The 2001 Major League Soccer season was the sixth season of Major League Soccer. It was also the 89th season of FIFA-sanctioned soccer in the United States, and the 23rd with a national first-division league. The season was shortened due to the September 11 attacks, with the final weeks' regular season matches being canceled. Due to the different number of games played, playoff ordering was determined by points per game, instead of total points. The regular season began on April 7, and concluded prematurely on September 9. The 2001 MLS Cup Playoffs began on September 20, and concluded with MLS Cup 2001 on October 21. The Miami Fusion won their first Supporters' Shield and the San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy in the final to win their first MLS Cup.

Overview

Season format

The season began on April 7 and concluded with MLS Cup on October 21. The 12 teams were split into three divisions. Each team was to play 28 games that were evenly divided between home and away. Each team would play every other team in their division four times, for a total of 12 games. The remaining schedule consisted of three games against four select opponents in one of the other divisions, and two games against the remaining four teams. The eight teams with the most points per game qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs. The quarterfinals and semifinals were played as a best-of-three series, and the winners advanced to MLS Cup. In all rounds, draws were broken by penalty shootout if necessary. The away goals rule was not used in any round. The team with the most points in the regular season was awarded the MLS Supporters' Shield. The winner of MLS Cup, and the runner-up, qualified for the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.

Stadiums and locations

Personnel and sponsorships

Coaching changes

Standings

Eastern Division

Central Division

Western Division

Overall standings

MLS Cup Playoffs

Bracket

Quarterfinals

Chicago Fire advance 7–1 on points. Miami Fusion advance 6–3 on points. Los Angeles Galaxy advance 1-0 in series overtime (SDET) after 4-4 tie on points. San Jose Earthquakes advance 6–0 on points.

Semifinals

Los Angeles Galaxy advance 7–1 on points. San Jose Earthquakes advance 6–3 on points.

MLS Cup

Player statistics

Goals

Assists

Clean sheets

Awards

Individual awards

Best XI

Player of the Month

Attendance

International Competition

CONCACAF Champions' Cup Copa Merconorte CONCACAF Giants Cup