Background

Multiple other MLS supporters trophies already exist in various regions of the league. To date, an official California supporters trophy has not been implemented. However, with the entry of San Diego Football Club (SDFC) into the league, there are now four MLS teams in California state. We feel that the intrastate rivalries are a significant source of local pride for Californian MLS fans, and we hope this trophy will serve to enhance the fan experience and aggregate additional attention to the four Californian MLS teams. As of now, the only recognized supporters group involved in the trophy is Riptides from San Diego. However, we invite groups from each team to be involved in the trophy as official members. Please reach out if you are interested in your team or supporters group becoming an official member of the El Camino Real, California MLS Supporters Trophy.

The inaugural match of the El Camino Real will take place on February 23, 2025 between SDFC and LA Galaxy at Dignity Health Stadium in Carson. The below framework is proposed for the 2025 season, however it may be changed, as agreed by representatives from all four teams (the “Trophy Board”). The legal entity is named “El Camino Real Trophy” and it has been organized as a California non-profit corporation. There are four board seats on the legal entity managing the trophy, with one spot reserved for each team (SDFC, LAFC, Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes), termed the “Trophy Board” hereafter. The goal is to have official membership and representation from each team on the board of the trophy.

The Future

Custody of the Trophy

The prior year’s winner shall retain custody of the trophy until a new winner claims it. Upon receipt of the trophy, the new winner shall designate an individual within their group to serve as the custodian of the trophy. The custodian of the trophy shall update the Trophy Board as to its location on a monthly basis.

Tournament Scoring

Each team has a number of matches each season with other California teams. Only regular season matches with other California teams count towards the trophy. The team with the most points wins the trophy. Each match shall be weighted equally, if possible. In the event that one team has fewer California matches than other teams, their matches will be reweighted to ensure parity with the other teams. A tie in points will be decided by the same rules as MLS standings.

Bilateral Contests - Intercity Rivalries (Derbies)

The outcome of these derbies shall be tracked separately on an ongoing basis, but informally for informational purposes only. The scores of these bilateral contests will not affect the official scoring of the trophy as outlined above.