Frozen: when the MLS belt sat out the playoffs

6 seasons the belt holder missed the playoffs and carried the belt into the next season.

The belt only moves when its holder plays. When the holder's season ends early, the belt freezes: the champions get crowned in the playoffs, and the belt waits for next season. It has happened 6 times in MLS belt history.

Every frozen season, newest first

1. 2023: D.C. United sat out the playoffs with the belt while Columbus Crew won the title.
2. 2017: FC Dallas sat out the playoffs with the belt while Toronto FC won the title.
3. 2013: Toronto FC sat out the playoffs with the belt while Sporting Kansas City won the title.
4. 2006: LA Galaxy sat out the playoffs with the belt while Houston Dynamo won the title.
5. 1998: San Jose Clash sat out the playoffs with the belt while Chicago Fire won the title.
6. 1997: NY/NJ MetroStars sat out the playoffs with the belt while D.C. United won the title.

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