Oldest teams in the MLS

In this article, we will take a look at the five oldest teams in the MLS and their history, notable achievements, and current state of the team.

DC United

D.C. United

Joined: 1996

DC United is the oldest team in MLS, with a history that dates back to the league’s inaugural season in 1996. Founded by the likes of John Hendricks, the founder of the Discovery Channel, and other local business leaders, DC United has been an integral part of the growth and development of professional soccer in the United States. The team is based in Washington, D.C., and plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Audi Field, which opened in 2018.

Over the years, DC United has established itself as one of the most successful and iconic teams in the MLS, with a trophy cabinet that includes four MLS Cup titles, four Supporters’ Shields, and two U.S. Open Cups. The team’s success has been built on a foundation of talented players, innovative coaching, and a strong commitment to developing young talent. Some of the most notable players to have worn the DC United jersey include Christian Benteke, Mateusz Klich, and Ravel Morrison.

DC United has also been a leader in youth development, with a strong tradition of producing talented players through its academy system. Bobby Convey, Freddy Adu, and Bill Hamid are just a few of the notable graduates who have gone on to have successful careers in the MLS and beyond. The team’s youth academy continues to be a key focus for the club, with a commitment to providing young players with the resources, coaching, and support they need to succeed.

Despite its storied past, DC United has faced some challenges in recent years, including a lack of success on the field. The team finished near the bottom of the Eastern Conference in the 2022 season, prompting the club’s leadership to make some changes. In a move that has generated a lot of excitement among fans and analysts alike, DC United brought in legendary English footballer Wayne Rooney as its new head coach.

Rooney’s arrival represents a major turning point for the team, as he brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the job. As one of the most successful footballers of his generation, Rooney has won numerous titles and awards throughout his career, including five Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League trophy with Manchester United. His playing style was characterized by his technical ability, vision, and relentless work ethic, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time.

Rooney’s appointment as head coach of DC United is seen as a major coup for the team, and fans are hopeful that he can help the team return to its winning ways. With his leadership and guidance, DC United hopes to reclaim its place as one of the most successful and iconic teams in the MLS. As the team looks to the future, there is no doubt that DC United will continue to be a major force in American soccer, driven by a passion for the game and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

New England Revolution

New England Revolution

Joined: 1996

The New England Revolution is a storied franchise that has been a fixture of the MLS since its inception in 1996. Founded by the Kraft family, who also own the NFL’s New England Patriots, the team has had a loyal following in the New England area for over two decades. Based in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the New England Revolution plays its home games at Gillette Stadium, which it shares with the Patriots.

Despite its long history in the MLS, the New England Revolution has never won an MLS Cup title, a fact that has been a source of frustration for the team’s passionate fan base. However, the team has made it to the final on five separate occasions, most recently in 2014. The team’s success can be attributed to its talented players, including Taylor Twellman, Shalrie Joseph, and Matt Reis, as well as its strong youth academy system, which has produced players such as Diego Fagundez and Scott Caldwell.

In recent years, the New England Revolution has experienced a resurgence under the leadership of head coach Bruce Arena. One of the most successful coaches in American soccer history, Arena has led the team to new heights since taking over in 2019. In the 2021 season, the team finished in second place in the Eastern Conference and made it to the Eastern Conference Finals, marking a significant improvement from previous years. However in 2022 they finished tenth place, so it’s been a few ups and downs.

The New England Revolution’s current roster is a talented and dynamic group of players who are capable of achieving great things on the field. Led by playmaker Carles Gil, who was named MLS MVP in 2021, the team boasts a number of skilled and experienced players, including Gustavo Bou, Adam Buksa, and Đorđe Petrović. The team’s defense is anchored by Andrew Farrell and Henry Kessler, who have formed a formidable partnership in the center of the back line.

Off the field, the New England Revolution is also making strides to strengthen its presence in the community. The team has launched several initiatives to support local youth soccer programs and has partnered with local organizations to promote diversity and inclusion. In addition, the team has recently announced plans to build a new stadium in Boston, which will provide a state-of-the-art home for the team and enhance the game-day experience for fans.

As the New England Revolution looks to the future, there is a sense of optimism and excitement among the team’s supporters. With a talented roster, a proven coach, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field, the team is poised to achieve great things in the years to come.

LA Galaxy

LA Galaxy

Joined: 1996

The LA Galaxy is one of the most iconic and successful teams in the history of the MLS, and has been a mainstay of American soccer since its inception in 1996. The team is based in Los Angeles, California, and plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Dignity Health Sports Park. The LA Galaxy has won an impressive five MLS Cup titles, as well as four Supporters’ Shields, making it one of the most decorated teams in the league.

The LA Galaxy has a storied history that is closely tied to some of the most iconic players in the MLS. Players such as Landon Donovan, David Beckham, and Robbie Keane have all donned the Galaxy jersey and helped lead the team to glory. Donovan, in particular, is regarded as one of the greatest American soccer players of all time, and his contributions to the Galaxy’s success cannot be overstated.

