Luis Edu
Three MLS teams have ceased to exist in the league’s history since its creation in 1996, mainly due to delicate financial or legal problems.
After 25 years, the last case occurred in 2014 with the U.S. version of Chivas de Guadalajara, a franchise led by the late businessman Jorge Vergara.
In this list, we will remember what happened to the teams that unfortunately could not stay in the top league of U.S. soccer.
Tampa Bay Mutiny
The Tampa Bay Mutiny was one of the founding MLS teams in 1996, although their adventure barely lasted 5 years, mainly due to financial problems.
Despite having the likes of Carlos “Pibe” Valderrama in its ranks, the North Florida team was never able to stabilize and even had to play in two stadiums: Tampa Stadium and Raymond James Stadium.
Tampa historically has not been a sports friendly city. For example, in the MLB, the Rays do not receive massive support in their stadium despite being a competitive team in the same division as the historic New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
Despite the bad experience, it is not ruled out that this North Florida city could host another MLS franchise in the near future.
Miami Fusion
The Miami Fusion is another Florida franchise that disappeared in MLS. In this case, the club was barely active between 1998 and 2001.
Despite having reached the playoffs in their first two seasons, the low attendance at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and the lack of support from sponsors were the main causes for the Miami team to disappear, something that happened at the same time as the departure of the Tampa Bay Mutiny.
“Pibe” Valderrama also played for the Fusion, showing that it was definitely his intention all along to play in the state of Florida. However, the team failed to receive the support of a Latino community that has always been more aware of Miami Heat (NBA), Miami Dolphins (NFL) and Miami Marlins (MLB).
Former Manchester United star David Beckham came to South Florida to give Miami a team with Inter Miami, but things have not worked out for him competitively and financially so far.
Chivas USA
Chivas USA became one of the MLS teams in 2005 and was active until 2014, when the league decided to buy the team from the late Mexican businessman Jorge Vergara, with the aim of launching a team in Los Angeles.
As the U.S. version of Liga MX’s famous Chivas de Guadalajara, it immediately made a good impression on Mexican fans who enjoy MLS, but the euphoria was short-lived.
The official announcement of Chivas USA’s departure from MLS came on September 29, 2014.
Three MLS teams that helped in the evolution of the U.S. tournament and, despite going out of circulation without much fanfare, definitely served as the basis for what the league is today. There are currently 28 franchises that are part of the championship, and in 2024 there will be an expansion that will increase the number to 30.
MLS does not yet exhibit the best level of soccer in the American continent, but in terms of organization, we are talking about a tournament that has a production and infrastructure that has nothing to envy to the great powers of soccer.
