Forest City Cleveland Unveils Soccer Crest and Colors

New MLS NEXT Pro team draws inspiration from Cleveland's history and natural landscape.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:21pm

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The Cleveland Soccer Group has unveiled the crest and color palette for its new MLS NEXT Pro men's soccer team, Forest City Cleveland. The crest features an ancient sycamore tree from Cuyahoga Valley National Park, known as the 'Die Hard Tree,' as a symbol of the city's resilience. The color scheme is inspired by Cleveland's natural landscape and architectural heritage, including 'Forest City Green,' 'Lake Erie Midnight,' and 'Golden Era' hues. The team is aiming to build a 10,000-seat stadium near Progressive Field and Rocket Arena.

Why it matters

The unveiling of Forest City Cleveland's brand identity is an important milestone as the city prepares to welcome its first professional men's soccer team. The team's connection to Cleveland's history and natural environment is seen as a way to build local pride and engagement with the new franchise.

The details

Forest City Cleveland's crest prominently features an ancient sycamore tree known as the 'Die Hard Tree' that stands in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The tree, believed to be over 350 years old, is considered a 'Moses Cleaveland tree' that predates the city's founding in 1796. Despite having part of the tree removed decades ago, the sycamore endured, symbolizing Cleveland's resilience. The crest's double hexagonal frame was inspired by the art deco geometry of the city's historic architecture, while the state's outline fills the base and 12 leaves on the tree represent the players on the pitch.

  • Forest City Cleveland was awarded an MLS NEXT Pro team in 2022.
  • The team is set to begin play in 2027.

The players

Gina Prodan Kelly

Chief marketing officer of Cleveland Soccer Group.

Cleveland Soccer Group

The organization awarded the MLS NEXT Pro team and developing the new franchise.

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What they’re saying

“We believed from the beginning that this club should be built with Cleveland, not simply introduced to Cleveland.”

— Gina Prodan Kelly, Chief marketing officer of Cleveland Soccer Group (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Cleveland Soccer Group is proposing a 10,000-seat stadium estimated at just under $80 million and has applied for $19.9 million from the Ohio sports facilities fund to help finance the project.

The takeaway

Forest City Cleveland's brand identity, rooted in the city's history, natural environment, and architectural legacy, represents an effort to build a professional soccer team that authentically connects with the local community. The team's resilient sycamore tree crest and color palette inspired by Cleveland's landscape aim to cultivate a sense of civic pride as the city welcomes its first MLS NEXT Pro franchise.