MLS50th AnniversaryNorth American SoccerThree MLS teams, the Seattle Sounders, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and the San Jose Earthquakes, are celebrating their 50th anniversary in North American professional soccer.
Originally part of the North American Soccer League (NASL) founded in 1967 and joined as new teams in 1974, the Seattle Sounders, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and the San Jose Earthquakes have transitioned into Major League Soccer (MLS) and are commemorating five decades of participation in professional soccer in North America. Their history traces back to the early days of the sport's professional growth in the U.S., including notable events such as sellout matches, the acquisition of star players like Landon Donovan, and contributions to the growth of soccer culture in the United States.