GOAL US writers debate the release of MLS third kits, with a fine array of new retro shirts to choose from across the league
Kits are a tough thing to get right. Everyone has an opinion, and it's tricky to find the right target demographic. Do you feed the loyal fans? Do you try to branch out, get random people around the world to wear your colors – even if they've never watched a minute of your team, you know, play football? Or do you just say "forget it" and make something that looks really cool?
With the new MLS Archive collection, MLS have tried to do a bit of all of the above. And in rare fashion, it works. The league have released 10 new retro-ish jerseys, all of which pay homage to the weird and wonderful history of American soccer. Some of them, such as Dallas Burn, D.C. United and Colorado Rapids, pay tribute to the early days of MLS. Some, like Seattle Sounders, Minnesota United and Charlotte FC are a little more recent.
Who nailed it with the kits? Who left a bit to be desired? And just how cool is it to have an orca as your badge?
GOAL US writers debate the fine array of new MLS kits in a fashion-forward edition of… The Rondo.
Major League SoccerWhich new MLS kit is the winner?
Tom Hindle: Seattle Sounders, and it's not remotely close. Guys, they have an orca badge. What more could you possibly want? Shoutout to Colorado, though, for making a green kit that works.
Jacob Schneider: It's gotta be either San Jose or Minnesota. The Loons' ode to the Minnesota Kicks really is beautiful, and there's something fun about the typeface they chose. It looks great, fits as streetwear and represents the history of the state. SJ, meanwhile, is one for the sickos. It has 1990s Clash all over it. It's a stupendous shirt. But its a jersey meant to be worn on the pitch – it's tough to envision it as streetwear.
Alex Labidou: This is easy, the Colorado Rapids brought back their beloved green kits from their inaugural season and gave them some swag for 2025. The old kit was clunky, but the new one is a winner. Plus, they arguably had the best kit trailer as well. No need for debate here.
Ryan Tolmich: It has to be the one with a damn whale on it. Shoutout to the Sounders for going the right amount of crazy, from the design to the orca vibes with the badge. To be fair, all of these kits are hits and all of them are pretty fun. But the Sounders stand out just because they took things just a step further.
AdvertisementMajor League SoccerWhich kit was the most disappointing?
TH: Ryan Tolmich is gonna hate this, but the Charlotte one just does not work. It's a glorified Sweden kit. Snooze.
JS: New England. There's something about it that just doesn't work the way you'd hoped. It's still a gorgeous shirt, but it doesn't sit right. The design is a great effort, but in comparison to the rest of the Archive Collection, it falls short.
AL: Columbus are usually among the leaders when it comes to kit releases, which makes their third kit release this year disappointing. If it this kit seems familiar, it should – a slightly upgraded version of their 2013 away kit. Charlotte would be the second worst – the color scheme seems very Sounders inaugural season. And heritage kits for a team that's four years old seems weird.
RT: It's a very, very classy kit, so no knock on it. But the Rapids kit could have been a little bit more … wild? Search "Colorado Caribous" for some inspiration. But even so, this is one of the more casually wearable kits of the bunch. That's what they were going for, so that's fine. But there were also some bits of chaos that could have been added.
Getty Images SportIs this collection better than last year's vintage release?
TH: Yes, because it actually seems vintage! With Colorado, D.C., New England, Dallas, Columbus and San Jose, they tapped into some MLS heritage. The new(er) ones are good too. Stronger overall than last year, and the collection checks the "vintage" box more. Nicely done, MLS. Not wearing branded Gazelles, though, for what it's worth.
JS: Absolutely – and it actually has teams representing the heritage of the game. Each club was deserving of a shirt, and each kit pays tribute to the fans, players and all involved who laid the groundwork for establishing the professional game. This is really some of the league's best work with adidas.
AL: Slightly better, just because the field is stronger. You've got FC Dallas and San Jose Earthquakes with some really strong kits, and while the Minnesota kit might not be for everyone, there's no denying it's better than a lot of last year's kits. That said, the Timbers, Inter Miami, and KC Wizards kits from 2024 still pull at the heartstrings.
RT: Last year's collection was good, but this release is great. Overall, these kits are strongly tied to history, but they also have a better balance of "wearable" and "Oh my goodness that's chaotic – but in a fun way." This was a good step forward for MLS and adidas, who continue to capture the weird and wild culture of American soccer – which doesn't always have to be as prim and proper as counterparts elsewhere in the world.
AFPWho has the best kits in MLS?
TH: Seattle! LAFC and Portland both have some absolute beauties, and the Red Bulls have really upped it this year – even if they share a lot of similarities with RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig. But the Sounders take the cake, by some distance. Once again: THE ORCA BADGE. This will annoy 50 percent of the GOAL US writing staff, but I cannot stand the Minnesota "starry night" thing. It's naff.
JS: In terms of a three-kit collection, it's the Sounders. It's just beyond delightful. Each jersey is nearly perfect. Their Salish Sea Kit is one of the best designs in the world right now, and their Archive orca kit is a thing of beauty. Then, their Anniversary kit is a real stunner, too, as it shows off their trademark Rave Green exceptionally.
AL: Minnesota starry night kit might have been released last season, but they still rock it this year, and the club's overall collection, including its new release, gives it a slight edge.
RT: It isn't always easy designing around their colors but, the Sounders don't miss. They did things a bit differently with their home and away kits this season, and then dropped the hammer with their orca kit here. Overall, a good year for the Sounders and a bad year for Sounders' fans' wallets as they look to keep up with these kit releases.