Since the founding of Major League Soccer in 1996, the 4th of July has been a busy matchday, averaging four matches each year. The world’s game fits perfectly with America’s annual celebration of independence.
There have been more than a few fireworks during the 90 minutes. Here’s a look at some of the numbers:
- 64 – total matches played (1996-2011)
- 6 – most matches played in one day (2001 & 2006)
- 173 – total number of goals scored
- 20 – most goals scored in one day (2001)
- 7 – most goals scored by a team in a single game (Chicago Fire, 2001, 7-0 over Kansas City)
- 29 – most goals scored all-time by a team (Colorado Rapids)
Ironically, neither of the joint leading scorers all-time on July 4th are American. Guatemalan Carlos “el Pescadito” Ruiz and Salvadoran Raul Diaz Arce hold the record with five goals each.
* additional research by Claudia Tristan
