Onside: Major League Soccer

As Episode 1 of "Onside: Major League Soccer" (2025 release; 8 episodes ranging from 34 to 46 min) opens, it is the beginning of MLS' 2024 season, and the episode focuses on ne particular game that opening weekend: LA Galaxy vs. Inter Miami. The film makers were seemingly granted unfettered access and we get some behind the scenes glimpses. At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: this documentary series is executive-produced by the same team that has brought us "Formula 1: Drive to Survive" and "Breakpoint" (professional tennis). So my expectations were quite high. All 8 episodes can be viewed independently from each other, which is a weak point as there really is no common thread in any of the episodes. Instead each episode focuses on one particular story line. Episode 2 "Hell Is Real" focuses exclusively on the bitter intrastate rivalry between Columbus (one of the founding clubs of MLS) and Cincinnati (which joined MLS in 2019). Full disclosure: I am from Cincinnati and a season ticket holder of FC Cincinnati. After seeing this episode, I had 2 thoughts: (1) the film makers did not show anything about "Hell Is Rea" that I didn't know already, and (2) does anyone outside of Ohio even care about "Hell IS Real"? I kinda doubt it. That is of course a bigger problem for MLS: Even though I absolutely love soccer (I hail originally from Belgium), I never cared about MLS until FCC joined MLS. Bottom line: I frankly expected more of this documentary series. And if this is intended for the "casual" MLS fan, well, I've never met a "casual" MLS fan. If your city has an MLS team, you are likely way into it. But outside of those 30 cities? Nah.

"Onside: Major League Soccer" started streaming on Apple TV this weekend, to coincide with the start of the 2025 season of MLS (its 30th season). If you love soccer, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.

Really good at looking at the best part of the MLS. Did a good job of finding engaging storylines for differnt parts of the league, and highlighting the reasons why people should be paying attention. One of the best parts of Drive to Survive was the people who watched the show and then decided to keep following F1 afterwards.

For MLS fans, the series captures both the energy on the field and the culture that surrounds each match. It's a great reflection of the league's character, offering a look into the teams, players, and fan bases that bring it all to life. It is exactly what MLS supporters would hope for-an engaging look at the league.

Balanced in every regard. It is covering so many teams and it covers both the personal and professional aspects of the game.

I'm really impressed at how well it's been edited to give a complete and comprehensive narrative about MLS. Watching it reminded me of the UK versions of the show covering United and City in particular. I think any football fan would enjoy watching this, regardless of where you're from or what team you support (glasgow rangers here!) as it gives you a really fascinating insight into aspects of the game you don't routinely see.

I can highly recommend this, and it's really whetted my appetite for more of the MLS!