The 2015 season marked the 103rd year of organized competitive soccer in the United States. It encompassed the performances of national teams at senior and youth levels, the results of professional men’s and women’s club leagues, participation of American clubs in international competitions, and the outcomes of domestic cup tournaments.
National teams
Men’s senior team – The United States played 20 matches (10 wins, 6 losses, 4 draws). Highlights included victories over Chile, Panama, Mexico, and Germany in friendlies, a third‑place finish at the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and a win over Mexico in the 2015 CONCACAF Cup, which served as the play‑off for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup. The team also began its 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, securing a 6–1 win over Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Top scorer was Clint Dempsey (9 goals).
Women’s senior team – The United States Women’s National Team compiled a 20‑2‑4 record, winning the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup (defeating Japan 5–2 in the final) and the Algarve Cup. Notable results included wins over France, England, and Brazil in friendlies.
Youth teams – The U‑23, U‑20, U‑19, U‑18, U‑17, and U‑15 squads competed in various friendlies, tournaments (e.g., Toulon Tournament, CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Championship), and the FIFA U‑20 and U‑17 World Cups, with mixed results.
Professional club competitions
Major League Soccer (MLS) – The New York Red Bulls captured the Supporters’ Shield (best regular‑season record). Portland Timbers won the MLS Cup. The league’s Eastern and Western conferences each produced ten playoff‑qualifying teams, with the overall table used to allocate CONCACAF Champions League berths and the Supporters’ Shield.
North American Soccer League (NASL) – New York Cosmos won the Spring season; Ottawa Fury captured the Fall season.
United Soccer League (USL) – Rochester Rhinos finished first in the Eastern Conference and were league champions.
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – Seattle Reign FC secured the NWSL Shield; FC Kansas City won the championship.
Domestic cups
U.S. Open Cup – Sporting Kansas City won the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, defeating the Philadelphia Union in the final via penalty shoot‑out.
Women's tournaments – The United States Women’s National Team won the Algarve Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
American clubs in international competition
U.S. clubs participated in the CONCACAF Champions League. D.C. United, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and Seattle Sounders FC reached the quarter‑final stage. In the 2014–15 edition, D.C. United advanced to the quarter‑finals, while in the 2015–16 edition, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, and Seattle Sounders each reached the quarter‑finals.
Honors summary
- MLS Supporters’ Shield: New York Red Bulls
- MLS Cup: Portland Timbers
- NASL Spring champion: New York Cosmos
- NASL Fall champion: Ottawa Fury FC
- USL champion: Rochester Rhinos
- NWSL Shield: Seattle Reign FC
- NWSL champion: FC Kansas City
- U.S. Open Cup champion: Sporting Kansas City
- Women’s World Cup champion: United States Women’s National Team
References
- “2015 in American soccer,” Wikipedia, accessed via Jina AI mirror, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_in_American_soccer.