SPORTS TEAM HISTORY

Sports Team HistorySports Logo History
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

Miami Fusion FC Team History

Miami Fusion
Fusion Primary Logo
Fusion Alternate Logo
Fusion Wordmark Logo

Established
1997

City
Miami

League History
1998 – 2001 / Major League Soccer

Team History
1998 – 2001 / Miami Fusion Football Club

Nickname
Fusion - Welcome sports fans! Today, we’re exploring the origins of Miami Fusion FC’s nickname in Major League Soccer (MLS). “Fusion” has a unique and special meaning for the team and its supporters.

When MLS was founded in 1996, it sought to create a new soccer experience. It wanted to combine elements worldwide into one unified league — hence its name: Major League Soccer. This idea was also reflected in Miami Fusion FC's choice of their team name: "Fusion."

The term “fusion" describes something that combines two or more distinct parts into a single entity - perfectly encapsulates what MLS set out to do with this new professional soccer league. Connecting players from various countries, cultures, and backgrounds under one banner created something unique - like how fusion creates something new when elements combine.

In addition to symbolizing unity within MLS itself, another layer of meaning behind this nickname resonates strongly with local fans here in South Florida—the spirit of multiculturalism found throughout our region! From Cuban-American culture on Calle Ocho (8th Street), Little Haiti near downtown Miami or even Wynwood Art District nearby—these diverse neighborhoods are home not only to many passionate soccer supporters but also serve as inspiration for why Fusion chose their moniker back when they joined MLS back during 1998 season as part of expansion teams alongside Chicago Fire SC & Tampa Bay Mutiny SC.

So next time you hear someone cheering on your favorite club at Hard Rock Stadium wearing orange & blue colors while shouting FUSION! Remember where it comes from –– uniting people through passion while celebrating diversity across South Florida!

Championship
MLS Cups 0

Stadium
1998 – 2001 / Lockhart Stadium

Owner
1998 - 2002 / Ken Horowitz

  • 1997
  • 2000
  • 2000
  • 2001
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • Miami Fusion FC Valderama

    Fusion Team Formation 1997

    Major League Soccer announced a South Florida team in 1997 as one of its first two expansions, along with the Chicago Fire. Miami businessman Ken Horowitz served as owner, the first new investor to join Major League Soccer since its founding in 1995. The team ultimately named the Miami Fusion, debuted in the 1998 MLS season, playing in Lockhart Stadium, ...
    Read More
    See Full Story
  • Miami Fusion FC

    Miami Fusion FC finishes third in the Eastern Conference

    In 2000: Miami Fusion FC improves slightly, finishing third in the Eastern Conference with a 12–15–5 record and making the playoffs again.
    See Full Story
  • Ray Hudson miami fusion coach

    Ray Hudson as head coach

    In 2000: The Miami Fusion FC team fired Wortmann after 25 games and hired Ray Hudson as head coach. The team’s average attendance rises to 9,635. In 2021  Hudson was named MLS Coach of the Year
    See Full Story
  • Alex Pineda Chacon miami fusion

    Alex Pineda Chacon – wins the MLS MVP award

    In 2001: Alex Pineda Chacon wins the MLS MVP award and Diego Serna wins the MLS Golden Boot award. Hudson is named MLS Coach of the Year and Nick Rimando is named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.
    See Full Story
  • Miami Fusion FC

    Miami Fusion FC win the Supporters’ Shield

    In 2001: Miami Fusion FC has its best season ever, winning the Supporters’ Shield with the best regular season record of 16–5–5.
    See Full Story
  • 1998 Freekick-herrera

    Closing Down Miami Fusion in 2002

    MLS announced in January 2002 that it had decided to close the two Florida franchises, the Fusion and the Tampa Bay Mutiny. Both teams were withdrawn from the league, ceased operations, and folded. Major League Soccer’s contraction reduced the league from 12 to 10 teams. The league had chosen to fold the Miami Fusion, in part because the Fusion’s ownership ...
    Read More
    See Full Story

Who is the greatest Miami Fusion FC?
  • Add your greatest player

To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.

History of the Fusion FC

The Miami Fusion FC was an American professional soccer team that competed in Major League Soccer (MLS) from 1998 to 2001. The team played its home games at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and participated as one of the ten founding teams of MLS when it launched in 1996. Despite having some success on the field, including winning their division twice and reaching the playoffs three times, financial problems led to the franchise folded after just four seasons.

