Canadian Soccer League (1987 — 1992)
Encyclopedia
The original Canadian Soccer League was a professional soccer
league that operated in Canada
during the summer from 1987 to 1992. It was a nationwide league that had franchises in six provinces over the course of its history.
The CSL was formed in the aftermath of Canada
's participation in the 1986 World Cup finals tournament
held in Mexico
. Canada was an oddity as a country whose association was able to qualify a team despite not having a domestic professional league, or even a domestically based professional team with the demise in 1984 of the North American Soccer League
. Founding league commissioner Dale Barnes voiced sentiment aptly when he said the league is to "bring our players home."
The league gained a leap in credibility when an agreement was reached with The Sports Network
to broadcast a CSL Game of the Week, allowing a nationwide audience view a game on domestic cable TV each Sunday evening. Broadcasts featured play-by-play commentator Vic Rauter
and analyst Graham Leggat
. The league received sponsorship from Air Canada
, Foster's Lager
, Hyundai
, and Gatorade
.
and saw the hometown Ottawa Pioneers and Hamilton Steelers play to a 0-0 draw in steady drizzle in front 2,500 spectators. The league was divided into an Eastern and Western division for its first four seasons and without divisions in its final two. The Eastern Division in 1987 consisted of Ottawa, Hamilton, the Toronto Blizzard
, and North York Rockets
. The Western Division comprised the Calgary Kickers
, Edmonton Brickmen
, Vancouver 86ers, and Winnipeg Fury
. Hamilton won their division both in the regular season and in the playoffs, as did Calgary. The final saw the top point-getting team in the regular season, Calgary, defeat the second-best side, Hamilton, 2-1 at home in a winner take all one game final.
Eastern Division>
Team
Games
Wins
Losses
Ties
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Points
Hamilton Steelers
20
10
4
6
32
22
26
Ottawa Pioneers
20
7
4
9
15
23
23
Toronto Blizzard
20
6
8
6
22
27
20
North York Rockets
20
1
12
7
15
39
9
Western Division>
Team
Games
Wins
Losses
Ties
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Points
Calgary Kickers
20
11
4
5
32
22
27
Vancouver 86ers
20
9
8
3
37
27
21
Edmonton Brickmen
20
7
6
7
27
24
20
Winnipeg Fury
20
5
11
4
25
36
14
was added to the Eastern Division. The Ottawa franchise changed their name from the Pioneers to the Intrepid. In a repeat of the previous season, regular season leaders met in the playoff final with the top team, Vancouver defeating second-best Hamilton, again runners-up, by a score of 4-1. Calgary went from being champions to second worst team in the league, with a mere 6 wins in 28 games.
Eastern Division>
Team
Games
Wins
Losses
Ties
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Points
Hamilton Steelers
28
18
4
6
64
28
42
Toronto Blizzard
28
7
7
13
44
31
29
North York Rockets
28
10
10
8
40
39
28
Ottawa Intrepid
28
8
11
9
32
43
25
Montreal Supra
28
8
12
8
36
44
24
Western Division>
Team
Games
Wins
Losses
Ties
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Points
Vancouver 86ers
28
21
1
6
84
30
48
Winnipeg Fury
28
9
12
7
33
46
25
Calgary Kickers
28
6
16
6
39
70
18
Edmonton Brickmen
28
4
19
5
33
74
13
Team
Games
Wins
Losses
Ties
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Points'
Toronto Blizzard
26
16
4
6
48
27
38
Hamilton Steelers
26
15
4
7
56
28
37
North York Rockets
26
12
5
9
35
23
33
Ottawa Intrepid
26
7
11
8
41
46
22
Montreal Supra
26
3
14
9
26
46
15
Western Division>
Team
Games
Wins
Losses
Ties
Goals Scored
Goals Conceded
Points
Vancouver 86ers
26
18
2
6
65
33
42
Edmonton Brickmen
26
9
14
3
44
55
21
Calgary Strikers
26
8
15
3
36
56
19
Winnipeg Fury
26
6
13
7
35
51
19
Victoria Vistas
26
4
16
6
32
53
14
>
Semi-finals
|}
Final
Eastern Division>
Team
GP
W
L
T
GF
GA
Pts
Toronto Blizzard
26
18
5
3
52
15
39
Montreal Supra
26
13
2
11
30
12
37
Hamilton Steelers
26
10
7
9
44
35
29
Kitchener Spirit
26
8
11
7
30
36
23
North York Rockets
26
7
10
9
34
36
23
Ottawa Intrepid
26
2
15
9
21
49
13
London Lasers
26
2
17
7
26
68
11
Western Division>
Team
GP
W
L
T
GF
GA
Pts
Vancouver 86ers
26
17
6
3
69
26
40
Victoria Vistas
26
12
7
7
42
32
31
Winnipeg Fury
26
7
8
11
22
37
22
Edmonton Brickmen
26
6
6
14
20
44
18
After the season, Victoria, Edmonton, Ottawa and London folded.
