Let's keep our own running tab until the announcement. Everyone pick the name you voted for, and tell us why if you like. I, personally, preferred Rovers or Republic to everything on the poll. I'd guess you'd say I settled on Houston 1836.
I saw the poll and refused to vote because I think the name should be something that represents the city of Houston. I'm not from there so I don't want to have any kind of impact on the results. I hope I'm not in the minority here. FWIW, I don't think Real Salt Lake was an option for the SLC poll a year and a half ago.
I actually like Apollos, Eagles, Generals, and Houston 1836. They each have some connection to Houston, although 1836 would sound weird as a sports team name to most people in Houston who aren't already soccer fans and would require some explanation. I voted for Eagles, but I'd be relieved to see any one of those four.
1836 refers to the year Texas gained independence from Mexico. I voted for Houston 1836. A couple of those names were truly awful. Gatos? I understand if they want a name that appeals to the Hispanic community but can we still keep it an English word?
How long is the MLSnet poll going to be open for? Or does anyone know when the team name and contest winner will be chosen officially? Edit: Never mind the first question. It's 5:00 on January 6th
I voted the buffaloes...because I like the animal and think it'd be a good logo. Houston 1836 is probably a better choice though. Independence is my favorite, but not on the list. Lame that they only had 16 choices. But who knows maybe it has already been decided between a few choices and their now waiting on some feedback. I think Houston had the Apollos as a minor league hockey team back in the 80's. That is the only space themed name I could tolerate though.
I voted for Houston 1836. I had suggested Toros initially, but really it's been used a fair amount in Texas already - San Antonio minor league football, current Austin D-League basketball team, not to mention the Texans mascot. Toros just felt a bit overused. I didn't realize that the City of Houston was founded in 1836. With that and Texas independence from Mexico, that's a pretty solid connection. To meet the requirements for a plural name to use for the sportwriters, it's an easy leap to 36ers. There are several year-based teams in Germany, though it looks like most are from the year in which the club was founded. Still. Houston 1836 looks unique, it's reasonable for soccer, and it's not just a borrowed regurgitated name - a solid winner in my (irrelevant) mind. Now, about that stadium situation, the public/private funding, and the local fan support - that's where I see the biggest challenge. I'm in Austin, so I won't be a part of the local scene, but I wish you guys luck.
The year of Texas Independence from Mexico, when Texas became a Republic (a sovereign nation) until 1845 when it was annexed into the United States.
Glad to see I was among the majority with Houston 1836, and I don't even plan on going to see a game.
In Texas we have a very unique heritage. Texas is where old school Spanish ways met up and coming U.S. southern culture to form a very special mix. I've liked the 1836 tie in for our new club ever since we lost our old USL D-3 Houston Hurricanes back in 2001. I figured that our culture had to bleed through in the crest and name. After that, I just saw 1836 as a perfect cornerstone for a great franchise.
I'm sorry, but I think all of these names suck! The thought behind Houston 1836 is good, but there's got to be a better name out there for the same idea.