecks at New York Cosmos NASL playoffs
3 1977 75,646[28] Santos FC at Cosmos (Pelé farewell, 10/1/77) friendly
4 1978 74,901[29] Cosmos vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies NASL Soccer Bowl
5 1977 73,669[30] Rochester Lancers at Cosmos NASL playoffs
6 1979 72,342[31] Ft. Lauderdale Strikers at New York Cosmos NASL
7 1980 71,413[32] NASL Select at New York Cosmos friendly
8 1978 71,219[33] Seattle Sounders at Cosmos NASL
9 1980 70,312[34] Ft. Lauderdale Strikers at New York Cosmos NASL
10 1979 70,134[35] Argentina at New York Cosmos (6/6/79) friendly
11 1979 70,042[36] Tampa Bay Rowdies at New York Cosmos (8/8/79) NASL
12 1978 65,287[37] Portland Timbers at Cosmos NASL playoffs
13 1978 62,497[38] New England Tea Men at Cosmos NASL
14 1977 62,394[39] Tampa Bay Rowdies at Cosmos NASL
15 1980 60,384[40] Vancouver Whitecaps at New York Cosmos Trans-Atlantic Challenge
16 1978 60,199[41] Minnesota Kicks at Cosmos NASL playoffs
17 1980 60,182[41] Seattle Sounders at New York Cosmos NASL
18 1978 60,032[42] Tampa Bay Rowdies at Cosmos NASL

*Cosmos dropped "New York" from name in 1977 and 1978 seasons

Indoor soccer

edit

This list refers to indoor soccer matches, not to regulation soccer matches played in indoor stadiums. Nearly all of the most attended indoor matches occurred during the 1980s in the Major Indoor Soccer League. The majority of these were hosted by the St. Louis Steamers during the early 1980s, or by the Cleveland Force during the mid 1980s.

Rank Year Attendance Teams Competition Venue & Location
1 1987 21,728 Dallas Sidekicks at Tacoma Stars MISL Championship Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington
2 1987 20,284 Dallas Sidekicks at Tacoma Stars MISL Championship
3 1986 20,174 Minnesota Strikers at Cleveland Force MISL Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
4 1986 19,476 San Diego Sockers at St. Louis Steamers MISL playoffs St. Louis Arena, St. Louis, Missouri
5 1986 19,468 Baltimore Blast at Cleveland Force MISL Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
6 1982 19,398[43][44] Tampa Bay Rowdies at Chicago Sting NASL Chicago Stadium, Chicago, Illinois
7 1984 19,360 New York Arrows at Cleveland Force MISL Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
8 1981 19,298 Denver Avalanche at St. Louis Steamers MISL Checkerdome, St. Louis, Missouri
9 1980 19,229 Philadelphia Fever at St. Louis Steamers MISL
10 1981 19,112 Philadelphia Fever at St. Louis Steamers MISL
11 1980 19,108 Detroit Lightning at St. Louis Steamers MISL
12 1983 19,106 Chicago Sting at Cleveland Force MISL playoffs Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
13 1984 19,048 Pittsburgh Spirit at Cleveland Force MISL
14 1983 18,881 Wichita Wings at St. Louis Steamers MISL Checkerdome, St. Louis, Missouri
15 1986 18,797 Minnesota Strikers at Cleveland Force MISL playoffs Richfield Coliseum, Richfield, Ohio
16 1987 18,674 San Diego Sockers at Cleveland Force MISL
17 1984 18,630 Pittsburgh Spirit at Cleveland Force MISL playoffs
18 1984 18,627 Baltimore Blast at Cleveland Force MISL

Women's soccer

edit

WUSA, WPS, NWSL attendance

edit

These lists include the top-attended league matches from WUSA (2001–2003), WPS (2009–2011), and NWSL (2013–present), split into standalone matches and matches that were doubleheaders with MLS teams.[45]

