The Heritage Cup is contested by teams who celebrate the history of North American soccer by taking their names from the franchises their cities held in the North American Soccer league (NASL).  The NASL was the first premier soccer league of both the United States and Canada.  The NASL operated from 1968 to 1984, had 24 teams at the height of the league, and boasted such greats as Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, and many more. Currently, the only two teams competing for the Heritage Cup are the San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders FC, whose namesakes competed in the NASL from 1974 to 1983. Eligible to join the competition in future seasons are Portland and Vancouver.

Click here for 2023 competition rules.

Competition results by year

The Award

The trophy for the Heritage Cup was designed by Earthquakes fan Rob Stevenson. It was cast in bronze and produced at Bennett Awards in El Dorado, CA.

The Heritage Cup trophy