, who made a reasonable performance their first season, coming in right behind Montreal. The regular season once again belonged to the Vancouver 86ers, who were only the second team to win 20 regular season games. In the playoffs, North York easily disposed of Nova Scotia and Hamilton won a split series with Montreal, 3-0, 3-4 and 1-0. In the semifinals, Toronto defeated North York 2-0, 1-2 and 1-0, while Vancouver won on goals aggregate after a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 victory against Hamilton. The Championship game was a high scoring affair, with Vancouver breaking Hamilton's stranglehold on the trophy, winning its first title by beating Toronto 5-3.
The CSL had always had financial problems, and sometimes it seemed a miracle when the league could pull through to see another season. this year the financial pinch became particularly acute. The Nova Scotia experiment failed, and the Clippers folded at the end of the season. Hamilton, the perennial champion and original league member also folded, along with Kitchener. Sadly, this was to be the next to the last season for the league.
Before the season, Nova Scotia was added. Kitchener changed their nickname to
Kickers.
Nova Scotia 1 at North York 5
Hamilton 0 at Montreal 3
Montreal 0 at Hamilton 4
Montreal 0 at Hamilton 1
Semifinals: Toronto 2 at North York 0
North York 2 at Toronto 1
North York 0 at Toronto 1
Vancouver 1 at Hamilton 1
Hamilton 1 at Vancouver 2
CHAMPIONSHIP: Toronto 3 at Vancouver 5
After the season, Hamilton, Nova Scotia, and Kitchener folded.
.
Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto joined the American Professional Soccer League, and North York, and Winnipeg
joined the semi-pro National Soccer League (which changed its name to the
Canadian National Soccer League
in 1993).
Football (soccer)
Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a sport played between two teams of eleven players with a spherical ball...
league that operated in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
during the summer from 1987 to 1992. It was a nationwide league that had franchises in six provinces over the course of its history.
The CSL was formed in the aftermath of Canada
Canada men's national soccer team
The Canada men's national soccer team represents Canada in international soccer competitions at the senior men's level. They are overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association and compete in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football .Their most significant...
's participation in the 1986 World Cup finals tournament
1986 FIFA World Cup
The 1986 FIFA World Cup, the 13th FIFA World Cup, was held in Mexico from 31 May to 29 June. The tournament was the second to feature a 24-team format. Colombia had been originally chosen to host the competition by FIFA but, largely due to economic reasons, was not able to do so and officially...
held in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. Canada was an oddity as a country whose association was able to qualify a team despite not having a domestic professional league, or even a domestically based professional team with the demise in 1984 of the North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
. Founding league commissioner Dale Barnes voiced sentiment aptly when he said the league is to "bring our players home."
The league gained a leap in credibility when an agreement was reached with The Sports Network
The Sports Network
The Sports Network, commonly abbreviated as TSN, is a Canadian English language Category C specialty channel and is Canada's leading English language sports TV channel. TSN premiered in 1984, in the first group of Canadian specialty cable channels...
to broadcast a CSL Game of the Week, allowing a nationwide audience view a game on domestic cable TV each Sunday evening. Broadcasts featured play-by-play commentator Vic Rauter
Vic Rauter
Victor Rauter is a Canadian sportscaster for The Sports Network since 1985. He has covered mostly auto racing, curling and soccer since 1986 as well as hockey, baseball, bowling, squash, volleyball, equestrian and skiing....
and analyst Graham Leggat
Graham Leggat
Graham Leggat is a former Scottish international football player.Born in Aberdeen, Leggat started his career at his home town club as a right winger. He was part of the Aberdeen team that won the Scottish league title in 1954-55 and the 1955-56 Scottish League Cup...
. The league received sponsorship from Air Canada
Air Canada
Air Canada is the flag carrier and largest airline of Canada. The airline, founded in 1936, provides scheduled and charter air transport for passengers and cargo to 178 destinations worldwide. It is the world's tenth largest passenger airline by number of destinations, and the airline is a...
, Foster's Lager
Foster's Lager
Foster's Lager is an internationally distributed Australian brand of 5.0% abv pale lager, It is a product of Foster's Group brewed under licence in several countries, including the U.S. and Russia...
, Hyundai
Hyundai
Hyundai ) is a global conglomerate company, part of the Korean chaebol, that was founded in South Korea by one of the most famous businessmen in Korean history: Chung Ju-yung...
, and Gatorade
Gatorade
Gatorade is a brand of sports-themed food and beverage products, built around its signature product: a line of sports drinks. Gatorade is currently manufactured by PepsiCo, distributed in over 80 countries...
