06:07 PM CST on Tuesday, February 14, 2006

By Karla Barguiarena / 11 News

11 News let the cat out of the bag that the city’s new professional soccer team, “Houston 1836” is changing its very short-lived name.

Houston 1836

The fajitas were sizzling in a popular Mexican restaurant and the conversation was just as hot.

“It was the talk of the shop, that’s for sure,” said Fernando Osornia, soccer fan.

The name of the city’s first professional soccer team, “Houston 1836” has been a hot button issue since it was revealed just a few weeks ago. And it was just last week 11 News reported on efforts to get the name changed.

“I really can’t say that I talked to anyone that thought this was a great name,” said Peter Walkowiak, soccer fan.

“The number thing just doesn’t roll, it’s not a catchy name,” Osornia said.

Turns out, it wasn’t exactly rolling for many within Houston’s Hispanic community either.  And as a result, the name of the team will soon be history.

The date 1836 was supposed to represent the year the city was founded, but it also marks a year filled with sadness for many Hispanics.

“Sad because of the lost of life but also sad because of the loss of its territory it ended up leading to the loss of almost half of its territory,” said Raul Ramos, University of Houston history professor.

The negative response was so great that Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia decided to take her constituents concerns to the team’s president.

“The team has given us every indication that the name change is happening, and I think they will make the announcement very soon,” Garcia said.

She calls it the best Valentine’s Day present ever—a gift that will keep on giving.

“I’m going to place my order for season tickets.  I think it is time for us to embrace the new name and move forward and support a great soccer team,” she said.

Sources have said that a good possibility for the soccer team's name is the "Lone Star." Other options are "The Apollos" and "The Mustangs."

The team would not confirm or deny the name change, but said there would be a big announcement within the next couple of days.