Everyone loves new soccer kits – and all 30 teams across Major League Soccer recently released some pretty sharp ones.
Some honor musical icons (like St. Louis City’s homage to Tina Turner, the San Jose Earthquake’s tribute to the Grateful Dead, or Sporting Kansas City’s hearkening to a local legendary 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:
(Major League Soccer)
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.”
(Major League Soccer)
Details: An apt jersey to celebrate America 250. Inspired by patriotic bunting and July 4 fireworks that light the skies each summer, the Revs’ jersey includes Heritage Tree and “Est. 1776” sign-offs. The jersey honors the region’s role in America’s founding and celebrates a milestone year.
Alexi’s Take: “If any team recognized what was in the palm of its hand with the 250th birthday, it would be the New England Revolution. Their jersey is called July Fourth, it is fireworks. It is fire as far as I’m concerned. … Just because you send me something doesn’t mean I’ll wear it, and certainly doesn’t mean it goes to the top of the Power Rankings, but in this case it absolutely did. They didn’t shy away. As a matter of fact, they leaned right into it. They said, ‘You know we’re going to come up with a shirt that celebrates the greatest country in the world.’ That has the color, has the vibrancy, that ultimately has the spark, and the fire that this country deserves on our birthday.”