.
1987 season
The league's opening game was played May 26, 1987 in Aylmer, QuebecAylmer, Quebec
Aylmer is a former city in Quebec, Canada. It became a sector of the City of Gatineau on January 1, 2002. Located on the Ottawa River and Route 148 it is a part of the National Capital Region. The population in 2006 was 41 882 — approx. 16% of Gatineau...
and saw the hometown Ottawa Pioneers and Hamilton Steelers play to a 0-0 draw in steady drizzle in front 2,500 spectators. The league was divided into an Eastern and Western division for its first four seasons and without divisions in its final two. The Eastern Division in 1987 consisted of Ottawa, Hamilton, the Toronto Blizzard
Toronto Blizzard (1986-1993)
-National Soccer League:In 1985, less than one year after the Toronto Blizzard ceased operations due to the failure of the North American Soccer League , Blizzard owners York-Hanover purchased Dynamo Latino of the semi-professional Ontario-based National Soccer League with the intention of...
, and North York Rockets
North York Rockets
The North York Rockets were a professional soccer team that competed in the original Canadian Soccer League during its existence from 1987 to 1992...
. The Western Division comprised the Calgary Kickers
Calgary Kickers
Calgary Kickers were a Canadian soccer team which competed in the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1989. They were named the Calgary Strikers for the 1989 season. Their home stadium was Mewata Stadium in Calgary.-History:...
, Edmonton Brickmen
Edmonton Brickmen
The Edmonton Brickmen were an Edmonton, Alberta-based soccer club that competed in two now-defunct leagues: the Western Soccer Alliance and the Canadian Soccer League.-History:...
, Vancouver 86ers, and Winnipeg Fury
Winnipeg Fury
The Winnipeg Fury was a professional soccer team in Winnipeg. It was founded by Ralph Cantafio, who served as Team President and Chairman of the Board. The team was part of the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1992. The Fury belonged to the former Canadian National Soccer League for 1993...
. Hamilton won their division both in the regular season and in the playoffs, as did Calgary. The final saw the top point-getting team in the regular season, Calgary, defeat the second-best side, Hamilton, 2-1 at home in a winner take all one game final.
Regular season
The final regular season standings were:Leading goalscorers
| Player | Team | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Nick Gilbert Nick Gilbert Nicholas Manuel Gilbert is a former Canadian Soccer League high-scoring soccer striker and Canada men's national soccer team member.-Club career:... |
Calgary | 10 |
| Domenic Mobilio Domenic Mobilio Domenic Mobilio was a Canadian professional soccer player.-Club career:Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mobilio was a long-time member of the Vancouver 86ers turned Vancouver Whitecaps... |
Vancouver | 9 |
| Jerry Adzic Željko Adžic Željko Adžić is a former Croatian footballer.He played one game internationally for Croatia against Ukraine on June 26, 1993 scoring at Maksimir Stadium. He won the Prva HNL with HAŠK Građanski in 1993. While playing with Melbourne Croatia he won the Johnny Warren Medal.-External links:*... |
Hamiton | 8 |
| Norm Odinga Norm Odinga Norman Hendrik "Norm" Odinga is a retired Canadian international soccer player.-Club career:Odinga was named MVP of the University of Alberta and played for the Edmonton Brickmen in the 1986 season.... |
Edmonton | 7 |
| Han Kim | Winnipeg | 7 |
| Jim Easton Jim Easton Jim Easton is a Scottish former professional association footballer and manager. He played for Hibernian and Dundee and was player/manager of Queen of the South.-Hibernian:... |
Vancouver | 7 |
Play-offs
Home team on top.League all-star team
- Jerry AdzicŽeljko AdžicŽeljko Adžić is a former Croatian footballer.He played one game internationally for Croatia against Ukraine on June 26, 1993 scoring at Maksimir Stadium. He won the Prva HNL with HAŠK Građanski in 1993. While playing with Melbourne Croatia he won the Johnny Warren Medal.-External links:*...
, Hamiton, MF - Diego Castello, Edmonton, D
- Billy Domazetis, Hamilton, S
- Jim EastonJim EastonJim Easton is a Scottish former professional association footballer and manager. He played for Hibernian and Dundee and was player/manager of Queen of the South.-Hibernian:...
, Vancouver, S(?) - Nick GilbertNick GilbertNicholas Manuel Gilbert is a former Canadian Soccer League high-scoring soccer striker and Canada men's national soccer team member.-Club career:...
, Calgary, S - Sven HabermannSven HabermannSven Habermann is a former Canadian national soccer team goalkeeper, who was a member of the team that competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California...
