American Soccer League

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The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States.

Contents 1 ASL I 1.1 Complete team list 2 ASL II 2.1 Complete team list 3 ASL III 3.1 Complete team list 4 Champions 4.1 American Soccer League I 4.2 American Soccer League II 4.3 American Soccer League III 5 References

[edit] ASL I

The original American Soccer League, operating between 1921 and 1933, was the first significant viable professional soccer league in the United States. The league operated primarily in the northeastern United States, particularly in the New York-New Jersey-Philadelphia triangle.

Additionally, the ASL was one of the first American soccer leagues prestigious enough to attract talented players from overseas. The league, in fact, was quite well attended, and was quite competitive with the nascent National Football League in terms of popularity. During the fall of the 1928/29 season, many prominent teams left the league to form the new Eastern Soccer League. During this "Soccer War" the ASL was an outlaw league not recognized by FIFA. During the fall of the 1929/30 season, the ESL and ASL merged to form the Atlantic Coast League which started play in the spring of 1930 now playing a spring-fall schedule. In the fall of 1930 (the second half of the 1930 season), the league was renamed the American Soccer League again.

After the end of the 1933 spring season, the league collapsed.

[edit] Complete team list

Bethlehem Steel F.C. (1921/22-27/28, 1930, as Philadelphia Field Club in 1921/22) Boston Wonder Workers (1924/25-30, as Boston Bears in 1929) Boston Bears (1931-32) Bridgeport Hungaria (1930, as Newark for last 5 games) Brooklyn Wanderers (1922/23-31) Brooklyn Hakoah (1929, merged with New York Hakoah of ESL to form Hakoah All-Stars) Brooklyn Wanderers (1932-33) Fall River Marksmen (1921/22-1930, as Fall River United in 1921/22; merged with New York Soccer Club to form New York Yankees) Fall River Football Club (1924/25-1931, as Providence Clamdiggers in 1924/25-27/28; as Providence Gold Bugs in 1928/29-30; as Fall River Football Club in 1931; absorbed New Bedford Whalers during spring 1931 season; absorbed by New York Yankees before fall 1931 season) Fall River Football Club (1932) Fleisher Yarn (1924/25) Hakoah All-Stars (1929/30-1932) Harrison Field Club (1921/22-22/23, as Harrison Soccer Club in 1921/22) Hartford Americans (1927/28) Holyoke Falcos (1921/22) Jersey City Celtics (1921/22, folded after 5 games) Jersey City (1928/29)

Newark Skeeters (1923/24-28/29, withdrew during season) Newark Americans (1930-32) New Bedford Whalers (1924/25-28/29; 1929-31; absorbed by Fall River Football Club during spring 1931 season) New Bedford Whalers (1922/23-27/28; 1929/30-32, as Paterson Silk Sox in 1922/23, as New York Giants in 1923/24-27/28, as New York Soccer Club in 1929/30-30; merged with Fall River Marksmen to form New York Yankees in spring 1931; absorbed Fall River F.C. before fall 1931 season) New York Field Club (1921/22-23/24) New York Giants (1924/25-32, as Indiana Flooring in 1924/25-26/27, as New York Nationals in 1927/28-30) New York Americans (1931-33) New York Field Club (1932) New York Brookhattan (1933) Pawtucket Rangers (1921/22-32/33, as J&P Coats in 1921/22-28/29) Philadelphia Celtic (1922/23-27/28, as Philadelphia Field Club in 1922/23-26/27) Philadelphia Field Club (1928/29) Philadelphia Field Club (1929, as Bridgeport Bears earlier in 1929) Queens Bohemians (1932-33) Shawsheen Indians (1925/26) Springfield Babes (1926/27) Todd Shipyards (1921/22)

Preceded by: UTFA

Division 1 Soccer League in the United States 1921-1933

Succeeded by: ASL II

[edit] ASL II

In the fall of 1933, a second American Soccer League was established. This second league survived until 1983. Like the original ASL, this league primarily operated in the northeast for much of its existence, but began operating on the west coast in the 1970s. It often operated as a second division for the North American Soccer League at this time. After the ASL II ceased operations, several of its teams formed the original United Soccer League, which played seasons in 1984 and 1985.

