History

The original incarnation of today’s San Jose Earthquakes was established in 1974 as an expansion team into the NASL. While the plan to play in san Francisco didn’t happen, the move to San Jose’s Spartan Stadium turned out to be fortuitous as the team became the league’s top draw.

In the 1983 and 1984 seasons the team changed its name to the Golden Bay Earthquakes. When the NASL folded in 1984 the team reverted to San Jose Earthquakes.

In 1985 the Earthquakes entered the new Western Soccer Alliance (WSA) as a founding member. Despite their central role in early American soccer leagues the Earthquakes never won a championship and the team ceased operations in 1988 after the team owner Bill Lunghi opted out of the new WSL, his spot going to the S.F. Bay Blackhawks.

In 1996 the new MLS started up and the San Jose Clash began play. In 1999 they adopted the old Earthquakes name. Today the team claims the old franchise history in their crest, which shows “1974” despite having no real connection.