Houston 1836: Another Step In The Right Direction

I'm glad to see another "soccer-style" name in MLS, rather than the usual animals (or whatever). 1836 sounds classy, has local history behind it (more than you can say for RSL/FC Dallas/D.C. United), and has soccer tradition as well. What more could you ask for? As I've before, MLS is moving away from trying to go after the regular Americans, and becoming more of a real soccer league. That's a good thing. MLS was like a confused teenage boy chasing after a girl. You can't worry about what everyone else thinks is cool, and try to be who you think they want you to be. Instead, you just have to do your own thing, and girls will respect you for being confident and passionate about your beliefs. Houston 1836 is a great example of that. Thankfully, we don't have names like the 1996 ones anymore. It's also great that they've realized some of their mistakes and dumped some of the worst ones. After 10 years, only half of the original team names have remained unscathed: Unscathed Colorado Rapids Columbus Crew D.C. United Los Angeles Galaxy New England Revolution These names are all fine for the most part. Galaxy and Crew may not be good names, but they've been around for a decade and don't sound horrible now. Revolution is fine when shortened to Revs. The Rapids, that's probably the only one that could change, because they haven't had a lot of success and they're moving into a new stadium next year. But if doesn't happen then, it probably won't ever. Scathed Dallas Burn Kansas City Wiz NY/NJ Metrostars San Jose Clash Tampa Bay Mutiny The Metros dropped the NY/NJ after two seasons, not like the media has noticed. They need to add an FC after (or before) their name; I think that would help end the problem, and it makes "Metrostars" sound a little less weird. Although I don't expect any logic or sound decision making from Alexi Lalas, a man who wants to increase the size of the goals. Don't get me started on that...