[edit] Complete team list

Albuquerque Senors (1971-76)/ New Mexico Senors (1977-80) Allentown (1938/39-39/40, as Bethlehem Hungarian in 1938/39; folded during 1939/40 season) Baltimore Americans (1934/35-48/49, as Baltimore Canton in 1934/35-35/36; as Baltimore S.C. in 1936/37-41/42) Baltimore Americans (1938/39-41/42, as Baltimore German in 1938/39) Baltimore S.C. (1943/44-47/48) Baltimore Pompei (1953/54-60/61, as Baltimore Rockets in 1953/54-56/57) Baltimore Blue Bombers (1961/62-1965/66). Baltimore Flyers (1966/67-67/68; as Baltimore St. Gerards in 1966/67) Baltimore Bays (1972-73, as Baltimore Stars in 1972) Boca Juniors (1961/62-63/64, as Inter-Brooklyn Italians in 1961/62; as Inter S.C. in 1962/63) Boston Tigers (1963/64, 1965/66-67/68, as Boston Metros in 1963/64) Brooklyn F.C. (1933/34, withdrew after 12 games) Brooklyn Hispano (1933/34-55/56, as Brooklyn Giants in 1942/43) Brooklyn St. Mary's Celtic (1933/34-41/42, as Brooklyn Celtic in 1933/34-34/35; replaced Brooklyn F.C. during 1933/34 season) Brooklyn Wanderers (1942/43-48/49, withdrew after 1 game in 1948/49) Brooklyn Hakoah (1948/49-55/56, replaced Brooklyn Wanderers in 1948/49 season; merged with New York Americans to become New York Hakoah after 1955/56 season) Brooklyn Italians (1956/57-60/61, merged with Inter S.C. to become Inter-Brooklyn Italians after 1960/61 season) California Sunshine (1977-80) - based in Orange, California and Oxnard, California. Carolina Lightnin' (1981-83) Chicago Americans (1972, only played a few games) Chicago Cats (1975-76) Cincinnati Comets (1972-75) Colombo (1959/60) Columbus Magic (1979-80) Connecticut Yankees (1972-78, as Nor'East United in 1972, as Connecticut Wildcats in 1973-74) Dallas Americans (1983) Delaware Wings (1972-74) Detroit Mustangs (1972-73, as Detroit S.C. earlier in 1972) Detroit Express (1981-83) Fall River S.C. (1957/58-62/63) Fall River Kings (1964-65) Galicia-Honduras (1933/34-61/62, as New York Brookhattan in 1933/34-37/38; as Brookhattan in 1938/39-56/57; as Brookhattan-Galicia in 1957/58-58/59; as Galicia S.C. in 1958/59-60/61, merged with non-league Honduras after 1960/61 season) Georgia Generals (1982, as Cleveland Stars in 1972-73; as Cleveland Cobras in 1974-81) Golden Gate Gales (1980) - based in San Francisco, California. Hartford S.C (1964/65-68, as Hartford Kings in 1966/67 & 1968) Indiana Tigers (1973-74, as Gary Tigers in 1973) Indianapolis Daredevils (1974-79, as Rhode Island Oceaneers in 1974-76; as New England Oceaneers in 1977) Inter S.C. (1960/61, merged with Brooklyn Italians to become Inter-Brooklyn Italians after 1960/61 season) Jacksonville Tea Men (1983) Kearny Celtic (1933/34-50/51, as Kearny Irish in 1933/34-41/42) Kearny Scots (1933/34-52/53, technically as Kearny Americans in 1941/42-52/53) Las Vegas Seagulls (1979) Los Angeles Skyhawks (1976-79)- then the Los Angeles Olympians (1981-84). Ludlow Lusitano (1955/56-57/58, as Ludlow S.C. in 1956/57)

