Originally known as the San Jose Clash, the team was a founding member of MLS in 1996. After four largely unsuccessful seasons, the team adopted the name Earthquakes in 2000; Earthquakes had been the name of San Jose's team in the old NASL. In 2001, San Jose reached the playoffs for the first time since 1996, when they lost in the first round; this time was different, and the Earthquakes eventually beat the LA Galaxy 2-1 in overtime to claim the 2001 MLS Cup. In 2003 the Earthquakes, led by Landon Donovan, won their second MLS Cup with a 4-2 victory over the Chicago Fire.
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