Standalone matches

edit

The Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL set the standalone club match attendance record across all United States women's leagues of 35,038 at Wrigley Field against Bay FC on June 8, 2024.[46]

Portland Thorns FC held the top six NWSL attendance records until the debut home game of the Orlando Pride in 2016, which set the new NWSL record; that record was eclipsed by the Thorns in 2019 and still later by San Diego Wave FC in its debut at the new Snapdragon Stadium in 2022. The Thorns consistently draw over 14,000 fans and averaged slightly over 20,000 in the 2019 season, the last before COVID-19 effects; until that season they were the only NWSL team to have drawn over 10,000 fans more than thrice. Continued strong numbers from Utah Royals FC and a club-record post-World Cup standalone match from the Chicago Red Stars[47] pushed both clubs to their fourth 10,000-plus attendances.

The 2022 NWSL season, the first season since 2019 that was relatively unaffected by COVID-19, not only saw a new league single-game attendance record, but was also marked by very strong attendance for the debuting Angel City FC, which sold out its stadium four times in its first regular season and drew over 18,000 for two other home matches. Angel City was also Wave FC's opponent for the latter side's record-setting game.

In 2023, the NWSL broke its single-match record once again at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington, when OL Reign hosted the Washington Spirit before 34,130 spectators for the team's regular-season finale and final regular-season home match of retiring player Megan Rapinoe.[48]

Rank Year Attendance Teams Competition Venue, location
1 2024 35,038[48] Bay FC at Chicago Red Stars NWSL Wrigley Field, Chicago, Illinois
2 2001 34,148[49] Bay Area CyberRays at Washington Freedom (league inaugural match) WUSA RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
3 2023 34,130[48] Washington Spirit at OL Reign NWSL Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
4 2023 32,262[50] OL Reign at San Diego Wave FC NWSL Playoff Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
5 2024 32,066[51] Kansas City Current at San Diego Wave FC (season opener) NWSL
6 2022 32,000[52] Angel City FC at San Diego Wave FC (opening match at new stadium)[a] NWSL
7 2023 30,854[53] Chicago Red Stars at San Diego Wave FC (season opener) NWSL
8 2023 30,312[54] Racing Louisville FC at San Diego Wave FC NWSL
9 2001 30,271[55] Carolina Courage at Washington Freedom WUSA RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
10 2024 26,516 North Carolina Courage at San Diego Wave FC NWSL Playoff Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
11 2022 26,215[56] Chicago Red Stars at San Diego Wave FC NWSL Playoff
12 2023 25,515[57] Angel City FC at San Diego Wave FC NWSL
13 2019 25,218[58] North Carolina Courage at Portland Thorns FC NWSL Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
2023 25,218[59] OL Reign at Portland Thorns FC NWSL
2023 25,218[60] NJ/NY Gotham FC at Portland Thorns FC NWSL Playoff
16 2023 25,111[61] NJ/NY Gotham FC vs. OL Reign NWSL Championship Final Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
17 2023 24,936[62] Houston Dash at San Diego Wave FC NWSL
18 2019 24,521[63] Washington Spirit at Portland Thorns FC NWSL Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
19 2024 24,115 Chicago Red Stars at San Diego Wave FC NWSL Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
20 2024 23,541 Washington SPirit at San Diego Wave FC NWSL Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
21 2016 23,403[64] Houston Dash at Orlando Pride (club inaugural match) NWSL Citrus Bowl, Orlando, Florida
22 2024 23,212 Angel City FC at Portland Thorns FC NWSL Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
23 2023 22,682[65] OL Reign at San Diego Wave FC NWSL Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, California
24 2019 22,329[66] Houston Dash at Portland Thorns FC NWSL Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
25 2023 22,107[67] North Carolina Courage at Portland Thorns FC NWSL
26 2022 22,035[68] San Diego Wave FC at Portland Thorns FC NWSL Playoff
27 2022 22,000 North Carolina Courage at Angel City FC (club's inaugural regular-season match)[b][69] NWSL Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
San Diego Wave FC at Angel City FC[70]
OL Reign at Angel City FC[71]
Racing Louisville FC at Angel City FC[72]
2023 NJ/NY Gotham FC at Angel City FC[73] BMO Stadium, Los Angeles, California
San Diego Wave FC at Angel City FC[74]
Houston Dash at Angel City FC[75]
OL Reign at Angel City FC[76]
Portland Thorns FC at Angel City FC[77]
2024 Bay FC at Angel City FC[78]
North Carolina Courage at Angel City FC[79]
Orlando Pride at Angel City FC[80]
Portland Thorns FC at Angel City FC[81]
  1. ^ Wave FC opened its inaugural season in 2022 at another San Diego venue, Torero Stadium. That venue seats only 6,000, compared to the 32,000 of Snapdragon Stadium in its soccer configuration.
  2. ^ In 2021 and 2022, the NWSL opened its season with the NWSL Challenge Cup, a completely separate competition from the regular league season.