The LA Galaxy has also been a leader in developing young talent, with a strong focus on player development and youth academy programs. The team has produced several notable players over the years, including Gyasi Zardes, Efrain Alvarez, and Julian Araujo. The team’s commitment to developing young talent is a key part of its success, and a testament to its dedication to building for the future.

In the 2022 season, the LA Galaxy finished fourth in the Western Conference, a respectable finish but one that fell short of the team’s lofty ambitions. However, the arrival of new head coach Greg Vanney has brought a new vision and energy to the team. Vanney has emphasized the importance of defensive solidity and possession-based attacking play, and has brought a fresh approach to the team’s tactics and training.

Under Vanney’s leadership, the LA Galaxy has already shown signs of improvement, with a number of impressive performances in the early part of the 2022 season. The team’s current roster includes several talented players, such as Chicharito, Victor Vazquez, and Samuel Grandsir, who have the potential to take the team to even greater heights.

Off the field, the LA Galaxy is also committed to making a positive impact in the community. The team has launched several initiatives to support local youth soccer programs and has partnered with local organizations to promote diversity and inclusion. In addition, the team has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability, highlighting its commitment to being a responsible and socially conscious organization.

As LA Galaxy looks to the future, there is a sense of optimism and excitement among fans and analysts alike. With a talented roster, a proven coach, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field, the LA Galaxy is poised to continue its legacy as one of the most successful and iconic teams in the MLS.

FC Dallas

FC Dallas

Joined: 1996

FC Dallas is a team that has long been a staple of the MLS, having been founded in 1996. The team is based in Frisco, Texas, and plays its home games at the impressive Toyota Stadium. Over the years, FC Dallas has established a strong reputation for its commitment to developing young talent, with a youth academy that is widely regarded as one of the best in the league.

The FC Dallas youth academy has produced several notable players over the years, including Kellyn Acosta and Reggie Cannon, who have gone on to have successful careers in the MLS and beyond. The team’s focus on developing young talent is a key part of its strategy for success, and is a testament to its long-term vision for building a sustainable and competitive team.

FC Dallas has had some success on the field, winning one MLS Cup title, one Supporters’ Shield, and two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups. The team’s success can be attributed to its talented players, as well as its strong tradition of coaching and player development. Notable players who have donned the FC Dallas jersey over the years include Jason Kreis, Oscar Pareja, and David Ferreira, all of whom played an instrumental role in the team’s success.

In recent years, FC Dallas has continued to build on its success on the field, finishing in third place in the Western Conference in the 2022 season. The team’s current roster includes several talented players, including Andrés Ricaurte, Ryan Hollingshead, and Franco Jara, who have helped propel the team to success in recent years.

Off the field, FC Dallas is also committed to making a positive impact in the community. The team has launched several initiatives to support local youth soccer programs and has partnered with local organizations to promote diversity and inclusion. In addition, the team has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability, highlighting its commitment to being a responsible and socially conscious organization.

Looking to the future, there is a sense of optimism and excitement among FC Dallas fans and analysts. With a talented roster, a proven coaching staff, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field, FC Dallas is poised to continue its legacy as one of the most successful and forward-thinking teams in the MLS. As the team continues to build on its success and invest in its future, it is sure to remain a force to be reckoned with in the league for years to come.

New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls

Joined: 1996

Having been founded in 1995, the New York Red Bulls is a team with a rich history in the MLS. The team is based in Harrison, New Jersey, and plays its home games at the state-of-the-art Red Bull Arena. Over the years, the New York Red Bulls has established itself as a formidable team in the league, with a focus on developing young talent and playing a dynamic and aggressive style of soccer.

The New York Red Bulls has had several notable players throughout its history, including some of the biggest names in soccer. Thierry Henry, Tim Cahill, and Bradley Wright-Phillips are just a few of the players who have donned the Red Bulls jersey and made a significant impact on the team’s success. Their contributions to the team’s success cannot be overstated, as they brought a wealth of talent, experience, and leadership to the squad.

In recent years, the New York Red Bulls has experienced some ups and downs on the field, with mixed results in terms of their performance in the league. In the 2022 season, the team finished in tenth place in the Eastern Conference, falling short of their expectations and aspirations for success.

Off the field, the New York Red Bulls is also committed to making a positive impact in the community. The team has launched several initiatives to support local youth soccer programs and has partnered with local organizations to promote diversity and inclusion. In addition, the team has taken steps to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability, highlighting its commitment to being a responsible and socially conscious organization.

Looking to the future, there is a sense of optimism and excitement among New York Red Bulls fans and analysts. With a talented roster, a renewed focus on developing young talent, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field, the team is poised to continue its legacy as one of the most respected and successful teams in the MLS. As the team continues to build on its strengths and address its weaknesses, it is sure to remain a force to be reckoned with in the league for years to come.