, Calgary, G - Ray HudsonRay HudsonRay Hudson , is a retired professional football player and former coach who currently works as an English-language football commentator on Gol TV.-Career:...
, Edmonton - Paul James, Hamilton, M
- Greg KernGreg KernGreg Kern is a Canadian former soccer player who played at both the professional and international levels as a defender.-Career:...
, Calgary, D - Ed McNally, Ottawa
- Randy RaganRandy RaganRandolph "Randy" Lee Ragan is a former Canadian elite professional soccer player, who was considered one of the top midfield players in Canada in the 1980s.-Professional:...
, Toronto, MF
1988 season
For 1988, the Montreal SupraMontreal Supra
Montreal Supra was a club in the Canadian Soccer League from 1988 to 1992.-Former players: Pat Harrington Mark Watson Patrick Diotte Iain Fraser Nick De Santis Mauro Biello Alex Bunbury Lyndon Hooper Christian Gourcuff Grant Needham...
was added to the Eastern Division. The Ottawa franchise changed their name from the Pioneers to the Intrepid. In a repeat of the previous season, regular season leaders met in the playoff final with the top team, Vancouver defeating second-best Hamilton, again runners-up, by a score of 4-1. Calgary went from being champions to second worst team in the league, with a mere 6 wins in 28 games.
Regular season
Leading goalscorers
|
|
|
League all-star team
- Diego Castello, Toronto, D
- John CatliffJohn CatliffJohn Catliff is a former Canadian professional soccer player. He has the second most goals scored for the Canadian national team with 18 goals between 1984 and 1994.-Club career:...
, Vancouver, S - Paul DolanPaul DolanKenneth Paul Dolan is a former Canadian national team and Canadian Soccer League goalkeeper.-Club career:...
, Vancouver, G - Amadeo Gaspirini, Hamilton, S
- Gerry GrayGerry GrayGerard "Gerry" Gray is a former Canadian national soccer team player who is currently the head coach of Tacoma F.C..-Club career:...
, Ottawa, M - Lyndon HooperLyndon HooperLyndon Hooper is a former professional Canadian soccer player and former assistant coach of the Toronto Lynx soccer team of the United Soccer Leagues First Division...
, Montreal, M - Paul James, Hamilton, M
- Burke Kaiser, Calgary, D
- Bob LenarduzziBob LenarduzziRobert Italo Lenarduzzi, OBC is a former North American Soccer League star, Canadian international, and coach of the Canadian national and olympic soccer teams. He is currently President of Vancouver Whitecaps FC...
, Vancouver, D - Domenic MobilioDomenic MobilioDomenic Mobilio was a Canadian professional soccer player.-Club career:Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mobilio was a long-time member of the Vancouver 86ers turned Vancouver Whitecaps...
, Vancouver, S - Mike SweeneyMike Sweeney (soccer)Michael "Mike" Sweeney is a former Canadian soccer player.-NASL:In 1980, the Edmonton Drillers of the North American Soccer League signed Sweeney. He spent three seasons with the Drillers before moving to the Vancouver Whitecaps for the 1983 season...
, Toronto, M
1989 season
1989 saw a tenth team added to the league, the Victoria VistasVictoria Vistas
The Victoria Vistas were a Canadian soccer club in the original Canadian Soccer League. The Vistas joined the CSL for the 1989 season, and folded after the 1990 season.-1990 Season:...
. Naturally, the Vista joined the Western Division which re-established a balance of teams in each division, with five each. Calgary renamed themselves the 'Strikers'; the change though could not avert disaster as the franchise folded upon the season's conclusion. Vancouver was dominant again, losing but two regular-season matches en route to a second straight victory over Hamilton in the championship game. The 86ers went 46 consecutive games from the previous season into this one without losing, which is a record for a professional sports team in Canada or the United States. The Steelers reached the final despite relinquishing their Eastern Division title to Toronto.
Regular season standings
Toronto Blizzard (1986-1993)
-National Soccer League:In 1985, less than one year after the Toronto Blizzard ceased operations due to the failure of the North American Soccer League , Blizzard owners York-Hanover purchased Dynamo Latino of the semi-professional Ontario-based National Soccer League with the intention of...
North York Rockets
The North York Rockets were a professional soccer team that competed in the original Canadian Soccer League during its existence from 1987 to 1992...
Ottawa Intrepid
Ottawa Pioneers/Intrepid was the name of the Canadian Soccer League entry from the National Capital Region from 1987-1989 Ottawa, Ontario....
Montreal Supra
Montreal Supra was a club in the Canadian Soccer League from 1988 to 1992.-Former players: Pat Harrington Mark Watson Patrick Diotte Iain Fraser Nick De Santis Mauro Biello Alex Bunbury Lyndon Hooper Christian Gourcuff Grant Needham...