MLS doubleheaders

edit

WUSA attendances:[82][83][84]

WUSA doubleheader listing:[85]

Rank Year Attendance Teams Competition Venue, location
1 2023 42,054[86] Portland Thorns at OL Reign NWSL Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington
2 2001 30,271 Carolina Courage at Washington Freedom WUSA RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
3 2021 27,278 Portland Thorns FC at OL Reign NWSL Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington[87]
4 2002 24,240 San Diego Spirit at Washington Freedom WUSA RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
5 2022 23,951 San Diego Wave FC at Chicago Red Stars NWSL Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois[88][89]
6 2003 21,892 New York Power at Washington Freedom WUSA RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.
7 2003 21,859 Carolina Courage at Washington Freedom WUSA
8 2001 21,682[90] Boston Breakers at Washington Freedom WUSA
9 2002 21,539 Washington Freedom at Boston Breakers WUSA CMGI Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts[91]
10 2002 20,105 Carolina Courage at Washington Freedom WUSA RFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.

Foreign clubs attendance

edit

The following table shows record attendances for club soccer matches played in the U.S. where neither team was from a U.S. based league.

Year Attendance Teams Competition Venue & Location Ref.
2014 109,318 Manchester United vs. Real Madrid 2014 ICC Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan [92]
2016 105,826 Chelsea vs. Real Madrid 2016 ICC Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan [93][94]
2018 101,254 Liverpool vs. Manchester United 2018 ICC Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan [95][96]
2022 93,702 Real Madrid vs. Juventus Soccer Champions Tour Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California [97]
2017 93,098 Manchester City vs. Real Madrid 2017 ICC Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California [98][99]
2006 92,650 Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Barcelona Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, California [100]
2016 86,641 Real Madrid vs. Paris Saint-Germain 2016 ICC Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio [101][94]
2023 83,164 Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Club América Friendly (El Súper Clásico) Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California [102]
2024 82,154 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Soccer Champions Tour 2024 MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey [103]
2017 82,104 Juventus vs. Barcelona 2017 ICC MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey [99]
2023 82,026 Barcelona vs. Real Madrid Soccer Champions Tour AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas [104]
2016 82,012 Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid 2016 ICC MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey [94]
2009 81,807 Chelsea vs. Internazionale 2009 WFC Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California [105]
2011 81,807 Manchester United vs. Barcelona 2011 WFC FedExField, Landover, Maryland [106]
2017 80,162 Barcelona vs. Manchester United 2017 ICC FedExField, Landover, Maryland [107]
2015 78,914 Chelsea vs. Barcelona 2015 ICC FedExField, Landover, Maryland [108]
2022 78,128 Bayern Munich vs. Manchester City Audi Summer Tour Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin [109]
2024 77,559 Manchester United vs. Liverpool Friendly Williams–Brice Stadium, Columbia, South Carolina [103]
2018 71,597 Real Madrid vs. Juventus 2018 ICC FedExField, Landover, Maryland [96]
2024 71,280 Manchester City vs. Chelsea Friendly Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio [110]
