The New York/New Jersey MetroStars were one of Major League Soccer’s original teams, launching in 1996 with great ambition and star power. Known for their passionate supporters and strong early influence, the New York/New Jersey MetroStars helped shape American soccer’s growth before later rebranding into the modern New York Red Bulls franchise.
Established
1994
City
New York
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2006 – Present / New York Red Bulls
1998 - 2005 / MetroStars
1996 - 1997 / New York/New Jersey MetroStars
Nickname
MetroStars - If you’re a die-hard soccer fan, you know the New York/New Jersey MetroStars have been around since 1996. But do you know where their nickname came from? The origins of their name are pretty interesting!
New York/New Jersey MetroStars Origin
The MetroStars were founded in 1995 as part of Major League Soccer’s inaugural season. At the time, they were owned by AEG (Anschutz Entertainment Group) and had no official name or logo. It wasn’t until late 1995 when they announced that the team would be named after two states: New York and New Jersey – hence “MetroStars.”
This was done to represent both sides of the Hudson River; one side represented Manhattan while the other represented Newark, NJ—both cities having long histories with professional soccer teams before MLS's formation in 1993.
In addition to referencing both states, “Metrostars" also pays homage to another iconic symbol: public transportation systems like subways and trains connecting people across vast distances throughout urban areas—something many residents rely on daily for work or leisure activities! This is why it made perfect sense for them to use this as an inspiration for their nickname, connecting all those who live within these two great states together through sportsmanship & passion towards a shared goal - winning championships!
So there it is – now, whenever someone asks where your favorite team got its name from? You can tell them how much thought went into choosing such an appropriate title back in 1995…and how we still see its influence everywhere we look — whether at home games or on social media platforms like Twitter & Instagram — #GoMetrostars forever!!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2010 – Present / Red Bull Arena
1996 - 2009 / Giants Stadium
Owner
2006 - Present / Red Bull GmbH
2001 - 2006 / Anschutz Entertainment Group
1995 - 2001 / John Kluge and Stuart Subotnick
- 1996
- 1996
- 1997
-
New York/New Jersey MetroStars Team Formation
The club was established in October 1994 and began to play in the league’s inaugural season in 1996 as the New York/New Jersey MetroStars. In 2006, the team was sold to Red Bull GmbH and re-branded as part of the company’s global network of football clubs, leading to the team’s current name. -
Eddie Firmani – First Coach of New York MetroStars
He was a former forward who played for Charlton Athletic, Sampdoria, Inter Milan and Genoa in England and Italy. He scored over 200 goals in his club career and won two caps and scored two goals for Italy. He coached the MetroStars for their first eight games in 1996, but he was replaced by Carlos Queiroz after a poor start. ... -
The club reached the semi-finals of the U.S. Open Cup
In 1997: The club signs Antony de Ávila and Mike Sorber as their new additions. Savarese scores 14 goals again. Queiroz leaves the club and is replaced by Carlos Alberto Parreira as head coach. The club finishes fifth in the Eastern Conference and ninth overall in the league. They fail to qualify for the playoffs, but they reach the semi-finals ...
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.
New York/New Jersey MetroStars History
The New York/New Jersey MetroStars hold a special place in Major League Soccer (MLS) history as one of the league’s ten founding franchises. Established in 1994, the New York/New Jersey MetroStars made their official debut in MLS’s inaugural 1996 season, representing the New York metropolitan area and quickly becoming one of the most recognizable teams in American soccer.
During their early years, the New York/New Jersey MetroStars faced challenges both on and off the field. Despite their passionate fanbase and talented roster, consistency was hard to find. However, when former U.S. Men’s National Team legend Tab Ramos took on a leadership role between 1999 and 2001, the New York/New Jersey MetroStars began to show real improvement. Under Ramos, the team reached the MLS Cup 2000 Final, where they fell 2–0 to the Chicago Fire after extra time — a key moment that signaled their rise in competitiveness.
MetroStars Achievements
The early 2000s saw the New York/New Jersey MetroStars continue to build their identity. In 2001, the team made another promising playoff run before being eliminated by the San Jose Earthquakes with a 4–2 aggregate. Despite the setback, the MetroStars’ fighting spirit and loyal supporters kept them relevant in the growing American soccer landscape. The club played its home games at the iconic Giants Stadium in New Jersey, becoming a symbol of soccer in the New York region.
In 2006, the New York/New Jersey MetroStars underwent a major transformation when global energy drink company Red Bull GmbH purchased the team, rebranding it as the New York Red Bulls. This marked the end of the MetroStars era but also the beginning of a new chapter that carried forward the legacy and foundation built during their early MLS years.
As the New York Red Bulls, the franchise went on to achieve significant success, winning multiple Supporters’ Shields in 2013, 2015, and 2018. These achievements trace back to the culture and fanbase established by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, whose pioneering years shaped professional soccer in the New York region. Their legacy remains an essential part of MLS history, symbolizing the growth and evolution of soccer in the United States.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history