Edmonton Brickmen
The Edmonton Brickmen were an Edmonton, Alberta-based soccer club that competed in two now-defunct leagues: the Western Soccer Alliance and the Canadian Soccer League.-History:...
Winnipeg Fury
The Winnipeg Fury was a professional soccer team in Winnipeg. It was founded by Ralph Cantafio, who served as Team President and Chairman of the Board. The team was part of the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1992. The Fury belonged to the former Canadian National Soccer League for 1993...
Victoria Vistas
The Victoria Vistas were a Canadian soccer club in the original Canadian Soccer League. The Vistas joined the CSL for the 1989 season, and folded after the 1990 season.-1990 Season:...
Leading goal-scorers
- Ted EckTed EckTed Eck is a retired American soccer player who played for numerous clubs in the United States and Canada over a thirteen year professional career. He also earned thirteen caps with the U.S. national team between 1989 and 1996.He coached the Ogden Outlaws in the USL Premier Development League...
, Ottawa, 21 - Justin FashanuJustin FashanuJustinus Soni "Justin" Fashanu was an English footballer who played for a variety of clubs between 1978 and 1997. He was known by his early clubs to be homosexual, and came out to the press later in his career, to become the first professional footballer to be openly gay...
, Edmonton, 17 - Amadeo Gasparini, Hamilton, 15
- Vladan TomicVladan TomićVladan Tomić is a former Cypriot international football midfielder.During his career he played with North York Rockets in the Canadian Soccer League, in 1990-91 with FK Radnički Niš in the Yugoslav First League, and afterwords in Cyprus where he represented Aris Limassol, Anorthosis Famagusta and...
, North York, 14 - Billy Domazetis, Hamilton, 13
- Andy Smith, Calgary, 11
Play-offs
Quarter-finals>
Semi-finals
|}
|
|
|
Final
League all-star team
- Ted EckTed EckTed Eck is a retired American soccer player who played for numerous clubs in the United States and Canada over a thirteen year professional career. He also earned thirteen caps with the U.S. national team between 1989 and 1996.He coached the Ogden Outlaws in the USL Premier Development League...
, Ottawa, S / M - Justin FashanuJustin FashanuJustinus Soni "Justin" Fashanu was an English footballer who played for a variety of clubs between 1978 and 1997. He was known by his early clubs to be homosexual, and came out to the press later in his career, to become the first professional footballer to be openly gay...
, Edmonton, S - Drew FergusonDrew FergusonDrew Ferguson is a former Canadian soccer player born November 9, 1957 in Powell River, B.C..-Club career:Ferguson received initial attention during the 1977 Canada Games where he scored in the final championship game...
, Hamilton, ? - Amadeo Gasparini, Hamilton, S
- Pat HarringtonPat Harrington (soccer)Pat Harrington is a former soccer and Canadian national team goalkeeper.-Club career:American-born Harrington had a spell at English side Charlton Athletic before making his name at Toronto Blizzard...
, Toronto, G - Paul James, Ottawa, M
- Steve MacDonald, Vancouver, D
- Trevor McCallumTrevor McCallumTrevor McCallum is a former English-Canadian soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and earned eighteen caps with the Canada men's national soccer team....
, Toronto, M - Peter SarantopoulosPeter SarantopoulosPeter Sarantopoulos is a former Canadian international soccer defender.-Club career:Sarantopolous was a two time first-team and one time second-team Canadian Interuniversity Sport All-Canadian with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues...
, North York, D - Vladan TomicVladan TomićVladan Tomić is a former Cypriot international football midfielder.During his career he played with North York Rockets in the Canadian Soccer League, in 1990-91 with FK Radnički Niš in the Yugoslav First League, and afterwords in Cyprus where he represented Aris Limassol, Anorthosis Famagusta and...
, North York, S - Carl ValentineCarl ValentineCarl Howard Valentine is a former professional soccer player and coach who has had a long association with soccer in the Vancouver area ....
, Vancouver, S
Regular season standings
Toronto Blizzard (1986-1993)
-National Soccer League:In 1985, less than one year after the Toronto Blizzard ceased operations due to the failure of the North American Soccer League , Blizzard owners York-Hanover purchased Dynamo Latino of the semi-professional Ontario-based National Soccer League with the intention of...
Montreal Supra
Montreal Supra was a club in the Canadian Soccer League from 1988 to 1992.-Former players: Pat Harrington Mark Watson Patrick Diotte Iain Fraser Nick De Santis Mauro Biello Alex Bunbury Lyndon Hooper Christian Gourcuff Grant Needham...
Kitchener Spirit
The Kitchener Spirit was a team in the Canadian Soccer League in 1990. In 1991, they were re-named the Kitchener Kickers. They played in Kitchener, Ontario....
