NY/NJ MetroStars MLS Jersey 1996-97 High 5 USA Small Inagural Year Rare

Own a true inaugural-era Major League Soccer piece with this Vintage New York / New Jersey MetroStars jersey, produced by High 5 Sportswear during the league’s first seasons (1996–1997).

The MetroStars were one of the original 10 founding MLS clubs when the league launched in 1996. Representing the New York/New Jersey market, the franchise later rebranded as the New York Red Bulls in 2006 — making authentic MetroStars-era gear a finite, closed chapter in American soccer history.

This jersey dates to the 1996–1997 inaugural seasons, the very beginning of modern top-flight professional soccer in the United States.

DETAILS:

* Team: New York / New Jersey MetroStars

* League: Major League Soccer (MLS)

* Era: 1996–1997 (Inaugural Seasons)

* Brand: High 5 Sportswear

* Made in USA

* Size: Small

* Alternate style

* Textured patterned body

* Raglan silver sleeves

* V-neck construction

WHY THIS JERSEY IS COLLECTIBLE

MLS Founding Era (1996 Launch):
This is from the league’s first seasons — when MLS was establishing itself post-1994 World Cup. Inaugural-year pieces are significantly harder to find than later adidas-era releases.

Pre–Red Bulls Identity:
The MetroStars name no longer exists. Once the club rebranded, this branding became permanently retired, increasing long-term nostalgia value.

High 5 Manufacturing:
Before MLS standardized major global suppliers, early jerseys were produced by smaller U.S. manufacturers like High 5. USA-made inaugural kits are far less common on the secondary market.

90s Design Aesthetic:
The oversized front “MetroStars” graphic and bold visual styling represent peak 90s sportswear — a look that has become increasingly desirable among collectors.

RARITY & APPEAL

Early MLS jerseys from 1996–1997 were produced in much smaller quantities compared to modern kits. Many were worn heavily or discarded over time, making clean surviving examples increasingly difficult to source.

This piece appeals to:

* MLS founding-era collectors

* MetroStars / pre-Red Bulls supporters

* New York soccer historians

* 90s sportswear collectors

* USA-made jersey collectors

CONDITION

Vintage pre-owned condition. Graphics remain strong. Please review all photos for condition details consistent with age.

TREASURE HUNTERS NOTE

This is more than a jersey — it’s a first-chapter MLS artifact. As the league continues to grow, inaugural-season pieces from 1996–1997 are becoming increasingly significant within soccer memorabilia circles.