MLS 2011 Jerseys Unveiled: 'Cleanliness' and Conformity Reign

Major League Soccer remains haunted by the ghosts of horrible uniforms past.

The men in the photo to the right, which includes World Cup veterans like Tab Ramos, John Harkes and Roy Wegerle, are wearing the clown costumes designed for the league's inaugural campaign in 1996.

The uniforms (except Harkes') looked like the result of a tragic Spin Art accident or the creations of overly eager, soccer ignorant marketers trying to be outrageous. It was totally xtreme.

They were inspired by branding profiles such as these:

Tampa Bay Mutiny: "The...logo system doesn't have any rebellious sailors. No three-masted galleons. No rolling oceans. Just little green winged cyber-mutants from the dark blue depths of space."

San Jose Clash: "The driving spirit of the San Jose Clash is the scorpion. Quick,... [via Soccer Fanhousesoccer Main]