North York Rockets
The North York Rockets were a professional soccer team that competed in the original Canadian Soccer League during its existence from 1987 to 1992...
Ottawa Intrepid
Ottawa Pioneers/Intrepid was the name of the Canadian Soccer League entry from the National Capital Region from 1987-1989 Ottawa, Ontario....
Victoria Vistas
The Victoria Vistas were a Canadian soccer club in the original Canadian Soccer League. The Vistas joined the CSL for the 1989 season, and folded after the 1990 season.-1990 Season:...
Winnipeg Fury
The Winnipeg Fury was a professional soccer team in Winnipeg. It was founded by Ralph Cantafio, who served as Team President and Chairman of the Board. The team was part of the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1992. The Fury belonged to the former Canadian National Soccer League for 1993...
Edmonton Brickmen
The Edmonton Brickmen were an Edmonton, Alberta-based soccer club that competed in two now-defunct leagues: the Western Soccer Alliance and the Canadian Soccer League.-History:...
Leading goal-scorers
- John CatliffJohn CatliffJohn Catliff is a former Canadian professional soccer player. He has the second most goals scored for the Canadian national team with 18 goals between 1984 and 1994.-Club career:...
, Vancouver 19 - Domenic MobilioDomenic MobilioDomenic Mobilio was a Canadian professional soccer player.-Club career:Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mobilio was a long-time member of the Vancouver 86ers turned Vancouver Whitecaps...
, Vancouver 13 - Paul PeschisolidoPaul PeschisolidoPaolo Pasquale Peschisolido , commonly known as Paul Peschisolido, is a Canadian association football manager and former player...
, Toronto 13 - Alex BunburyAlex BunburyAlexander "Alex" Bunbury is a former Canadian professional footballer, who played as a striker.-Club career:Bunbury started playing professionally with the Hamilton Steelers in Canada, also having one-year spells in the Canadian Soccer League with the Toronto Blizzard and Montreal Supra.In 1993,...
, Toronto 12 - Billy Domazetis, Toronto 10
- Eddy BerduscoEddy BerduscoEddy Berdusco is a retired professional footballer from Canada.-Club career:The son of Italian immigrants, Berdusco was the original Canadian Soccer League's 3rd all-time highest goal scorer with 54 from 1988 through 1992 as a member of North York Rockets...
, North York 9 - Ted EckTed EckTed Eck is a retired American soccer player who played for numerous clubs in the United States and Canada over a thirteen year professional career. He also earned thirteen caps with the U.S. national team between 1989 and 1996.He coached the Ogden Outlaws in the USL Premier Development League...
, Toronto 9 - Ivor EvansIvor Evans-Club career:Ivor Evans started his career in his hometown team Labasa F.C., and then he played for Fiji giants Ba FC.In 1987 he arrived in North America. Primarily he got a brief spell with MISL team St. Louis Steamers, but he didn't play any match....
, Vancouver 8 - Geoff AungerGeoff AungerGeoffrey Edward Ramer Aunger is a former Major League Soccer player and Canadian national soccer team member.-Club career:...
, Victoria 8
Playoffs
|
|
|
After the season, Victoria, Edmonton, Ottawa and London folded.
League all-star team
- Pat HarringtonPat Harrington (soccer)Pat Harrington is a former soccer and Canadian national team goalkeeper.-Club career:American-born Harrington had a spell at English side Charlton Athletic before making his name at Toronto Blizzard...
, Montreal, G - Patrick DiottePatrick Diotte-Club career:Born in the Greater Montreal area, Diotte started his professional career with Ottawa side Ottawa Pioneers before moving to Montreal Supra in 1988. He then spent the rest of his career at Supra and Montreal Impact.-International career:...
, Montreal, D - Allan EvansAllan EvansAllan James Evans, is a former Scottish footballer who played for Dunfermline Athletic , Aston Villa , Leicester City and Darlington . A central defender, Evans won the league title in 1980/1 and was part of Villa's 1982 European Cup winning team...
, Victoria, D - Ian BridgeIan BridgeIan Christopher Bridge is a former member of the Canada men's national soccer team and last head coach of the national women's Under-17 national team.-Club career:...
, Victoria, D - Edinho, Toronto, D
- Michael Araujo, Montreal, M
- Lyndon HooperLyndon HooperLyndon Hooper is a former professional Canadian soccer player and former assistant coach of the Toronto Lynx soccer team of the United Soccer Leagues First Division...
, Toronto, M - Ivor EvansIvor Evans-Club career:Ivor Evans started his career in his hometown team Labasa F.C., and then he played for Fiji giants Ba FC.In 1987 he arrived in North America. Primarily he got a brief spell with MISL team St. Louis Steamers, but he didn't play any match....