2009 71,203 Chelsea vs. Milan 2009 WFC M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, Maryland [111]
2023 70,814 Real Madrid vs. Milan Soccer Champions Tour Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California [112]
2023 70,789 Newcastle United vs. Chelsea 2023 Premier League Summer Series Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia [113]
Brentford vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
2011 70,780 Chivas de Guadalajara vs. Barcelona 2011 WFC Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida [114]
2023 70,223 Arsenal vs. Barcelona Soccer Champions Tour SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California [115]
2024 69,879 Liverpool vs. Arsenal Friendly Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [103]
2014 69,364 Milan vs. Liverpool 2014 ICC Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina [116]
2015 68,416 Barcelona vs. Manchester United 2015 ICC Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California [108]
2023 67,801 Real Madrid vs. Manchester United Soccer Champions Tour NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas [117]
2017 67,401 Manchester United vs. Manchester City 2017 ICC NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas [99]
2013 67,273 Real Madrid vs. Chelsea 2013 ICC Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida [118]
2018 66,805 Barcelona vs. Tottenham Hotspur 2018 ICC Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California [96]
2017 66,014 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona 2017 ICC Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida [99]
2023 65,128 Chelsea vs. Brighton & Hove Albion 2023 Premier League Summer Series Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania [113]
2017 65,109 Real Madrid vs. Manchester United 2017 ICC Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California [119]
2018 64,141 Manchester United vs. Real Madrid 2018 ICC Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida [96]
2016 64,101 Chelsea vs. Milan 2016 ICC U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, Minnesota [94]
2022 63,811 Arsenal vs. Chelsea 2022 Florida Cup Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida [120]
2024 62,617 Real Madrid vs. Chelsea Soccer Champions Tour 2024 Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina [121]
2023 63,503 Juventus vs. Real Madrid 2023 Florida Cup Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida [122]
2014 62,583 Real Madrid vs. Internazionale 2014 ICC California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, California [123]
2024 62,486 Arsenal vs. Manchester United Friendly SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California [124][103]
2019 61,417 Club América vs. Chivas de Guadalajara Friendly (El Súper Clásico) Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois [125]
2015 61,351 Manchester United vs. Paris Saint-Germain 2015 ICC Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois [126]
2022 61,299 Real Madrid vs. Barcelona Soccer Champions Tour Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada [127]
2014 61,238 Manchester United vs. Internazionale 2014 ICC FedExField, Landover, Maryland [128]
2015 61,224 Paris Saint-Germain vs. Chelsea 2015 ICC Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina [108]
1980 60,384 Manchester City vs. Roma 1980 TACC Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey [40]
2019 60,143 Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid 2019 ICC NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas [129]
2011 60,087 Barcelona vs. Club América 2011 WFC Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas [130]
2019 60,043 Napoli vs. Barcelona 2019 La Liga-Serie A Cup Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan [131]

