Examining the Most Popular Formations in MLS During the 2021 Season
As the 2021 Major League Soccer season approached its final third, teams across the league were solidifying their tactical identities in a bid to secure playoff spots. Formation choices offer a window into a team’s style of play and collective approach, with some tactical setups proving far more popular than others. This analysis explores the most frequently used formations in the MLS as of early September 2021, highlighting key trends and the sides most associated with each system.
4-2-3-1: The Leading Formation in MLS
The 4-2-3-1 emerged as the most widely adopted formation throughout the 2021 MLS campaign, mirroring its dominance in world football. More than half of the league’s teams regularly deployed this system, making it roughly twice as prevalent as any other tactical setup. Both the Eastern and Western Conferences heavily featured the 4-2-3-1, indicating its broad appeal and effective balance between defensive stability and attacking fluidity.
Clubs most closely associated with the 4-2-3-1 included:
- Columbus Crew
- Toronto FC
- FC Dallas
This formation’s structure—with two holding midfielders and three advanced attacking players supporting a lone striker—provides flexibility for dynamic attacks while maintaining a solid defensive base.
4-3-3: A Close Runner-Up, Especially in the West
The 4-3-3 formation was the second most frequently seen tactic in MLS, although it trailed the 4-2-3-1 significantly in overall numbers. Despite some similarities in on-field player positioning, the 4-3-3 was officially tracked separately due to clear structural differences.
What set the 4-3-3 apart in MLS was its regional popularity: teams in the Western Conference were over five times more likely to use this setup compared to those in the East. The system emphasizes wide play and midfield control, making it a popular choice for clubs looking to stretch the field and exploit the flanks.
Key adopters of the 4-3-3 included:
- Sporting Kansas City
- Houston Dynamo
- Los Angeles FC
3-4-2-1: The Top Back-Three Choice
Sitting in third—though in some tallies, possibly fourth—was the 3-4-2-1, the most common back-three formation in MLS during the season. This tactical approach featured as often as all other “3-” based variants combined, such as the 3-5-2.
Notably, three-back formations like 3-4-2-1 found greater favor in the Eastern Conference, contrasting with the West’s preference for the 4-3-3. This could reflect different tactical priorities between conferences, such as a focus on defensive coverage or attacking versatility.
Teams that regularly utilized the 3-4-2-1 included:
- DC United
- Colorado Rapids
- Seattle Sounders
4-4-2 and Its Flexible Variations
The classic 4-4-2 remains an enduring option in MLS. When including its various adaptations—such as the 4-4-1-1, 4-3-1-2, and 4-1-2-1-2—the 4-4-2 category could rival or even surpass the 3-4-2-1 for third place in popularity. This long-standing formation’s versatility makes it a go-to option for managers seeking tactical flexibility.
Unlike some systems that dominated a club’s match plan, most teams utilizing a 4-4-2 variant also relied on at least one other primary formation throughout the season. Only Philadelphia Union notably favored a 4-4-2 subtype as a consistent starting approach.
Clubs most identified with the 4-4-2 and its variants included:
- Philadelphia Union
- Vancouver Whitecaps
- New England Revolution
Summary Table: Most Common MLS Formations (Early September 2021)
| Formation | Primary Users | General Trends |
|---|---|---|
| 4-2-3-1 | Columbus Crew, Toronto FC, FC Dallas | Preferred by over half of MLS teams; most popular overall |
| 4-3-3 | Sporting KC, Houston Dynamo, LAFC | Especially frequent in Western Conference matches |
| 3-4-2-1 | DC United, Colorado Rapids, Seattle Sounders | Most common “back three” system; favored in Eastern Conference |
| 4-4-2 and variants | Philadelphia Union, Vancouver Whitecaps, New England Revolution | Reliable, flexible system; often used alongside other formations |
Key Takeaways
As the postseason race intensified in September 2021, teams in Major League Soccer relied heavily on established tactical frameworks to guide their campaigns. The 4-2-3-1 remained the formation of choice across both conferences, while the 4-3-3, 3-4-2-1, and various 4-4-2 models showcased the diversity and adaptability present within the league’s coaching ranks. With strategic approaches continuing to evolve, formation selection remained a critical factor in shaping both a team’s identity and its competitive edge.
For more tactical breakdowns from other leagues, explore guides to popular formations in Europe’s top competitions.