, Vancouver, M - Domenic MobilioDomenic MobilioDomenic Mobilio was a Canadian professional soccer player.-Club career:Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mobilio was a long-time member of the Vancouver 86ers turned Vancouver Whitecaps...
, Vancouver, S - John CatliffJohn CatliffJohn Catliff is a former Canadian professional soccer player. He has the second most goals scored for the Canadian national team with 18 goals between 1984 and 1994.-Club career:...
, Vancouver, S - Paul PeschisolidoPaul PeschisolidoPaolo Pasquale Peschisolido , commonly known as Paul Peschisolido, is a Canadian association football manager and former player...
, Toronto, S
1991 season
The CSL had suffered the loss of Victoria, Edmonton, Ottawa and London the previous season, but expanded into the Maritime provinces for the first time with the Nova Scotia ClippersNova Scotia Clippers
The Nova Scotia Clippers were a short-lived franchise in the old Canadian Soccer League. The Clippers record for the 1991 season was 7 wins, 7 ties, and 14 losses for 28 points. The team lost in the quarterfinals of the cup play-offs by losing two games, home and away, to North York.The team...
, who made a reasonable performance their first season, coming in right behind Montreal. The regular season once again belonged to the Vancouver 86ers, who were only the second team to win 20 regular season games. In the playoffs, North York easily disposed of Nova Scotia and Hamilton won a split series with Montreal, 3-0, 3-4 and 1-0. In the semifinals, Toronto defeated North York 2-0, 1-2 and 1-0, while Vancouver won on goals aggregate after a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 victory against Hamilton. The Championship game was a high scoring affair, with Vancouver breaking Hamilton's stranglehold on the trophy, winning its first title by beating Toronto 5-3.
The CSL had always had financial problems, and sometimes it seemed a miracle when the league could pull through to see another season. this year the financial pinch became particularly acute. The Nova Scotia experiment failed, and the Clippers folded at the end of the season. Hamilton, the perennial champion and original league member also folded, along with Kitchener. Sadly, this was to be the next to the last season for the league.
Before the season, Nova Scotia was added. Kitchener changed their nickname to
Kickers.
Regular season standings
| Team | GP | W | L | T | GF | GA | Pts |
| Vancouver 86ers | 28 | 20 | 4 | 4 | 69 | 31 | 64 |
| Toronto Blizzard Toronto Blizzard (1986-1993) -National Soccer League:In 1985, less than one year after the Toronto Blizzard ceased operations due to the failure of the North American Soccer League , Blizzard owners York-Hanover purchased Dynamo Latino of the semi-professional Ontario-based National Soccer League with the intention of... |
28 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 57 | 33 | 48 |
| North York Rockets North York Rockets The North York Rockets were a professional soccer team that competed in the original Canadian Soccer League during its existence from 1987 to 1992... |
28 | 13 | 9 | 6 | 50 | 36 | 48 |
| Hamilton Steelers | 28 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 42 | 38 | 46 |
| Montreal Supra Montreal Supra Montreal Supra was a club in the Canadian Soccer League from 1988 to 1992.-Former players: Pat Harrington Mark Watson Patrick Diotte Iain Fraser Nick De Santis Mauro Biello Alex Bunbury Lyndon Hooper Christian Gourcuff Grant Needham... |
28 | 11 | 7 | 10 | 41 | 38 | 40 |
| Nova Scotia Clippers Nova Scotia Clippers The Nova Scotia Clippers were a short-lived franchise in the old Canadian Soccer League. The Clippers record for the 1991 season was 7 wins, 7 ties, and 14 losses for 28 points. The team lost in the quarterfinals of the cup play-offs by losing two games, home and away, to North York.The team... |
28 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 29 | 53 | 28 |
| Kitchener Kickers Kitchener Kickers Kitchener Kickers has been the name of at least two semi-professional soccer teams in Canada:*Kitchener Kickers - of the Canadian National Soccer League*Kitchener Kickers - of the original Canadian Soccer League... |
28 | 4 | 7 | 17 | 28 | 56 | 19 |
| Winnipeg Fury Winnipeg Fury The Winnipeg Fury was a professional soccer team in Winnipeg. It was founded by Ralph Cantafio, who served as Team President and Chairman of the Board. The team was part of the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1992. The Fury belonged to the former Canadian National Soccer League for 1993... |
28 | 4 | 6 | 18 | 26 | 57 | 18 |
Leading goal-scorers
- Domenic MobilioDomenic MobilioDomenic Mobilio was a Canadian professional soccer player.-Club career:Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mobilio was a long-time member of the Vancouver 86ers turned Vancouver Whitecaps...