See also

edit

References

edit
  1. ^ attendance 93,226
  2. ^ Barcelona at Los Angeles Galaxy, attendance 93,137
  3. ^ Real Madrid at LA Galaxy, attendance 89,134
  4. ^ "Manchester United routs L.A. Galaxy 7-0 at Pasadena's Rose Bowl", Pasadena Star-News, July 23, 2014.
  5. ^ mlssoccer. "MLS history! El Tráfico at Rose Bowl sets single-game attendance record | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved July 5, 2023.
  6. ^ "Charlotte FC set Major League Soccer Attendance Record with 74,479 at Bank of America Stadium". Charlotte FC. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  7. ^ "MLS Cup final in Atlanta sets league single-game attendance record". Goal.com. Retrieved December 9, 2018.
  8. ^ "Historic crowd! 72k+ attend Sporting KC vs. Inter Miami at Arrowhead Stadium". Major League Soccer. April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  9. ^ Sigal, Jonathan (August 3, 2019). "Atlanta United sets MLS single-game attendance record in regular season". Major League Soccer. Retrieved August 3, 2019.
  10. ^ "2018 MLS All-Star Game breaks ASG attendance record". Major League Soccer. August 1, 2018. Retrieved August 1, 2018.
  11. ^ "Atlanta United breaks its own MLS attendance record". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. July 15, 2018. Retrieved July 15, 2018.
  12. ^ "Atlanta United sets MLS attendance record". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. March 11, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  13. ^ "Box Score: Atlanta vs. Real Salt Lake". Major League Soccer. September 22, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  14. ^ "Box Score: Atlanta vs. Orlando". Major League Soccer. June 30, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  15. ^ Panizo, Franco (October 22, 2017). "Atlanta United break attendance records, paces MLS to single-season mark". Major League Soccer. Retrieved October 22, 2017.
  16. ^ "Box Score: Atlanta vs. Chicago". Major League Soccer. October 21, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  17. ^ Suggs, Donnell (September 16, 2023). "No Messi, No Problem: United wins 5-2 in front of 71,000". The Atlanta Voice. Retrieved October 31, 2023.
  18. ^ Manchester United vs. MLS All-Stars 2010, attendance 70,728
  19. ^ "Box Score: Atlanta vs. NYCFC". Major League Soccer. November 11, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  20. ^ Roberson, Doug. "Atlanta United sets MLS record; draws with Orlando". Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Retrieved September 17, 2017.
  21. ^ "Box Score: Atlanta vs. Cincinnati". Major League Soccer. March 10, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  22. ^ Swanson, Mirjam (July 5, 2024). "Swanson: LAFC still has the edge, but Galaxy's gains make 'El Trafico' more fun". The Orange County Register. Retrieved July 21, 2024.
  23. ^ "Box Score: Atlanta vs. NY Red Bulls". Major League Soccer. November 25, 2018. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  24. ^ New England Revolution at Chivas USA and Barcelona vs Guadalajara, attendance 92,516
  25. ^ Baxter, Kevin (August 3, 2022). "Leagues Cup friendlies showing L.A. is a soccer market". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 23, 2022.
  26. ^ "Record Crowd Sees Cosmos win". Sarasota Herald-Tribune. August 16, 1977. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  27. ^ "Fiery Cosmos Demolish Roughnecks". St. Petersburg Times. August 27, 1979. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  28. ^ "World acclaim echoes as Pele leaves game". Montreal Gazette. October 3, 1977. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  29. ^ "Cosmos Capture Soccer Bowl 78". The Morning Record and Journal. August 28, 1978. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  30. ^ Alex Yannis (August 25, 1977). "Cosmos Defeat Lancers, 4-1, Before 73,669 and Reach Title Final – Cosmos Defeat Lancers, Gain Title Contest". New York Times. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  31. ^ "There was no denying Marinho". The Evening Independent. April 23, 1979. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  32. ^ "Cosmos honour Beckenbauer". The Miami News. September 25, 1980. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  33. ^ "Cosmos Humber Sounders". Schenectady Gazette. May 19, 1978. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  34. ^ "Cosmos Shut Out Strickers". Boca Raton News. June 23, 1980. