How a professional soccer club in California survived relocation and a two-year hiatus

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The San Jose Earthquakes are a resilient American soccer franchise that defied the odds. After being moved to Houston in 2005, the team was reborn in 2008, reclaiming its original identity and history. From dramatic late-game comebacks to stadium struggles, the club remains a central fixture in Major League Soccer.

Founded as a charter member of Major League Soccer in 1996, the San Jose Earthquakes have navigated a turbulent history. Initially branded as the San Jose Clash, the team struggled for years before rebranding to the historic Earthquakes name in 1999. Under coach Frank Yallop, the franchise experienced a massive turnaround, securing MLS Cup titles in 2001 and 2003. Despite these successes, the club faced an existential crisis in 2005 when ownership attempted to relocate the team to Houston due to difficulties securing a soccer-specific stadium.

The move resulted in the creation of the Houston Dynamo, while the San Jose franchise was placed on hiatus. However, the league preserved the Earthquakes' records, colors, and history for a potential return. In 2007, an expansion franchise was awarded to Lewis Wolff and John Fisher, allowing the Earthquakes to resume play in 2008. This continuity ensured that the team's legacy remained tied to its California roots, distinct from the new organization in Texas.

Since their return, the club has experienced fluctuating fortunes, including a Supporters' Shield win in 2012 and the opening of their own stadium, PayPal Park, in 2015. The team is famously known for its intense California Clásico rivalry with the LA Galaxy. Over the decades, the club has seen various leadership changes and tactical shifts, including a 2017 focus on youth development and international scouting. Most recently, in June 2025, owner John Fisher announced that the team was being put up for sale, marking another chapter in the franchise's complex evolution.

The club's culture is defined by resilience, exemplified by the 2012 'Goonies' rally cry, which celebrated the team's habit of scoring dramatic late-game goals. This spirit of persistence has been a hallmark of the organization, helping it survive ownership transitions, stadium challenges, and periods of poor performance. Today, the Earthquakes continue to compete in the Western Conference, maintaining their status as a foundational element of the American professional soccer landscape.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• How a relocated franchise became a powerhouse of early Major League Soccer success
• How a regional California soccer league grew into a massive national American soccer force
• How a struggling startup league became a global destination for soccer superstars
• From founding member to MLS Cup champions: the roller coaster history of Colorado Rapids
• How a legacy name helped Portland embrace professional soccer
• The California town that changed its name to avoid a postal error
• How a tiny Greek island became a powerhouse of ancient engineering and revolutionary thought
• The oldest island in the Azores, where volcanoes gave way to fossils
• The Samoan Archipelago is a volcanic cradle split by a century of colonial history
• Santiago is the historical and demographic heart of the Cape Verdean archipelago.
• Samar: The Philippine Island That Transformed From A Colonial Gateway To A Natural Sanctuary
• Santo Antão: A rugged volcanic fortress of terraced agriculture and rare endemic flora

More in Islands · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics