Really? Opposite American Football and college basketball? I think they picked the season to align with stuff soccer fans don't care about, like the NBA, Hockey and Baseball. I know it screws up things like transfers and loaned players. How do they do it in Sweden, Russia and Finland? Obviously those are minor leagues, but they do play.
Not sure. But one of the main things still missing from soccer in America is the fun of the transfer window. We need to get aligned.
Soccer fans are soccer fans. If your team is popular then they will come out regardless in my opinion.
Look at Atlanta, the Falcons and United have very little crossover.
OTOH, in KC people tend to support the Royals, Chiefs and Sporting all the same.
I say suspend the season in early December and start it up in late January. Schedule a few less games in northern climes in the winter.
This means the regular season halts when the MLS Cup is normally played. The regular season resumes one month before it usually starts.
Play MLS Cup on the same Sunday as the Champions League final. Boom.