5 milestone moments in the 2015 MLS regular season

The 2015 season in Major League Soccer marked the beginning of a new era. The 20th season of the competition was heralded by a new league logo, a pair of new teams, and a renewed injection of star players. As we approach the final games of the regular season, here are five milestone moments to remember from 2015:

1. Orlando City and New York City make a grand entrance

This season, MLS expanded into two more markets, with Orlando City SC and New York City FC joining the fray in the Eastern Conference. Both sides kicked off the season and their journey in MLS together at the Citrus Bowl, captained by two iconic stars: Spanish football legend David Villa, his national team's top scorer in history, wore the armband for New York, while Brazilian hero Kaka represented the Lions in purple.

The two teams battled it out for a 1-1 draw on the day, with Kaka scoring a late equalizer via a deflection from a free kick. That final whistle signaled the end of a thrilling opener for these two sides and kicked off a new chapter in MLS.

2. MLS reveals plans for 4 new expansion sides

Major League Soccer wouldn't tether its growth to the aforementioned two teams, though, with the league announcing four new franchises over the course of the year. Three teams are official: Minnesota United, Atlanta United, and Los Angeles FC.

A fourth franchise, located in Miami and owned by David Beckham, is close to completing its entrance requirements, as a stadium plan quickly comes to fruition. It's a matter of when, not if, Miami gets its own franchise as the league continues expanding into new and exciting markets.

3. Giovani Dos Santos joins the LA Galaxy

A number of big-name players joined MLS sides this season: Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo joined Villa at New York City; Didier Drogba went to the Montreal Impact; Steven Gerrard joined the LA Galaxy. But of all the stars to come to MLS, perhaps the most significant arrival was the Galaxy's acquisition of Mexican superstar Giovani Dos Santos.

This was a player who not only had options in Europe, but would have easily secured a contract with any team in Liga MX. The world was his proverbial oyster, as it were, and at 26 years old, he's in the prime of his career. The Galaxy's ability to procure the signature of Mexico's best midfield talent sent a signal to the rest of North America: MLS is where the big-name players play.

Dos Santos is the first major Mexican talent to join the league at this stage in his career, and he instantly validated MLS as a legitimate option for top talent from Mexico. His signing may have opened a floodgate of talent from the south in the years to come.

4. Cyle Larin breaks the rookie goal-scoring record

First overall pick Cyle Larin achieved a milestone, scoring the most goals in a rookie season in league history with his 12th goal of the season. Larin currently has 17 goals and has been a force for Orlando, making him a well-deserving winner of this individual accolade.

5. Mike Grella scores fastest goal in MLS history

New York Red Bulls winger Mike Grella set a record of his own this year against the Philadelphia Union, charging at goal right on kickoff and slipping home the opening marker in just seven seconds. He overtook fellow Red Bull Tim Cahill for the fastest goal in league history, after Cahill scored an eight-second effort in 2013.