The San Jose Earthquakes have a strange history. The team has the dual, conflicting status of being both a charter member of the MLS as well as an expansion team. But no matter how you slice it, this soccer club has it going on in more ways than one. Complicated history notwithstanding, the Earthquakes have been shaking things up for years as one of the league’s most noteworthy franchises.

Old Versus New

The Earthquakes were indeed a charter member of the MLS, though they were known as the San Jose Clash until 1999. It was only then that they adopted the Earthquakes name in homage to an older team dating back to the 1970s. Yet the Earthquakes would come grinding to a halt when they ran into trouble getting a commitment for their own soccer-specific stadium in San Jose, resulting in the team pulling up stakes and relocating to Houston, Texas.

The Earthquakes would return to San Jose in 2008, but not in their original form. The original team’s players and coaches went on to become the Houston Dynamos, but part of the relocation deal meant that the Earthquakes name, colors, and official records stayed with the city of San Jose. A brand new expansion team was put together to take on the mantle of the Earthquakes, even though it was officially the same old Earthquakes on paper. Complicated, we know.

When It Works, It Works

The arrangement was odd but it worked, and it worked well. These new Earthquakes made a strong showing, including a 2012 season opener that set franchise records. The year culminated with a Supporters’ Shield win as well, showing that the Earthquakes have what it takes to compete, no matter what name they’re playing under or who’s on the roster. In fact, the future looks bright for this team, proving that everything old is new again when it comes to this soccer club.