Twenty-nine years after Major League Soccer launched, the San Jose Earthquakes and D.C. United are set to clash once more. Their first encounter on April 6, 1996, marked the league`s debut, with San Jose, then known as the Clash, securing a 1-0 victory over D.C. United, thanks to Eric Wynalda`s goal. Bruce Arena coached D.C. United, and John Harkes led their midfield in that inaugural game. As MLS approaches its 30th anniversary, these two teams will again face each other at PayPal Park. In a nostalgic twist, Bruce Arena is now managing San Jose, and Ian Harkes, John`s son, is part of the Earthquakes` midfield. It`s a remarkable echo of the past, highlighting how much and how little has changed.
Bruce Arena`s journey from the University of Virginia to becoming a distinguished coach in MLS and with the U.S. Men`s National Team is noteworthy. His presence on the sidelines for this anniversary game, albeit with a different team, feels fitting as MLS celebrates three decades.
Reflecting on the first game, John Harkes described his feeling as `fear` in anticipation of the unknown. Having played in the Premier League after moving from Derby County and a loan spell at West Ham United, Harkes, a pioneering American player in English football, viewed the nascent MLS with uncertainty. Despite minimal training with D.C. United before the first match, his prior relationship with coach Arena from their college days provided reassurance.
Building MLS from Scratch
Harkes recounted his Premier League experience, stating, `I was fortunate to have a six-and-a-half-year career there, becoming the first American in the Premier League. Entering an unproven league was daunting.` He recalled concerns about MLS mirroring the fate of the defunct North American Soccer League, a league he aspired to join as a youth. Inspired by his time as a ball boy for the Cosmos, watching legends like Pele and Franz Beckenbauer, Harkes felt a responsibility to contribute to building soccer`s foundation in the U.S.
In 1996, few could have predicted that Spartan Stadium would pave the way for global stars like David Beckham, Kaka, and Lionel Messi to grace MLS pitches. Harkes` initial belief in soccer`s staying power in America has been validated, especially as the U.S. prepares to host major international tournaments, including the Club World Cup in 2025, the Men`s World Cup in 2026, and potentially the Women`s World Cup in 2031.
Thirty Years Later
The San Jose Clash evolved into the Earthquakes, and the ceremonial first ball kicked by broadcaster Andres Cantor set off a lasting wave of soccer development in the nation.
Harkes noted the initial global ambiguity surrounding MLS`s identity. Unlike established leagues such as Serie A, the Premier League, La Liga, and Ligue 1, MLS`s style and expectations were undefined.
The future of MLS remains open-ended as roster rules and player quality continue to evolve. However, the league`s ascent as a global force is undeniable and projected to continue. Ian Harkes, John`s son, also shared his thoughts on this historical milestone.
Ian Harkes remarked, `It`s a tribute to the risk and dedication of those who launched the league. They worked hard for their careers and laid the groundwork for what MLS has become.` He added, `I doubt they envisioned players like Leo Messi, Beckham, or Luis Suarez in MLS. These legends followed their lead, and without the pioneers, my own MLS journey wouldn`t be possible.`
Arena admitted his team wasn`t fully prepared for the 1996 season opener but still clinched the MLS Cup title against the Los Angeles Galaxy that year. This early success showcased his coaching prowess and the strength of his squad, which included USMNT players like Jeff Agoos, Eddie Pope, and Harkes, alongside international talents like Jamie Moreno and Marco Etcheverry. They fulfilled expectations by becoming the inaugural MLS Cup champions, a unique and indelible achievement.
Looking to Revive Past Glory?
When prompted about the 30th anniversary recognition at the upcoming game, Arena`s immediate focus shifted to winning, while also mentioning plans to tease Wynalda about his winning goal from the first match. He acknowledged MLS`s significant progress over three decades.
`Everyone is better now than in `96. The league`s quality has vastly improved. We`ve expanded from 10 to 30 teams, which is remarkable,` Arena stated. `Strong ownership, talented players, and one of history`s greatest players now in our league – there are many positives from the last 30 years.`
For Arena, Harkes, and the other league founders, this weekend is a moment to celebrate their contributions and to strive for improvement on the field. San Jose has only reached the playoffs once in the past four seasons, while D.C. United has missed them for five consecutive years. D.C. United`s coach, Troy Lesesne, feels the weight of this history.
Lesesne stated, `Our goal is to restore the club`s historical legacy and relevance, which has been lacking for the last five and arguably ten seasons, with only one playoff win since 2015. It`s a significant challenge to turn things around, but it`s the challenge we embrace, and why I am here.`
As MLS originals, both teams aim higher than their recent performances suggest. While acknowledging their shared history, both teams are focused on ending their playoff droughts and returning to the top of MLS.
