Could it be Houston Republic FC?

Post updated below

Word around the MLS rumor mill is that the new name of the Houston team will be Houston Republic FC.

As the story goes, a bike messenger made a delivery to MLS headquarters and noticed the new name and logo. He then snapped some pictures of it with his cell phone (one pictured above).

I have no clue if this is true, but it does seem a little strange. Why would a bike messenger be in a room with a big logo marked "NOT FOR RELEASE"? Usually a messenger drops things at the front desk. Does it make sense that this would be in such an obvious place? Also, does it make sense that someone could get off a handful of pictures without someone else noticing (phones do make that camera 'snap' noise)? Finally, the images seem to be of higher resolution then you would expect from a cell phone (I say this without seeing the originals).

It also seems odd that they would decide on a name before the whole "name the team" thing happened. Perhaps this is just one of a few names they are going to put out there.

You can find more images over at bigsoccer.com.

If this is the new name, it's not bad. I like the inclusion of the 1836 (year of Texas's independence from Mexico), but I really wonder why there is a train on the shield. I don't think Houston was a huge train hub and I don't understand the semi-circle train track. Also, there is a trademark label yet I can find no trademark listed for the name with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. There is the chance that it has been filed, but not approved, however, if that is true, it seems even stranger that this poster would be anywhere near a public space.

Maybe I am over analyzing this. If it turns out to be true, I will look the fool (not the first time). Let the waiting begin.

Update: Yes, it was a fake. Here is the the hoaxster telling his tale. For more on the real Houston name, click here.