Major League Soccer, now in its 21st season and home to 20 clubs, nearly folded in 2001, according to FC Dallas president and co-owner Dan Hunt.
In an interview with "ESPN Soccer Today" on 103.3 FM in Dallas, Hunt said that the league -- having just completed its sixth season amid millions in operating losses -- had essentially decided to cease operations before his late father, Lamar Hunt, convinced his fellow owners to carry on.
"My very first phone call when I was working for the family ... November of 2001, we're in the [Kansas City] Chiefs' offices," Hunt told the show.