How have Supporters' Shield winners fared in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs?

Dylan Butler

In 2021, the New England Revolution have set an MLS single-season points record (73) en route to cruising to the Supporters’ Shield. But as the Revs begin their quest for a first-ever MLS Cup title, history is not on their side.

Just seven of the last 25 Supporters’ Shield winners went on to capture MLS Cup, with Toronto FC the latest side to accomplish that double as part of their historic treble-winning season in 2017.

Why has it been so difficult? Arguments could be made about the pressure of expectations or the long layoff before a first Audi MLS Cup Playoffs match – in the Revs case, their Eastern Conference Semifinal against New York City FC on Tuesday (7:30 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes) will be 23 days since a Decision Day defeat to Inter Miami CF.

Here's a look at the history of Supporters' Shield winners and their postseason finish. This year's championship will be awarded Dec. 11.

Supporters' Shield winners in playoffs

Supporters' Shield winners in playoffs
Year	Team	Playoff finish
1996	Tampa Bay Mutiny	Conference Final loss
1997	D.C. United	MLS Cup champions
1998	LA Galaxy	Conference Final loss
1999	D.C. United	MLS Cup champions
2000	Kansas City Wizards	MLS Cup champions
2001	Miami Fusion	Semifinals loss
2002	LA Galaxy	MLS Cup champions
2003	Chicago Fire FC	MLS Cup loss
2004	Columbus Crew	Conference Semifinal loss
2005	San Jose Earthquakes	Conference Semifinal loss
2006	D.C. United	Conference Final loss
2007	D.C. United	Conference Semifinal loss
2008	Columbus Crew	MLS Cup champions
2009	Columbus Crew	Conference Semifinal loss
2010	LA Galaxy	Conference Final loss
2011	LA Galaxy	MLS Cup champions
2012	San Jose Earthquakes	Conference Semifinal loss
2013	New York Red Bulls	Conference Semifinal loss
2014	Seattle Sounders	Conference Final loss
2015	New York Red Bulls	Conference Final loss
2016	FC Dallas	Conference Semifinal loss
2017	Toronto FC	MLS Cup champions
2018	New York Red Bulls	Conference Final loss
2019	LAFC	Conference Final loss
2020	Philadelphia Union	Round One loss