Everyone loves new soccer kits – and all 30 teams across Major League Soccer recently released some pretty sharp ones.
Some honor musical tradition (like St. Louis City SC’s homage to Tina Turner, the San Jose Earthquakes‘ tribute to the Grateful Dead, or Sporting Kansas City’s take on the legendary 18th & Vine jazz district). Others lean into their home city’s natural landscape, such as Austin FC or the Seattle Sounders. Others focus on important causes, like CF Montréal’s design that brings awareness to prostate cancer.
– RELATED: All 30 MLS Kits, Explained
But for Alexi Lalas, FOX Sports soccer analyst and host of the “Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast”, there are five kits that truly stand out – including the appropriately named “July Fourth Kit” by the New England Revolution. Of course, Lalas played for the Revs – but it’s still a solid selection for the top of his New MLS Kit Power Rankings.
Let’s break down his selections:
5) Philadelphia Union (‘1776’ Kit)
Details: The kit honors Philadelphia’s role in the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding and its enduring spirit of rebellion and unity. Inspired by the city’s architecture, documents, and icons that shaped the USA, the design features a “1776” jock tag and the club’s signature “Join or Die” emblem.
Alexi’s Take: “It’s a little understated for me. But you’ll find the Liberty Bell, a dollar bill, the Constitution. It’s very 1776 as the name implies. I would have liked to be a bit more bold. At least they have the respect to recognize the birthday and with the understanding of what they are.”
4) Orlando City SC (‘Sunken Treasure’ Kit)
Details: Did Orlando strike gold here? The look dives into Florida’s storied coastline and the legend of the 1715 Treasure Fleet. Inspired by shipwrecks and sea exploration, this is the Lions’ first-ever predominantly gold jersey – although the look includes trademark deep purple accents.
Alexi’s Take: “If you look into it, there’s an actual lion that is embedded in the background. I like the color because it pops with this gold, yellow type of thing.”
3) Red Bull New York (‘Rooted’ Kit)
Details: RBNY’s kit reflects the club’s black and red palette with features that symbolize the literal roots and groundwork the team has placed since it was founded as one of the original teams in MLS. A bold look for a new era with former USA captain Michael Bradley returning to the club, this time as manager.
Alexi’s Take: “To me, it just looks like wires and electricity. It’s something different, it’s something instantly recognizable. For me, it screams ‘Hey look at me’ and I want that. I don’t want something understated. I know it’s supposed to be roots, but it looks like veins and lightning.”
2) Atlanta United (‘Spirit of 96’ Kit)
Details: Marking 30 years since Atlanta hosted the Summer Olympics, the design channels that event featuring nostalgic colors and energy, with a gold crest symbolizing victory.
Alexi’s Take: “We talked about 1776 [with Philadelphia’s kit]. On this second, what Atlanta selected to rejoice is the spirit of ‘96, which was when the Olympics had been held in Atlanta. The colour scheme and the emblem of Atlanta are made to appear to be a gold medal. It’s an actual Olympic reference. I actually admire that, and it is only a clear, cool-looking uniform.”
1) New England Revolution (‘Independence Day’ Equipment)
Particulars: An apt jersey to rejoice America 250. Impressed by patriotic bunting and July 4 fireworks that mild the skies every summer time, the Revs’ jersey consists of Heritage Tree and “Est. 1776” sign-offs. The jersey honors the area’s position in America’s founding and celebrates a milestone yr.
Alexi’s Take: “If any staff acknowledged what was within the palm of its hand with the 250th birthday, it might be the New England Revolution. Their jersey known as July Fourth, it’s fireworks. It’s hearth so far as I am involved. … Simply since you ship me one thing does not imply I will put on it, and definitely does not imply it goes to the highest of the Energy Rankings, however on this case it completely did. They did not draw back. As a matter of reality, they leaned proper into it. They mentioned, ‘You understand we’ll provide you with a shirt that celebrates the best nation on the planet.’ That has the colour, has the vibrancy, that finally has the spark, and the fireplace that this nation deserves on our birthday.”