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  35. ^ "Cosmos Lose to Argentine". The Milwaukee Journal. June 7, 1979. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  36. ^ Alex Yannis (August 9, 1979). "70,042 See Cosmos Triumph, 4-3 – Mueller Goes Scoreless". NY Times. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  37. ^ "Cosmos Triumph". The Victoria Advocate. August 22, 1978. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  38. ^ "Cosmos streak in Pro Soccer ended by Tea Men". The Milwaukee Journal. July 13, 1978. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  39. ^ Alex Yannis (June 20, 1977). "Record 62,394 See Cosmos Top Rowdies – Pele Scores 3 – 62,394 See Cosmos Win, Pele Tally 3". NY Times. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  40. ^ a b "Cosmos tie Vancouver, Win first challenge cup". The Day. May 27, 1980. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  41. ^ a b "New York Cosmos All-time Game Results | SoccerStats.us". Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2013.
  42. ^ "Chinaglia, Cosmos Squeeze Rowdies, 2-1, before 60,032". Schenectady Gazette. July 29, 1978. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  43. ^ "Chicago loss may fire up Rowdies for Manic". St. Petersburg Times. February 16, 1982. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  44. ^ "Record 19,398 watch Sting's latest miracle". Chicago Tribune. February 15, 1982. Retrieved May 15, 2017.
  45. ^ https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1X4rEiUgqEK47vzYanOqCs-s18kOpSAwHADP07-IX_cI/edit#gid=0 via Keepernotes.com
  46. ^ Rantz, Susie (June 8, 2024). "Red Stars set NWSL attendance record but fall to Bay FC 2-1 at Wrigley Field". Associate Press. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  47. ^ "'A huge lift for the players': A record crowd of 17,388 sees returning World Cup players spur Red Stars to comeback win". Chicago Tribune. July 21, 2019.
  48. ^ a b c Anderson, Jason (October 6, 2023). "OL Reign sets standalone NWSL attendance record for Rapinoe farewell game". Pro Soccer Wire. USA Today. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  49. ^ Alexander, Rachel (April 15, 2001). "At Last, It's Women First". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  50. ^ Stone, Chris (November 5, 2023). "Wave Wins Thunderous SD Cheers, But Not Playoff Semifinal vs. the OL Reign". Times of San Diego. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  51. ^ "Largest NWSL Season Opening Crowd Sees San Diego Fall to Kansas City 2-1". Times of San Diego. March 24, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024.
  52. ^ "Match Recap: San Diego tops Angel City in front of capacity crowd for first win at Snapdragon Stadium". National Women's Soccer League. September 18, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  53. ^ "Late Morgan penalty helps Wave FC edge Chicago in front of over 30,000 fans in San Diego". National Women's Soccer League. March 25, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  54. ^ "Rapinoe scores twice, as OL Reign clinches playoff berth". King 5 News. October 15, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  55. ^ "WUSA". June 30, 2001. Archived from the original on October 7, 2001. Retrieved June 27, 2024 – via Wayback Machine.
  56. ^ "NWSL Playoffs Recap: Morgan lifts San Diego over Chicago in extra time to book semifinal trip". National Women's Soccer League. October 17, 2022. Retrieved October 22, 2022.
  57. ^ "Kristen McNabb Gets 1st Score, but Wave Defeated 2-1 by Angel City at Snapdragon". Times of San Diego. June 17, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  58. ^ "Portland Thorns fight back to earn massive 2-1 win over North Carolina Courage in front of record-setting crowd". The Portland Oregonian. August 11, 2019. Retrieved August 12, 2019.
  59. ^ "x - Portland Thorns FC on X: "Portland's hottest club is…. They've got everything, three points against OL Reign and 25,218 Fans on a Saturday Night". X. Portland Thorns FC. September 18, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  60. ^ "Portland Thorns FC 0-1 NJ/NY Gotham FC (Nov 5, 2023) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  61. ^ "Gotham, Shorthanded in Waning Moments at Snapdragon, Holds on for First NWSL Title". Times of San Diego. November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