Miami Americans (1976-80, as New Jersey Americans in 1976-79) Nashville Diamonds (1982) - later the Knoxville Fair (1983). Newark Portuguese (1951/52-62/63, 1964/65-67/68) Newark Falcons (1954/55-66/67, as Elizabeth Falcons in 1954/55-58/59; as Falcons S.C. in 1959/60-61/62; as Falcons-Warsaw in 1962/63-63/64) Newark Sitch (1962/63-63/64, 1965/66-70, as Newark Ukrainian Sitch in 1962/63-68) New Brunswick Hungarian (1963/64-67/68, as New Brunswick Hungarian Americans in 1963/64-66/67) New England Sharks (1981) New Jersey Brewers (1972-75, as New Jersey Shaefer Brewers in 1972) New York Americans (1933/34-55/56, merged with Brooklyn Hakoah to become New York Hakoah after 1955/56 season) New York Hakoah-Americans (1956/57-63/64, as New York Hakoah in 1956/57-61/62) New York Inter (1965/66-69, as Inter S.C. in 1965/66) New York United (1971-81, as New York Greeks in 1971-72; as New York Apollo in 1973-79) New York Eagles (1978-79, 1981) Oakland Buccaneers (1976-77) - later the Mobile Alabama Bucs (1978). Oklahoma City Slickers (1982-83) Olimpia (1965/66-66/67) Paterson F.C. (1936/37-40/41, as Newark Germans in 1933/34-36/37; moved to Paterson during 1936/37 seaon; as Paterson Caledonian 1936/37-37/38, absorbed amateur Trenton Highlanders after 1937/38 season and moved to Trenton; as Trenton Highanders in 1938/39) Pennsylvania Stoners (1979-83) Philadelphia Nationals (1936/37-53/54, as Passon Phillies in 1936/37-37/38; as Philadelphia in 1938/39; as Philadelphia Passon in 1939/40-40/41) Philadelphia Ukrainians (1957/58) Philadelphia Ukrainians (1957/58-63/64, 1965/66-70, as Ukrainian Nationals in 1957/58-63/64 & 1965/66-67/68; replaced Philadelphia Ukrainians during 1957/58 season) Philadelphia Spartans (1969-72) Pittsburgh Canons (1972) Pittsburgh Miners (1975) Provo Strikers (1983-86), co-owned by the NASL Fort Lauderdale Strikers/Minnesota Strikers. Rochester Lancers (1967/68-69) Rochester Flash (1981-82) Roma S.C. (1964/65-67/68) Sacramento Gold (1976-80, as Sacramento Spirits in 1976-77) St. Louis Mules (1972, as St. Louis Frogs later in 1972) Santa Barbara Condors (1977) San Francisco Bay Seagulls (1978). Southern California Lazers (1978) - based in Long Beach, California. Syracuse Suns (1969-71, 1973-74, as Syracuse Scorpions in 1969-70; folded after 5 games during 1974 season) Tacoma Tides (1976) - later the Virginia Beach Tides (1977). Trenton Athletics (1948/49-50/51) Trenton Americans (1953/54-54/55) Uhrik Truckers (1933/34-64/65, as Philadelphia German-Americans in 1933/34-40/41; as Philadelphia Americans in 1941/42-53/54; became Uhrik Truckers during 1953/54 season) Utah Golden Spikers (1976, as Utah Pioneers earlier in 1976 season) Washington Darts (1967/68-69, as Washington Britannia in 1967/68) Washington Cavaliers (1971-72, as Virginia Capitol Cavaliers in 1971) Worcester Astros (1967/68-75, as Fall River Astros from 1967/68-68; as Boston Astros in 1968-75; moved to Worcester at end of 1975 season)

Preceded by: ASL I

Division 1 Soccer League in the United States 1933-1966

Succeeded by: NPSL/USA

[edit] ASL III

The next league to call itself the American Soccer League played two seasons in 1988 and 1989. This league comprised ten teams on the Atlantic coast. During its second season, the league champion Fort Lauderdale Strikers played the San Diego Nomads, champions of the Western Soccer Alliance in a "national championship" game. By 1990, the ASL and WSA had merged to form the American Professional Soccer League.

