Founded in 1996 as part of the agreement for the U.S. to host the 1994 FIFA World Cup, it started with 10 teams including Columbus Crew, D.C. United, New England Revolution, NY/NJ Metro Stars[now know as the New York Red Bulls], Tampa Bay Mutiny[ceased operation in 2001], Colorado Rapids, Dallas Burn, Kansas City Wizards, Los Angles Galaxy, and the San Jose Clash[now know as San Jose Earthquakes]. In 1998 Chicago Fire and the Miami Fusion[ceased operation in 2001]. In 1998 MLS saw a decline in fans, resulting in the United States finishing last in the 1998 FIFA World Cup; But after the United States advanced to the quarterfinals of 2002 FIFA World Cup they were reassured. In 2005 Real Salt Lake and Chivas USA joined the league. In 2006 San Jose Earthquakes moved to Houston becoming the Houston Dynamo, as well as the first Canadian team Toronto FC joining the league. In 2008 San Jose Earthquakes reopened this time under a new owner. In 2009 Seattle Sounders FC. In 2010 we saw the opening of Philadelphia Union. In 2011 Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the second team Canadian to join the league, making the MLS have 18 teams. In 2012 Montreal has plans to join the league.
