The 2016 Major League Soccer season features 20 total clubs (17 based in the United States, 3 based in Canada). The regular season began on March 6 and will end on October 23. The defending MLS Cup champions are the Portland Timbers, while the New York Red Bulls are the defending Supporters' Shield winners. At the end of the regular season, FC Dallas won the Supporters' Shield for the first time, and the Seattle Sounders won their first ever MLS Cup after defeating Toronto FC 5–4 on penalties.