The Branding of CT’s MLS NEXT Pro Soccer Team
Iconic. Modern. Bold. Honoring the past while looking forward to the future. Introducing the new emblem of CT United FC, Connecticut’s first professional men’s soccer team. A dynamic, colorful design that captures the essence of the team’s spirit of diversity, strength and commitment to excellence. The strong typography and symbolism capture the passionate energy and unity of our fans for generations to come.
Being selected as the designers of the official CT United FC crest is super important to us and makes us extremely proud. This professional men’s soccer team will bring a new level of excitement not only to Bridgeport, but to the entire State of Connecticut.
The Symbolism
The Coywolves
Standing proudly on either side of the shield are two coywolves. A hybrid descended from coyotes, wolves, and dogs, they uniquely thrive in both urban and rural settings, symbolizing adaptability, resilience, and the blending of different heritages. This mirrors the diverse and dynamic community that supports CT United FC. These animals, indigenous to the region, are known for their intelligence and resourcefulness—traits that the team embodies both on and off the field. READ MORE
The Charter Oak Leaf
At the heart of the crest are three charter oak leaves, representing the Charter Oak, a revered symbol of the state’s resilience and determination. In 1687, the Royal Charter of Connecticut was famously hidden within the hollow of the Charter Oak to prevent its confiscation by the British. This act of clever defiance embodies the spirit of boldness, resourcefulness, and fearlessness that CT United FC aims to bring to the field.
The Pathways
Oriented upward and centered within the crest are eight pathways, each representing one of Connecticut’s counties: Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, Tolland, and Windham. These pathways signify the club’s mission to unite the entire state under one banner, drawing support and inspiration from every corner. Each pathway is a tribute to the unique contributions of each county, collectively forming a strong, diverse, and vibrant fanbase.
The Historical and Modern Significance
The crest’s design is a testament to both historical reverence and forward-thinking ambition. The coywolves’ vigilant stances, the Charter Oak’s legacy, and the pathway’s forward progression all contribute to a narrative that honors the past while embracing the promise of the future. The balance of past and future is a hallmark of CT United FC’s ethos, ensuring that the team remains deeply connected to its roots while continuously evolving.
The Colors
Park City Purple
Purple is associated with ambition and creativity. Park City Purple is a subtle yet profound shade that embodies the team’s aspirations for greatness and innovation both on and off the field.
Azure Breeze Blue
Azure Breeze Blue echoes the expansive blue backdrop of the Connecticut flag, the original version of which was made from azure silk. Blue, the color of harmony and unity, symbolizes the team’s spirit of community and collaboration with the azure hue evoking the sky and sea.
Pitch Black
Pitch Black commands attention and represents the team’s courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Mountain Laurel White
Mountain Laurel White is a tribute to Connecticut’s state flower. It balances the team’s color palette and symbolizes perseverance and achievement.
The Process
It was a great honor to have been tapped to design the iconic brand for Connecticut’s first MLS NEXT Pro soccer team. To start, the creative team at Peralta Design met with the team owners to fully understand their vision. We then studied other expansion team brand identities as well as identified our favorite logos from the “big five” MLS, MLB, NHL, NFL and the NBA to focus on what made them so successful. After generating a variety of concepts, we presented the finalists to a focus group which consisted of local residents, select members of the business community, athletes, coaches, and of course, soccer fans both young and old.
For more info on CT United FC, visit https://www.ctunited.com
