The San Jose Clash history represents the early foundation of Major League Soccer, showcasing the team’s impact and evolution. Known for their bold San Jose Clash logo, the club made headlines during the San Jose Clash 1997 season with standout performances, marking their legacy as one of MLS’s original and influential teams.
Established
1994
City
San Jose
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2000 - 2005, 2008 – Present / San Jose Earthquakes
1996 - 1999 / San Jose Clash
Nickname
Clash - When talking about the San Jose Clash history, one of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) original teams from 1996, many soccer fans may not know the origins of their team nickname. The Clash was named after a famous British punk rock band active in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
San Jose Clash Origin
The name “Clash” is derived from a song by The Jam called “In The City,” which includes lyrics such as: “Well it's Saturday night I'm all dressed up to go/It's time for a showdown with my radio/I hit those switches dial into sound/Ain't no doubt about it this place is getting down." This phrase perfectly encapsulates what MLS wanted to convey when they chose this moniker – excitement and energy!
The logo also reflects this sentiment with its bold colors and design, featuring an electric blue lightning bolt shooting outwards from within an orange circle. It symbolizes power, strength, and dynamism - precisely what you want your team to represent on game day!
In addition to being inspired by music, San Jose Clash had another unique element incorporated into its branding strategy: local pride. They are based in Silicon Valley, so naturally, they wanted something that would reflect California culture while still appealing internationally - hence why they chose "clash" instead of any other word or phrase associated with American sports teams at the time.
Ultimately, choosing "Clash" as their official nickname was strategic and successful for MLS' first expansion franchise in Northern California, providing them instant recognition among soccer fans worldwide while paying homage to Bay Area roots through its musical inspiration & regional ties!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
2003, 2001
Stadium
2015 - Present / Earthquakes Stadium
2008 - 2014 / Buck Shaw Stadium
1996 - 2005 / Spartan Stadium
Owner
2007 - Present / Lewis Wolff and John J. Fisher (Earthquakes Soccer, LLC)
2003 - 2005 / Anschutz Entertainment Group
2002 - 2003 / Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment and Anschutz Entertainment Group
2001 - 2002 / Silicon Valley Sports & Entertainment
1999 - 2000 / Robert Kraft
1996 -1998 / Major League Soccer
- 1996
- 1997
- 1998
- 1999
- 1999
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Clash Team Formation 1996
San Jose was an integral part of the launching of MLS, hosting the league’s inaugural game at Spartan Stadium before a crowd of 31,683 on April 6, 1996. The crowd did not go away disappointed as San Jose won its first game on the first goal in MLS history from Eric Wynalda, defeating D.C. United 1–0. One month later, the ... -
San Jose Clash finishes second in Western Conference
In 1997: The club had a successful season, finishing second in the Western Conference and qualifying for the playoffs for the second time. The club also signed Eric Wynalda, a former U.S. national team star, from German club VfL Bochum. However, the club lost to D.C. United in the conference semifinals again -
The San Jose Clash finishes last in the Western Conference
In 1998: The San Jose Clash club had a disappointing season, finishing last in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs. -
Eddie Lewis – named MLS Best XI
Eddie Lewis: Lewis was drafted by the Clash in the third round of the 1996 MLS College Draft. He spent four seasons in San Jose, scoring nine goals and tallying 35 assists over 115 appearances. Lewis was named to the MLS Best XI in 1999 and was a versatile and creative midfielder who could play on both wings. He also ... -
The club was purchased and owned by Kraft Sports Group
In 1999: The club had another dismal season, finishing fifth in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs again. The club also set an MLS record with 11 shootout wins in 1999. The club was purchased and owned by Kraft Sports Group on November 18, 1999.
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San Jose Clash History
The San Jose Clash history began in 1996 as one of the original Major League Soccer (MLS) franchises. The team, based in San Jose, California, played its home matches at Spartan Stadium and made an immediate impact by hosting the first-ever MLS match, a 1–0 win over D.C. United. The San Jose Clash logo became a recognizable symbol of the league’s early years, representing the sport’s growing popularity across the United States.
During the San Jose Clash 1997 season, the team showed promise with players like Ronald Cerritos and Eddie Lewis leading their attack. Cerritos, in particular, was a standout performer, earning MVP recognition for his impressive goal-scoring record. However, despite individual brilliance, the Clash faced inconsistency due to frequent managerial changes and roster adjustments, preventing them from maintaining long-term success.
In 1998, under head coach Brian Quinn, the San Jose Clash competed strongly and produced several memorable victories. Although they did not reach the MLS Cup Final, their performances during this period laid the foundation for future success in the Bay Area soccer scene. The team’s passionate fan base remained loyal, supporting the club through rebuilding phases and competitive challenges alike.
Clash Achievements
Following the San Jose Clash 1997 campaign, the club continued to evolve but struggled to secure playoff consistency. By 1999, ownership sought a new direction, and the franchise was rebranded as the San Jose Earthquakes to reflect the city’s strong identity and regional pride. This change also brought a refreshed San Jose Clash logo, updated branding, and a renewed focus on success.
Under the Earthquakes’ new name, the former San Jose Clash legacy lived on, as the team went on to capture two MLS Cup championships in the 2000s. Many of the foundational players from the Clash era helped shape the modern success of the club. The San Jose Clash history remains a vital chapter in MLS development, symbolizing the growth of professional soccer in California and the United States.
Today, fans still celebrate the San Jose Clash 1997 season and the team’s early identity, remembering it as the foundation of San Jose’s proud soccer culture. From the colorful San Jose Clash logo to their lasting influence on the MLS landscape, the Clash continue to be remembered as pioneers who helped launch a new era of American soccer.
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Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history