- 1994
- 1996
- 1996
- 2000
- 2002
-
Mutiny Team Formation 1994
In 1994, the newly established Major League Soccer announced it would place one of its charter franchises in the Tampa Bay Area. The region was seen as a potentially fertile market for soccer due to the success of the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the old North American Soccer League in the 1970s and 1980s. The Mutiny took the field in ... -
Tampa Bay Mutiny plays its inaugural season in MLS
In 1996: Tampa Bay Mutiny plays its inaugural season in MLS under head coach Thomas Rongen. The team features star players such as Carlos Valderrama, Roy Lassiter, Steve Ralston and Martin Vazquez. -
Tampa Bay Mutiny Wins the MLS first Supporter’ Shield
In 1996: The team finishes first in the Eastern Conference and wins the first Supporters’ Shield with a 20–12 record. Lassiter scores a record 27 goals and wins the Golden Boot award. Valderrama leads the league with 17 assists and wins the MVP award. The team reaches the conference finals but loses to D.C. United. -
Tampa Bay Mutiny finished first in the Central Division of MLS
In 2000: Tampa Bay Mutiny has its best season ever in MLS, finishing first in the Central Division and second overall with a 16–12–4 record. Diallo scores 26 goals and wins the Golden Boot award. Valderrama leads the league with 26 assists and wins his second MVP award. The team reaches the conference finals but loses to Chicago Fire -
Tampa Bay Mutiny ceases operations
In 2002: Tampa Bay Mutiny ceases operations after six seasons in MLS, along with Miami Fusion. MLS buys back the club from itself, citing financial losses and lack of local ownership interest. The league also reduces its number of teams from 12 to 10 and restructures its conferences
History of the Mutiny
The Tampa Bay Mutiny is a professional soccer team based in Florida that plays in Major League Soccer (MLS). Founded in 1996, Mutiny was one of the original ten teams to join MLS when it was founded. Since then, they have been an integral part of American soccer history and have had their fair share of success.
In their inaugural season, the Mutiny made it to MLS Cup Final, where they narrowly lost out on becoming champions. The following year saw them win regular-season and playoff titles and make another appearance at MLS Cup final but again lost out on being crowned champions. This set up a successful period for Tampa Bay, with them making multiple appearances in playoffs during this time frame before eventually disbanding due to financial difficulties after the 2001 season ended prematurely due to September 11th attacks across America, causing the cancellation of games remaining that year.
Despite no longer playing competitively since 2001, memories from those early years remain strong among fans who fondly remember watching some great players such as Carlos Valderrama take the field wearing blue & green colors representing the club’s identity while also bringing home trophies like US Open cup 1997 edition which still stands today amongst most memorable achievements by any side from Sunshine State till date!
MLS Products
Established
1994
City
Tampa Bay
League History
1996 – 2002 / Major League Soccer
Team History
1996 – 2002 / Tampa Bay Mutiny
Nickname
Mutiny - Regarding sports teams, nicknames often have a unique story behind them. The Tampa Bay Mutiny of Major League Soccer (MLS) is no exception. This beloved team has an exciting history explaining its nickname's origin.
The Tampa Bay Mutiny was founded in 1996 as one of the ten original MLS franchises. They were named “Mutiny” by owner and former professional soccer player Phil Anschutz. He chose this name because he wanted to pay homage to Florida's rich maritime heritage - specifically referencing pirates who would mutiny against captains on ships out at sea searching for treasure!
In addition, Anschutz also had another reason for choosing such a bold nickname: he wanted his team’s identity to be synonymous with fighting spirit – something that all great teams need when competing at any level or sport! Indeed throughout their existence from 1996-2001, The Mutineers always played hard and gave fans plenty of memorable moments during their time in MLS action - even making it all the way up into playoffs twice during those five years before ultimately folding due to financial issues within the league itself.
Despite not being around anymore today, many diehard supporters still remember fondly cheering on The Buccaneers every chance they got back then, showing just how much impact this iconic franchise had both locally here in Tampa & beyond across the entire country... So if you ever find yourself wondering why exactly did our beloved local side get its start under the moniker "Mutiny," now you know the answer: It was chosen to honor the state's maritime past while also representing the strength and determination needed to succeed anything life throws your way!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
1999 – 2001 / Raymond James Stadium
1996 - 1998 / Tampa Stadium
Owner
1996 – 2002 / 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
