KitSZN: Souls, Strength, and Stylish
Tonight we look at the various ways teams have utilized Black as the Primary Color. From accents that pop, to details that tell a story - let’s see which teams did it best.
We look at the various ways teams have utilized Black as the Primary Color. From accents that pop, to details that tell a story - let’s see which teams did it best.
Fort Wayne FC: Black Fortress Kit '26
The Fort Wayne FC "Black Fortress" Kit for 2026. Earned a score of 3.50 from the team.
Fort Wayne's first home kit since the rebrand and jump up to League One. Utilizing the Black as the base with the Autumn Gold accents was brilliant. The Gold just pops and grabs all your attention. The Fort Wayne crest continues to look great on merch, and does so again here.
Once those Autumn Gold accents pull you in, you start to see the underlying details. In what looks to be a slightly lighter shade of Black, we get a repeated sequence of the Fort Wayne crest with some cross hatching. Not just adding details, but the design also adds some layering and depth. So this straight forward kit now has more to it.
Fort Wayne has been sending us understated kits all season. But this fortress kit is one to behold! Its deep black base highlights the repeating geometric crest pattern. It's simple and elegant, showing fortitude and bravery all in one. This is a shirt the home fans will be proud to wear around the entire start of Indiana.
Our Score: 3.50
Sacramento Republic: Strength in Motion Kit '26
The Sacramento Republic "Strength in Motion" Kit for 2026. Earned a score of 4.00 from the team.
When nature calls, Sacramento Republic answered. This kit, rightfully called the Strength in Motion Kit, has a strong, deep black base and features a patterned design of eagle wings and salmon scales. The design celebrates the story of the perseverance of the two creatures.
Strength in Motion is rooted in the enduring spirit of Wilton Rancheria and the powerful symbolism of the eagle and salmon —two journeys shaped by resilience, perseverance, and an unwavering connection to home.
One rises in the sky. One returns through the current. Together, they reflect strength in constant motion, carried across generations.
Utilizing a Black base, we see a wavy leaf/Salmon skin/feather pattern with Sharp Red accents. Even the Sacramento Republic crest got in on the Black-Red color scheme.
On the back we see the Bear - found on the state flag and a premier feature of the Republic's crest. The pinstripe collar in Red pops alongside the other usage of Red in the kit.
Overall, this simple design pulls at the heartstrings with its fine details. This is a must-have for any nature lover.
Our Score: 4.00
Minneapolis City: Bolt from the Black Kit '26
The Minneapolis City "Bolt from the Black" Kit for 2026. Earned a score of 4.38 from the team.
Minneapolis is pink again!
In collaboration with local hip-hop duo Atmosphere, Minneapolis City continues to lift up their local community.
"In my world, in hip-hop, sports and rap go hand-in-hand. It's not often that you actually see artists involved with a team" - Sean "Slug" Daley pf Athmosphere
Minneapolis City continues to deliver some of the best in the American Lower Leagues. Continuing to use the lightning bolt - inspired by David Bowe's Ziggy Stardust - has become a staple for the Crows.
This black-based kit features a bold, bright, and BIG pink lightning bolt that blasts through the center of the shirt! The shirt also features some simple yet powerful diagonal pinstripes jetting from the wearer's left side of the lightning bolt. With this kit, you get a fun, interesting, and bold shirt that will impress the masses.
Our Score: 4.38
Minneapolis City: 10th Anniversary Kit '26
The Minneapolis City "10th Anniversary" Kit for 2026. Earned a score of 4.63 from the team.
In celebrating the club's 10th anniversary, it is only right they utilize the Wing Kit design. The iconic look is back, but with more of an Atmosphere to it.
Keeping the White base like before with Black Wings on the Right shoulder, but this iteration includes Pink outlines with Pink Bolts in the feathers. Representing past designs with a colorful twist.
Partnering again with Atmosphere, this kit brings the energy we expect from the Crows. The Murder got their 10th Anniversary just right 😎
Our Score: 4.63
Oakland Soul: Spirit Kit '26
The Oakland Soul "Spirit" Kit for 2026. Earned a score of 3.75 from the team.
Fort Wayne's first home kit since the rebrand and jump up to League One. Utilizing the Black as the base with the Autumn Gold accents was brilliant. The Gold just pops and grabs all your attention. The Fort Wayne crest continues to look great on merch, and does so again here.
Once those Autumn Gold accents pull you in, you start to see the underlying details. In what looks to be a slightly lighter shade of Black, we get a repeated sequence of the Fort Wayne crest with some cross hatching. Not just adding details, but the design also adds some layering and depth. So this straight forward kit now has more to it.
Fort Wayne has been sending us understated kits all season. But this fortress kit is one to behold! Its deep black base highlights the repeating geometric crest pattern. It's simple and elegant, showing fortitude and bravery all in one. This is a shirt the home fans will be proud to wear around the entire start of Indiana.
Our Score: 3.75
Oakland Soul: Form Kit '26
The Oakland Soul "Form" Kit for 2026. Earned a score of 4.88 from the team.
Fort Wayne's first home kit since the rebrand and jump up to League One. Utilizing the Black as the base with the Autumn Gold accents was brilliant. The Gold just pops and grabs all your attention. The Fort Wayne crest continues to look great on merch, and does so again here.
Once those Autumn Gold accents pull you in, you start to see the underlying details. In what looks to be a slightly lighter shade of Black, we get a repeated sequence of the Fort Wayne crest with some cross hatching. Not just adding details, but the design also adds some layering and depth. So this straight forward kit now has more to it.
Fort Wayne has been sending us understated kits all season. But this fortress kit is one to behold! Its deep black base highlights the repeating geometric crest pattern. It's simple and elegant, showing fortitude and bravery all in one. This is a shirt the home fans will be proud to wear around the entire start of Indiana.
Our Score: 4.88
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