The Los Angeles Galaxy were awarded the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the 2010 season. The annual honor goes to the team with the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer, rather than to the winner of the MLS Cup playoffs.
The Galaxy finished the 2010 regular season 17–7–8, earning 59 points and securing the club’s third Supporters’ Shield. They were led by stars including Landon Donovan, who recorded 12 assists, and Edson Buddle, who scored 17 regular-season goals. The team’s strong start included an unbeaten opening run of 11 matches.
A common mix-up is confusing the Supporters’ Shield with the MLS Cup. The Galaxy won the regular-season title in 2010, but Real Salt Lake eliminated them in the Western Conference semifinals of the playoffs. Real Salt Lake had finished second in the regular season.
The Supporters’ Shield is named for MLS supporters because it was created and promoted by fans. It is one of the clearest ways to recognize consistent performance across the full league season.