[edit] Complete team list

Albany Capitals (1988-89) Boston Bolts (1988-89) Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1988-89) Maryland Bays (1988-89) Miami Sharks (1988-89)

New Jersey Eagles (1988-89) Orlando Lions (1988-89) Tampa Bay Rowdies (1988-89) Washington Diplomats (1988-89) Washington Stars (1988-89)

[edit] Champions

[edit] American Soccer League I

1921-22 Philadelphia Football Club

1922-23 J. & P. Coats

1923-24 Fall River Marksmen

1924-25 Fall River Marksmen

1925-26 Fall River Marksmen

1926-27 Bethlehem Steel

1927-28 Boston Wonder Workers

1928-29 Fall River Marksmen

1929 Fall River Marksmen

1929-30 Fall River Marksmen

1930 Fall River Marksmen

1930-31 New York Giants

1932 New Bedford Whalers

1932-33 Fall River Football Club

[edit] American Soccer League II

1933-34 Kearney Irish

1934-35 Philadelphia German-Americans

1935-36 New York Americans

1936-37 Kearny Scots

1937-38 Kearny Scots

1938-39 Kearny Scots

1939-40 Kearny Scots

1940-41 Kearny Scots

1941-42 Philadelphia Americans

1942-43 Brooklyn Hispano

1943-44 Philadelphia Americans

1944-45 Brookhattan

1945-46 Baltimore Americans

1946-47 Philadelphia Americans

1947-48 Philadelphia Americans

1948-49 Philadelphia Nationals

1949-50 Philadelphia Nationals

1950-51 Philadelphia Nationals

1951-52 Philadelphia Americans

1952-53 Philadelphia Nationals

1953-54 New York Americans

1954-55 Uhrik Truckers (Philadelphia)

1955-56 Uhrik Truckers (Philadelphia)

1956-57 New York Hakoah

1957-58 New York Hakoah

1958-59 New York Hakoah

1959-60 Colombo

1960-61 Ukrainian Nationals (Philadelphia)

1961-62 Ukrainian Nationals (Philadelphia)

1962-63 Ukrainian Nationals (Philadelphia)

1963-64 Ukrainian Nationals (Philadelphia)

1964-65 Hartford SC

1965-66 Roma SC

1966-67 Baltimore St. Gerards

1967-68 Ukrainian Nationals (Philadelphia)

1968 Washington Darts

1969 Washington Darts

1970 Philadelphia Ukrainians

1971 New York Greeks

1972 Cincinnati Comets

1973 New York Apollo

1974 Rhode Island Oceaneers

1975 Boston/Worcester Astros & New York Apollo (Co-champions)

1976 Los Angeles Skyhawks

1977 New Jersey Americans

1978 New York Apollo

1979 Sacramento Gold

1980 Pennsylvania Stoners

1981 Carolina Lightnin'

1982 Detroit Express

1983 Jacksonville Tea Men

[edit] American Soccer League III

1988 Washington Diplomats

1989 Ft. Lauderdale Strikers

1990 Maryland Bays (Won USL Championship)

[edit] References

• American Soccer History Archives

Defunct Soccer Leagues In The United States

AFA (1884-88) | ALPF (1894-95) | NAFBL (1897) | UTFA (1902-20) | ASL I (1921-33) | ASLII (1933-83)

NPSL I (1967) | USA (1967) | NASL (1968-85) | MISL I (1978-92) | NPSL II 1984-01 | USL I (1984-85)

WSL (1985-89)|LSSA (1987-1992)| ASL III (1988-89) | CISL (1993-97) | EISL (1997-98) | WISL (1998-01)

WUSA (2001-2003)