The club’s inaugural season saw them finish third place overall with a record of 16-12-6 under head coach Carlos Cordoba; however, they were eliminated by D.C United 2–1 during their first playoff appearance due to a missed penalty kick late into extra time. During this year, Diego Serna scored 15 goals for Miami, earning him both MLS MVP and Golden Boot honors, making him one of only two players ever to win both awards within the same season, along with former LA Galaxy striker Carlos Ruiz who accomplished the feat 2002 campaign.

In 2000 Fusion made another deep run into the postseason despite finishing fourth place regular season standings with 13 wins, seven losses nine draws; this time around, they defeated Tampa Bay Mutiny and then Chicago Fire before being ousted by eventual champions Kansas City Wizards 3–2 aggregate score over two legs semifinal matchup. Following a successful yet ultimately unsuccessful playoff push, ownership decided not to bring back famous head coach Ivo Wortmann instead opting to hire Ray Hudson, whose tenure would be short-lived due to budget cuts imposed by the league office following the 2001 collapse of the original investor group AIMCO Global Investments, LLC leaving little money available operate competitively resulting dissolution club shortly after that.

Overall while the brief history of Miami Fusion FC may have been relatively short-lived, it still left a lasting legacy behind – particularly among fans South Florida area who continue to cheer memory even today long after the last match was played nearly twenty years ago now testament true passion for sport can inspire amongst those following it closely no matter what challenges come way or how much adversity must face order remain loyal supporters favorite teams!

Sports Fan Products

ATEEZ Official Tour Merch Hoodie
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Fleece Comfortable Hoodie, Sweatshirt for Men (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.7 out of 5 stars(47562105)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Sport Shorts, Moisture Wicking, Athletic Shorts, Gym Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.6 out of 5 stars(46517903)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Super Soft Supreme T-Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517287)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Bold Logo - Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Men and Women - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.6 out of 5 stars(4655549)
Buy on Amazon
Ultra Game Men's NBA Official Soft Air Mesh Ultimate Basketball Shorts - OG Fit
4.7 out of 5 stars(47517649)
Buy on Amazon
Champion Men's Classic Jersey Muscle Tee, Script Logo
4.5 out of 5 stars(45520754)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Team Helmet NFL Shirt
4.7 out of 5 stars(4754711)
Buy on Amazon
47 MLB Men's Team Color Distressed Imprint Primary Logo Wordmark Short Sleeve Baseball T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4651108)
Buy on Amazon
Team Vintage Style Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(465992)
Buy on Amazon
Junk Food Clothing x NFL - Team Spotlight - Short Sleeve Fan Shirt for Men and Women - Officially Licensed NFL Apparel
4.6 out of 5 stars(4653925)
Buy on Amazon
Xtreme Apparrel Cityscape Skyline Men's T-Shirt for Baseball Fans
4.6 out of 5 stars(4654229)
Buy on Amazon
Campus Colors NCAA Adult Gameday Cotton T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(46516081)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Men's Imprint Match Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465881)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber NFL Unisex Baby Nfl Team Jersey Onesie Bodysuit
4.8 out of 5 stars(4853676)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Girls' NFL Team Jersey Dress and Diaper Cover
4.8 out of 5 stars(4855431)
Buy on Amazon
Icon Sports Offically Licensed Adult Soccer Game Day Shirt Jersey-Like Inspired Shirt
4.8 out of 5 stars(485112)
Buy on Amazon
MLB Kids Youth 4-20 Official City Headline Arch Logo Team T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(465224)
Buy on Amazon
Champion, Lightweight Lounge, Casual Jersey Knit Men's, Weekend Shorts (Reg. Or Big & Tall)
4.4 out of 5 stars(44563808)
Buy on Amazon
Barnesmith Spirit Logo Adult Unisex Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
4.6 out of 5 stars(4652195)
Buy on Amazon
WNBA Indiana Fever Logo T-Shirt
4.1 out of 5 stars(41529)
Buy on Amazon
Messi Boys' Lifestyle Short Sleeve Top, Slim-fit Shirt with Logo, Comfortable
4.6 out of 5 stars(46577)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.7 out of 5 stars(475151)
Buy on Amazon
Gerber Baby Girls' NFL Team 3 Pack Short Sleeve Onesie Bodysuit
4.6 out of 5 stars(46547)
Buy on Amazon
47 MLB Men's Union Arch Franklin Team Color Primary Logo Word Mark Short Sleeve T-Shirt
4.5 out of 5 stars(455648)
Buy on Amazon

STH Greatest Player Polls Banner image MLS

Retired Number

*Blue is this team’s history

Sports History Group Videos

Sports History Group Videos

Sports News History

Sports News Worth Knowing

RSS MLS Headline News

  • San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy | Full Match Highlights | Marco Reus and Cali Clásico!
  • Sporting Kansas City vs. Real Salt Lake | Full Match Highlights | Johnny Russell Banger!
  • Chicago Fire FC vs. Philadelphia Union | Full Match Highlights
  • HIGHLIGHTS | 2025 MLS Regular Season | Orlando City SC at St. Louis CITY SC
  • 6.21.2025 | Rhode Island FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC – Game Highlights

Sports Store History

Sports Team Marketplace of Champions!

