The MLS renamed its Houston franchise the Dynamo on Monday, dropping another nickname deemed offensive by many Hispanics.
The franchise was nicknamed Houston 1836 in reference to the city's founding. Some critics felt the name was anti-Mexican because that was also the year Texas gained its independence by defeating Mexico.
The franchise moved from San Jose in December.
"After it was clear we'd hit a raw nerve in the community, we didn't want to offend anybody," team president Oliver Luck said. "We had a short list of about 15 names to choose from and we came up with this. It's full of vitality, energy and action."
The new nickname refers to the city's links to the energy industry and the Houston Dynamos, a pro soccer team that played in 1984 in the United Soccer League, Luck said. The league folded after one season, but the team played exhibitions for two years after that.
"We're delighted to go back to the Houston Dynamos," he said.
