- 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.
History of the Clash
The San Jose Clash is a soccer team that has been part of Major League Soccer (MLS) since its inception in 1996. The team was founded as the first MLS expansion franchise and played its home games at Spartan Stadium in San Jose, California. Throughout its history, the Clash has had some success on the field but has also struggled to find sustained success due to frequent coaching changes and player turnover.
In 1998, under head coach Brian Quinn, the Clash made it to MLS Cup Final, defeating D.C United 2-0 at Foxboro Stadium in Massachusetts. This would be one of only two times during their tenure that they qualified for postseason play; however, despite missing out on playoffs several years running afterward, there were still many memorable moments, including winning back-to-back Supporters' Shields for having the best regular season record over 1997/1998 seasons as well as numerous individual accolades from players such as Ronald Cerritos who won MVP honors twice while playing with the club between 1997–2001 period before being traded away midseason 2001 campaign when he was leading league goalscoring charts yet again!
Overall though, San Jose’s time with MLS ended after eight seasons when ownership decided not to renew the contract extension offered them by league officials, which led to relocation move down south into Houston, Texas area, where the new franchise, known today simply as “Houston Dynamo” began operations 2004 season onwards thus ending era “Clash” within American professional soccer landscape forevermore...
Clash Products
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, 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.
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
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.
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history
