In the 1999 MLS season, the Dallas Burn had a highly successful campaign, finishing second in the Western Conference with a 16-7 record (plus 3 shootout wins) for 51 points. Led by head coach Dave Dir, they advanced to the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. They eliminated the defending champion Chicago Fire in the first round before falling to the LA Galaxy in a tight, best-of-three Conference Final. Star forward Jason Kreis made history by becoming the first American-born MLS MVP, leading the league with 18 goals and adding 15 assists.