The Tampa Bay Mutiny was a charter franchise of Major League Soccer active from 1996 - 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 and hampered by an unfavorable lease agreement for Raymond James Stadium, the league folded the franchise after the 2001 season.
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.
Read more about Tampa Bay Mutiny: Honors, Players, Head Coaches, Team Records, Home Stadiums, Year-by-year, Average Attendance
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