  62. ^ "Jaedyn Shaw at 18 Scores 8th for Wave; San Diego Beats Houston, Leaps into First". Times of San Diego. September 3, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  63. ^ Levine, Matthew (October 12, 2019). "Portland Thorns FC and Washington Spirit play to a 0-0 draw". National Women's Soccer League. Retrieved October 13, 2019.
  64. ^ Veness, Simon (April 23, 2016). "Orlando Pride shine before record crowd, auguring well for women's game". The Guardian. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  65. ^ "Wave Coach Stoney Sees Red in 2-1 Loss to OL Reign: 'We Were Robbed at Home'". Times of San Diego. June 24, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  66. ^ Goldberg, Jamie (July 24, 2019). "Portland Thorns rout Houston Dash 5-0 as U.S. Women's National Team players make return to Providence Park". The Oregonian. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  67. ^ "Portland Thorns FC 2-1 North Carolina Courage (21 Aug, 2023) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  68. ^ "Portland Thorns FC 2-1 San Diego Wave FC (23 Oct, 2022) Final Score". ESPN. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  69. ^ "Match Stats: Angel City FC vs. North Carolina Courage". National Women's Soccer League. April 29, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  70. ^ "Match Stats: Angel City FC vs. San Diego Wave FC". National Women's Soccer League. July 9, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  71. ^ "Match Stats: Angel City FC vs. OL Reign". National Women's Soccer League. July 30, 2022. Retrieved September 18, 2022.
  72. ^ "Stats: Angel City FC vs. Racing Louisville FC". National Women's Soccer League. September 25, 2022. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  73. ^ "Purce, Williams deliver Gotham FC comeback victory over Angel City". National Women's Soccer League. March 26, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  74. ^ "San Diego turns tide against Angel City in shutout win". National Women's Soccer League. April 23, 2023. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  75. ^ "Angel City, Houston duel to scoreless draw". National Women's Soccer League. June 25, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  76. ^ "Angel City earns landmark victory over OL Reign thanks to Le Bihan, Hammond tallies". National Women's Soccer League. August 27, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  77. ^ "Angel City produces record output to defeat Portland and earn playoff spot". National Women's Soccer League. October 15, 2023. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  78. ^ "Recap: Angel City FC vs. Bay FC 3/17/2024". NWSL. March 17, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  79. ^ "Match info". NWSL. April 21, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  80. ^ "Match info". NWSL. June 30, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  81. ^ "Match info". NWSL. September 23, 2024. Retrieved November 5, 2024.
  82. ^ "2001 Women's United Soccer Association". SoccerStats.us. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  83. ^ "2002 Women's United Soccer Association". SoccerStats.us. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  84. ^ "2003 Women's United Soccer Association". SoccerStats.us. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  85. ^ "WUSA Scores". Kenn.com. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  86. ^ Evans, Jayda (June 3, 2023). "OL Reign lose to Thorns for first time since 2019 to cap soccer twinbill". The Seattle Times. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  87. ^ "2021 National Women's Soccer League, Regular Season".
  88. ^ "Chicago Red Stars vs. San Diego Wave FC – Football Match Summary". ESPN. July 30, 2022. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  89. ^ Sandalow, Brian (July 30, 2022). "Saturday's doubleheader only part of Fire-Red Stars relationship". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved August 23, 2022.
  90. ^ "Archives". Los Angeles Times. May 13, 2001.
  91. ^ "Breakers Miss Penalty Kick, and Freedom Escapes With Tie". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. June 2, 2002. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
  92. ^ "Manchester United Defeats Real Madrid to Advance to Finals of Guinness International Champions Cup Against Liverpool"
  93. ^ "Real Madrid vs. Chelsea: Score and Reaction from 2016 ICC"
  94. ^ a b c d Dockery, Lawrence (December 13, 2016). "Top 40 most-attended soccer games in the United States in 2016". World Soccer Talk. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  95. ^ "Liverpool FC tops Manchester United 4-1 in front of 101,254 at Michigan Stadium"
