Twenty-nine years ago, on April 6, 1996, Major League Soccer began its journey with a match between the San Jose Clash and D.C. United. San Jose secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Eric Wynalda, overcoming a D.C. United team coached by Bruce Arena and led in midfield by John Harkes. As MLS approaches its 30th year, history repeats itself as D.C. United prepares to play against the San Jose Earthquakes this Sunday at PayPal Park. Bruce Arena is still on the sidelines, now managing San Jose, and remarkably, a Harkes will once again be in midfield – this time Ian Harkes, John`s son, for the San Jose squad. It truly illustrates the saying: “the more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Bruce Arena`s career has spanned from the University of Virginia to becoming a distinguished coach in MLS and for the United States Men`s National Team. It`s fitting that he`s present to mark the league`s 30th anniversary, even if it`s on the opposite side of the field from where he started.
John Harkes described his feelings leading up to that first match as `fear`. Having just joined D.C. United from Derby County after a loan spell at West Ham United, the USMNT star, who had made his mark in the Premier League, viewed the nascent league with uncertainty. Harkes had limited training time, just about 10 or 11 days, before the inaugural game. However, familiarity with coach Arena from his college days was a significant comfort.
Building a League from Scratch
“Having played over six and a half years in the Premier League, being the first American to break into it, entering a league with so much unknown was daunting,” Harkes recounted. “We were mindful of the North American Soccer League`s collapse, which was where I initially aspired to play professionally. I was a ball boy for the Cosmos, witnessing Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer, who profoundly influenced me.”
“For me, it was always a personal ambition to be a builder, to contribute to the growth of soccer in this country. We embraced the responsibility of establishing a sustainable league.”
Back then, nobody could have predicted that the modest setting of Spartan Stadium would pave the way for global stars like David Beckham, Kaka, and Lionel Messi to grace MLS. Yet, Harkes was right; soccer was here to stay. This anniversary game gains even more significance as the United States prepares to host the Club World Cup in 2025, the Men`s World Cup in 2026, and potentially the Women`s World Cup in 2031.
30 Years Onward
It was a pivotal moment in time. The Clash have evolved into the Earthquakes. When legendary broadcaster Andres Cantor started the match with the first ball, it initiated a chain reaction of soccer development that continues today.
“Globally, there was no clear image of what MLS would be. We understand the styles of Serie A, the Premier League, La Liga, Ligue 1, but MLS was an enigma,” Harkes explained.
The future of MLS in another 29 years remains uncertain, with evolving roster rules and rising player quality. However, it`s evident that the league has become a global force, and this trajectory is set to continue. Ian Harkes, John`s son, also reflected on this before the upcoming match.
“It’s a testament to the risk and hard work they invested in launching this league. They were fighting for their careers, but they also laid the foundation for what MLS is today,” Ian Harkes stated.
“I doubt any of them imagined that Leo Messi, Beckham, and other legends like Luis Suarez would eventually play in this league. They were the pioneers, and without their initial efforts, I wouldn’t be here.”
Arena admitted that in 1996, he didn`t have a fully prepared team at the start, yet they rallied to win the MLS Cup that year against the Los Angeles Galaxy. From the outset, he demonstrated his coaching approach and the strength of his team, which included USMNT players like Jeff Agoos, Eddie Pope, Harkes, as well as Jamie Moreno and Marco Etcheverry. This formidable team fulfilled expectations and etched their names in history as the first MLS Cup champions.
Seeking to Revive Success
When asked about the 30th-anniversary commemoration, Arena`s immediate reaction was about winning the upcoming game, though he also mentioned teasing Wynalda about that goal from the first match. He did acknowledge the league`s significant progress over three decades.
“Everyone has improved since `96. The league`s quality is vastly superior. We`ve grown from 10 to 30 teams, which is remarkable,” Arena noted. “Strong ownership, talented players, and one of the greatest players ever now playing in our league – there are many positives to reflect on over these 30 years.”
For Arena, Harkes, and the other founders, this weekend is a moment to celebrate their contributions and look forward to the future development of both teams 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. For D.C. United’s head coach, Troy Lesesne, this history is a significant burden.
“Our aim is to restore the club’s historical legacy and make us relevant again, which hasn’t been the case for the last five, or even ten seasons, with only one playoff win since 2015. It’s a substantial challenge to turn things around, but it’s the challenge we embrace, and why I believe I am here.”
Being original MLS teams is not enough; it highlights that league growth hasn`t automatically benefited the founding teams. This upcoming match is crucial for both coaches, as they aim to end their playoff droughts and strive to return to the top of MLS.
Watch Information: San Jose Earthquakes vs. D.C. United
- Date: Sunday, April 6
- Time: 5 p.m. ET
- Location: PayPal Park — San Jose, California
- Live stream: MLS Season Pass
- Odds: San Jose Earthquakes +115; Draw +280; D.C. United +200
