MLS: It's official — Salt Lake City joins MLS

MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced Wednesday that Salt Lake City will be the home to the 9-year-old league's 12th team. Chivas USA, the other expansion team for the 2005 season, has yet to announce where it will play.

MLS kicked off its inaugural season in 1996 with 10 teams. In 1998, the Chicago Fire and Miami Fusion joined, expanding the league to 12 teams. The Tampa Bay Mutiny and the Miami Fusion folded after the 2001 season, bringing the field back to 10 teams.

Utah Soccer LLC will be owned and operated by sports entrepreneur David W. Checketts and associates, representing Sports Capital Partners.

MLS plans to add two additional cities for the 2006 season, bringing the League's size to 14 teams. Conversations continue with several communities, including Seattle, Cleveland, San Antonio, Houston, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Portland, Phoenix and Minneapolis, according to MLS.

The Utah's team's name, logo and colors are expected to be announced in August.