  96. ^ a b c d Dockery, Lawrence (December 20, 2018). "Top 45 most-attended soccer games on US soil in 2018". World Soccer Talk. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  97. ^ "Real Madrid vs. Juventus provides soccer satisfaction for 93,702 fans at Rose Bowl". Los Angeles Times. July 30, 2022. Retrieved July 30, 2022.
  98. ^ "Manchester City routs Real Madrid 4-1 in front of Coliseum soccer record 93,098". Los Angeles Times. July 26, 2017. Retrieved July 27, 2017.
  99. ^ a b c d "2017 International Champions Cup Presented by Heineken® Concludes Most Successful Tournament to Date". Calcio e Finanza. August 2, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  100. ^ L. Jones, Grahame (August 7, 2006). "Soccer Is Better Than the Field". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  101. ^ "Soccer fans around the country gather at International Champions Cup". July 28, 2016.
  102. ^ "Chivas, Club America break attendance record in Los Angeles". October 16, 2023.
  103. ^ a b c d Anzidei, Melanie (August 11, 2024). "Why European soccer headed to the U.S. for preseason – and what comes next?". The Athletic. The New York Times. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  104. ^ "Barcelona pull away from Real Madrid in feisty Dallas Clasico".
  105. ^ "Match: Chelsea vs Internazionale - World Football Challenge - ESPN Soccernet". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 25, 2009.
  106. ^ "2011-07-30: Barcelona vs. Manchester United". Archived from the original on October 2, 2011.
  107. ^ "FC Barcelona fans in Washington DC metro area mirror team's play".
  108. ^ a b c "Top 25 U.S. Soccer Crowds (2015)".
  109. ^ "Bayern vs. Manchester City in front of 78,128 fans at Lambeau Field". FC Bayern Munich. July 23, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  110. ^ Arace, Michael (August 4, 2024). "Erling Haaland turns Saturday evening into a soccer bar on Sunday morning". Columbus Dispatch. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  111. ^ "Match: AC Milan vs Chelsea - World Football Challenge - ESPN Soccernet". ESPN. Archived from the original on July 27, 2009.
  112. ^ "Top European clubs still seeing value in U.S., competitive matches remain a target".
  113. ^ a b Reese, Derek (July 31, 2023). "Premier League Summer Series averaged 44K fans per game". World Soccer Talk. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  114. ^ "2011-08-03: Barcelona vs. CD Guadalajara". Archived from the original on October 13, 2012.
  115. ^ "Arsenal beat Barcelona 5-3 in feisty SoFi Stadium friendly".
  116. ^ "2014 International Champions Cup attendances increase 20%". August 5, 2014.
  117. ^ "Real Madrid beat Manchester United as Bellingham scores first".
  118. ^ "Ronaldo leads Real over Chelsea in final". Sportsnet. August 7, 2013.
  119. ^ "Real Madrid, Man United test talent before big crowd at Levi's". July 23, 2017.
  120. ^ "Arsenal 4-0 Chelsea: Gabriel Jesus scores fourth pre-season goal as Gunners batter sorry Blues". Sky Sports. July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  121. ^ Wolcott, Nicky (August 7, 2024). "Real Madrid tops Chelsea to cap summer of soccer that drew massive crowds to Charlotte". Charlotte Observer. Retrieved August 11, 2024.
  122. ^ "Weah off the mark as Juventus down Madrid". August 3, 2023.
  123. ^ "Inter Milan beats Real Madrid on penalties". July 26, 2014.
  124. ^ Dawson, Rob (July 28, 2024). "Man United suffer double injury blow in loss to Arsenal". ESPN. Retrieved July 29, 2024.
  125. ^ Dockery, Lawrence (December 27, 2019). "Ranking 2019's most attended soccer games in the U.S." World Soccer Talk. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
  126. ^ "Paris Saint-Germain beats Manchester United 2-0".
  127. ^ "Raphinha on target as Barcelona beat Real Madrid in Las Vegas Clasico". ESPN. July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  128. ^ Steven Goff (July 30, 2014). "Manchester United defeats Inter Milan before an announced 61,238 at FedEx Field". The Washington Post. Washington, D.C. ISSN 0190-8286. OCLC 1330888409.
  129. ^ Salmen, Greg (July 20, 2019). "On-song Reds down Real". FC Bayern Munich. Retrieved October 9, 2019.
  130. ^ "2011-08-06: Barcelona vs. Club América". Archived from the original on December 28, 2011.
  131. ^ "Summary:Napoli vs. Barcelona". Soccerway. August 10, 2019. Retrieved October 9, 2019.