MLB Logo Battle

SLH Prodcut Sale

MLS Teams
Menu
  • Atlanta United FC
  • Austin FC
  • CF Montréal
    • Montreal Impact
  • Charlotte FC
  • Chicago Fire FC
  • Colorado Rapids
  • Columbus SC
    • Columbus Crew SC
  • D.C. United
  • FC Cincinnati
  • FC Dallas
    • Dallas Burn
  • Houston Dynamo FC
    • Houston Dynamo
  • Inter Miami CF
  • LA Galaxy
  • Los Angeles FC
  • Minnesota United FC
  • Nashville SC
  • New England Revolution
  • New York City FC
  • New York Red Bulls
    • MetroStars
    • New York/New Jersey MetroStars
  • Orlando City SC
  • Philadelphia Union
  • Portland Timbers
  • Real Salt Lake
  • San Diego FC
  • San Jose Earthquakes
    • San Jose Clash
  • Seattle Sounders FC
  • Sporting Kansas City
    • Kansas City Wizards
    • Kansas City Wiz
  • St. Louis City SC
  • Toronto FC
  • Vancouver Whitecaps FC
  • Past Teams
    • Chivas USA
    • Miami Fusion FC
    • Sacramento Republic FC
    • Tampa Bay Mutiny
STH - SHG YT Videos Banner
STH - SHG Rumble Videos Banner




Greatest Player Poll 350
National Football League LogoNational Basketball Associations LogoMajor League Baseball Logo 2019National Hockey League LogoNCAA Primary Logo

Greatest Player Poll: Cast your vote!

Join the debate and help decide who stands tall in the annals of sports history. Whether it's a legendary NFL's powerful action, the NBA's athletic prowess, or the unyielding spirit of an MLB player, we want to hear your thoughts. Who, in your opinion, has left an indelible mark on their sport? Who has transcended the boundaries of their game to become a symbol of excellence? Who has inspired generations of athletes and fans with their performances, character, and legacy? This is your chance to have your say. Cast your vote, share your thoughts, and celebrate the greatest in sports history together.

NFL Greatest Player
NBA Greatest Player
NHL Greatest Player
MLB Greatest Player
MLS Greatest Player
WNBA Greatest Player
CFL Greatest Player
Premier Greatest Player
Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Search in posts
Search in pages

STH News

Latest Sports Team History News

Top 5 NFL Quarterbacks To Watch In 2025

July 10, 2025

Iconic Team Hats: The Evolution of Team Headwear Through the Decades

July 1, 2025

Canada’s Most Influential Sports Teams: Champions, Legends, and Lasting Impact

June 30, 2025

Top 4 Boston Red Sox Catchers Who Left a Lasting Legacy

June 30, 2025

Sports History Group 350
Sports Logo History
Sports News History
Sports Store History 200
Image

Complete Histories of Your Favorite Sports Team!


  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy




© 2013 - 2025 Sports History Group LLC - All Rights Reserved
  • Sports History
    • Baseball History – MLB
    • Basketball History – ABA, NBA, WNBA
    • College History – Divison I Conferences
    • Football History – AAF, CFL, NFL, USFL, XFL
    • Hockey History – NHL
    • Soccer History. – MLS, Premier League
  • Hall of Fame
    • MLB
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • NHL
  • Greatest Player Polls
    • CFL Greatest Player
    • MLB Greatest Player
    • MLS Greatest Player
    • NBA Greatest Player
    • NFL Greatest Player
    • NHL Greatest Player
    • Premier League Greatest Player
    • WNBA Greatest Player
  • More…
    • Sports Team News
    • Latest Sports Videos
      • General Sports Videos
      • MLB Sports Videos
      • NBA Sports Videos
      • NCAA Sports Videos
      • NFL Sports Videos
      • NHL Sports Videos
      • Soccer Sports Videos
      • WNBA Sports Videos
    • YouTube Channel
    • Sports Team History Products
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.