Tampa Bay Mutiny
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| Full name | Tampa Bay Mutiny | |||
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| Nickname(s) | Mutiny | |||
| Founded | 1995 | |||
| Dissolved | 2001 | |||
| Stadium | Raymond James Stadium (capacity: 65,857) |
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The Tampa Bay Mutiny was a charter franchise of Major League Soccer active from 1996 to 2001. They initially played in Tampa Stadium and were immediately successful, winning the first MLS Supporters' Shield behind MLS MVP Carlos Valderrama and high-scoring forward Roy Lassiter, whose 27 goals in 1996 is still the MLS single-season record.
The team hosted the last event at the "Big Sombrero", a 2–1 win over the MetroStars on September 21, 1998. The Mutiny moved to newly built Raymond James Stadium starting with the 1999 season.
The Mutiny had been competitive for its first few seasons. However, as they transitioned into their new home, the trading of popular players (including both Valderrama and Lassiter for little in return) led to less exciting soccer and decreased fan support. Unable to find local buyers[1] and hampered by an unfavorable lease agreement for Raymond James Stadium,[2] the league folded the franchise after the 2001 season.[3]
Like the area's football team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the "mutiny" moniker referred to the area's celebrated pirate history, going back to José Gaspar.
Contents |
Honors [edit]
1996
- Semi-Finals Appearances: (1)
1996
- Eastern Conference (Regular Season Winners) (1):
1996
- Playoff Appearances: (4)
1996, 1997, 1999, 2000
Players [edit]
- See also All-time Tampa Bay Mutiny roster
Head coaches [edit]
Thomas Rongen (1996)
John Kowalski (1997–98)- Tim Hankinson (1998–00)
Alfonso Mondelo (2001)- Perry Van der Beck (2001)
Team records [edit]
- Games: Steve Ralston (177)
- Goals: Roy Lassiter (37)
- Assists:
Carlos Valderrama (81) - Cleansheets: Scott Garlick (11)
Home stadiums [edit]
- Tampa Stadium (1996–1998)
- Raymond James Stadium (1999–2001)
Year-by-year [edit]
| Year | Reg. Season | Points | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | 1st, East* | 58 | Won Conference Semi-Finals (Columbus 2-1) Lost Conference Finals (D.C. United 0-2) |
Quarter-Finals |
| 1997 | 2nd, East | 45 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals (Columbus 0-2) | Quarter-Finals |
| 1998 | 5th, East | 34 | Did not qualify | Quarter-Finals |
| 1999 | 3rd, East | 32 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals (Columbus 0-2) | Quarter-Finals |
| 2000 | 2nd, Central | 52 | Lost Quarter-Finals (Los Angeles 0-2) | Round of 16 |
| 2001 | 4th, Central | 14 | Did not qualify | Round of 32 |
* Won MLS Supporters' Shield
Average attendance [edit]
- 1996: 11,679
- 1997: 11,338
- 1998: 10,312
- 1999: 13,106
- 2000: 9,452
- 2001: 10,479
- Total Average: 11,106
References [edit]
External links [edit]
- Tampa Bay Mutiny on St. Petersburg Times
- BigSoccer.Com: Central Florida Superthread (Part 2)
- SportsEcyclopedia.Com: Tampa Bay Mutiny (1996–2001)
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