Soccer in the United States is growing fast, and with it, Major League Soccer (MLS). You might have heard of some big names like the LA Galaxy or the Seattle Sounders, but have you ever wondered how these teams got their names? Let’s take a fun trip across the country and learn about the interesting stories behind MLS team names!
Why Are MLS Team Names Important?
Just like your favorite superhero needs a cool name, every sports team needs a name that shows its spirit and makes it stand out. MLS team names are important because they:
- Give the team an identity: A good name tells you something about the team and the city it represents.
- Help fans connect: Fans love to cheer for their team, and a cool name makes that even more fun.
- Tell a story: Many team names have interesting stories behind them, connecting to local history or culture.
MLS Team Names and Their Meanings
Let’s jump in and learn about the names of all the teams in Major League Soccer!
Eastern Conference
- Atlanta United FC: “United” shows that the team brings the city of Atlanta together. “FC” stands for Football Club, a common way to refer to soccer teams around the world.
- Charlotte FC: This name simply represents the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, where the team is based.
- Chicago Fire FC: This name remembers the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, a major event in the city’s history.
- FC Cincinnati: “FC” stands for Football Club. The team’s orange and blue colors are a nod to Cincinnati’s German heritage.
- Columbus Crew: The name “Crew” was chosen by the fans! It suggests a team working together.
- D.C. United: “United” represents the coming together of different communities in Washington, D.C.
- Inter Miami CF: “Inter” is short for International, showing Miami’s diverse population. “CF” stands for Club de Fútbol, Spanish for Football Club.
- CF Montréal: This name connects to the city of Montreal, Quebec, in Canada. “CF” stands for Club de Foot, French for Football Club.
- Nashville SC: “SC” is short for Soccer Club. This name keeps it simple, representing the city of Nashville, Tennessee.
- New England Revolution: This name honors the American Revolution, an important part of New England’s history.
- New York City FC: This name directly represents New York City. “FC” stands for Football Club.
- New York Red Bulls: The “Red Bulls” name and logo come from the energy drink company that owns the team.
- Orlando City SC: This name represents Orlando, Florida. The team’s purple color is a tribute to the city’s famous citrus fruit.
- Philadelphia Union: “Union” symbolizes the city’s important role in the founding of the United States.
Western Conference
- Austin FC: This name simply represents the city of Austin, Texas. “FC” stands for Football Club.
- Colorado Rapids: This name is inspired by the Colorado Rapids, the whitewater section of the Colorado River that flows through the state.
- FC Dallas: “FC” stands for Football Club. This team represents the city of Dallas, Texas.
- Houston Dynamo FC: “Dynamo” suggests energy and power. This name reflects Houston’s role in the energy industry.
- Sporting Kansas City: “Sporting” is a traditional name for soccer clubs in many countries. This team represents Kansas City, Missouri.
- LA Galaxy: The “Galaxy” name refers to the stars of Hollywood, connecting to Los Angeles’ famous movie industry.
- Los Angeles FC: “LAFC” is a shortened version of Los Angeles Football Club. The black and gold colors represent the city’s luxury and success.
- Minnesota United FC: “United” shows that the team brings the state of Minnesota together. “FC” stands for Football Club.
- Portland Timbers: This name honors Oregon’s logging history. The team’s logo features an axe, a symbol of the timber industry.
- Real Salt Lake: “Real” is a Spanish word meaning “Royal,” a title given to some soccer clubs by the Spanish monarchy. “Salt Lake” refers to the Great Salt Lake in Utah.
- San Jose Earthquakes: This name remembers the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, a major event in California’s history.
- Seattle Sounders FC: The “Sounders” name was chosen by fans in 1974 and connects to the Puget Sound, a body of water near Seattle.
- St. Louis City SC: This name represents St. Louis, Missouri. “SC” stands for Soccer Club.
- Vancouver Whitecaps FC: “Whitecaps” refers to the white-capped waves of the Pacific Ocean and the snowy mountains near Vancouver, Canada.
Nicknames
Many MLS teams also have nicknames that fans use. Here are a few examples:
| Team Name | Nickname(s) |
|---|---|
| Atlanta United FC | The Five Stripes |
| Chicago Fire FC | The Fire, Men in Red |
| Columbus Crew | The Crew, The Black & Gold |
| D.C. United | The Black-and-Red |
| LA Galaxy | The Galaxy, The G’s |
| New England Revolution | The Revs |
| New York Red Bulls | The Metros, RBNY |
| Orlando City SC | The Lions |
| Portland Timbers | The Timbers Army |
| Seattle Sounders FC | The Sounders, The Rave Green |
How MLS Team Names Are Chosen
Choosing a name for a new MLS team is a big deal! Here’s how it usually happens:
- Team owners have ideas: They might think about the city’s history, landmarks, or local animals.
- Fans give suggestions: Teams often ask fans for their ideas and let them vote on their favorites.
- The league approves: Major League Soccer has to make sure the new name fits with the league’s image.
Why Some MLS Team Names Are Different
You might have noticed that some MLS team names are a bit different from other sports teams. This is because:
- Soccer is a global sport: Many soccer teams around the world use names like “FC” (Football Club) or “SC” (Soccer Club).
- MLS wants to be unique: The league wants its teams to have names that stand out and show their connection to soccer’s worldwide traditions.
Summary: The Importance of a Good Team Name
We’ve learned that MLS team names are more than just words. They’re symbols of a city, a team, and a group of passionate fans.
Whether it’s a name that honors history, reflects local culture, or simply sounds cool, each MLS team name helps make the league exciting and special.
So next time you watch an MLS game, take a moment to think about the story behind the team’s name – you might be surprised at what you discover!
FAQs
Can you explain what “FC” means in MLS team names?
“FC” stands for Football Club, a common way to refer to soccer teams worldwide. Many MLS teams use this in their names to connect with global soccer traditions.
Why do some MLS teams have names like “Real” or “Sporting”?
These are traditional names used by soccer clubs in many countries, particularly in Europe and Latin America. MLS teams sometimes use these names to show their link to the history of soccer.
How can I learn more about the history of a specific MLS team name?
You can usually find information about a team’s name and history on the team’s official website. You can also find interesting facts on sports news websites and fan pages.
Are there any MLS teams that changed their names?
Yes, some MLS teams have changed their names over the years. For example, the Kansas City Wizards became Sporting Kansas City in 2010.
Why do some MLS teams have nicknames?
Nicknames often come from the team’s name, colors, or a special moment in their history. Fans use nicknames to show their support and make cheering more fun.