, Vancouver 25 - Eddy BerduscoEddy BerduscoEddy Berdusco is a retired professional footballer from Canada.-Club career:The son of Italian immigrants, Berdusco was the original Canadian Soccer League's 3rd all-time highest goal scorer with 54 from 1988 through 1992 as a member of North York Rockets...
, North York 14 - John Berti, Winnipeg 12
- Geoff AungerGeoff AungerGeoffrey Edward Ramer Aunger is a former Major League Soccer player and Canadian national soccer team member.-Club career:...
, Hamilton 10 - Ted EckTed EckTed Eck is a retired American soccer player who played for numerous clubs in the United States and Canada over a thirteen year professional career. He also earned thirteen caps with the U.S. national team between 1989 and 1996.He coached the Ogden Outlaws in the USL Premier Development League...
, Toronto 10 - Marek Grabowski, North York 10
- Dale MitchellDale Mitchell (soccer)Dale William Dink Mitchell is a former top-level professional association football striker who played for several North American teams in the 1980s and 1990s....
, Toronto 10 - John Kerr, Hamilton 9
- Alex BunburyAlex BunburyAlexander "Alex" Bunbury is a former Canadian professional footballer, who played as a striker.-Club career:Bunbury started playing professionally with the Hamilton Steelers in Canada, also having one-year spells in the Canadian Soccer League with the Toronto Blizzard and Montreal Supra.In 1993,...
, Montreal 7 - Gino DiFlorioGino DiFlorioGino DiFlorio is a former professional soccer player. Canadian, he was a scoring star of indoor soccer in North America during the 1990s.Moved into Canada with his immediate family after the first few years of his life. Growing up and playing recreational soccer, he could not put the soccer ball...
, Toronto 7 - Justin FashanuJustin FashanuJustinus Soni "Justin" Fashanu was an English footballer who played for a variety of clubs between 1978 and 1997. He was known by his early clubs to be homosexual, and came out to the press later in his career, to become the first professional footballer to be openly gay...
, Toronto 7 - Doug MuirheadDoug MuirheadDoug Muirhead is a former Canadian soccer player who played for the national team from 1989-1992.-Club career:Muirhead played for Canadian Soccer League outfit Vancouver 86ers, for whom he also played in the A-League....
, Toronto 7
Playoffs
Quarterfinals: North York 4 at Nova Scotia 0Nova Scotia 1 at North York 5
Hamilton 0 at Montreal 3
Montreal 0 at Hamilton 4
Montreal 0 at Hamilton 1
Semifinals: Toronto 2 at North York 0
North York 2 at Toronto 1
North York 0 at Toronto 1
Vancouver 1 at Hamilton 1
Hamilton 1 at Vancouver 2
CHAMPIONSHIP: Toronto 3 at Vancouver 5
After the season, Hamilton, Nova Scotia, and Kitchener folded.
League all-star team
- Paolo Ceccarelli, North York, G
- Peter SarantopoulosPeter SarantopoulosPeter Sarantopoulos is a former Canadian international soccer defender.-Club career:Sarantopolous was a two time first-team and one time second-team Canadian Interuniversity Sport All-Canadian with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues...
, North York, D - Mark Watson, Hamilton, D
- Steven MacDonald, Vancouver, D
- Norman Odinga, Vancouver, D
- Carl ValentineCarl ValentineCarl Howard Valentine is a former professional soccer player and coach who has had a long association with soccer in the Vancouver area ....
, Vancouver, M - Dale MitchellDale MitchellDale Mitchell may refer to:* Dale Mitchell , American baseball player* Dale Mitchell , Canadian soccer player...
, Toronto, M - Ivor EvansIvor Evans-Club career:Ivor Evans started his career in his hometown team Labasa F.C., and then he played for Fiji giants Ba FC.In 1987 he arrived in North America. Primarily he got a brief spell with MISL team St. Louis Steamers, but he didn't play any match....
, Vancouver, M - Eddy BerduscoEddy BerduscoEddy Berdusco is a retired professional footballer from Canada.-Club career:The son of Italian immigrants, Berdusco was the original Canadian Soccer League's 3rd all-time highest goal scorer with 54 from 1988 through 1992 as a member of North York Rockets...
, North York, M - Domenic MobilioDomenic MobilioDomenic Mobilio was a Canadian professional soccer player.-Club career:Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Mobilio was a long-time member of the Vancouver 86ers turned Vancouver Whitecaps...
, Vancouver, F - Grant NeedhamGrant NeedhamGrant Needham is an English-born Canadian former international soccer player.-International career:He made his senior debut for Canada in a March 1991 friendly match against the United States and played one more international game, a 1993 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Australia in...
, Montreal, F
1992 season
The CSL barely limped into the 1992 season, staggering under the weight of their ever-present financial problems. Despite their losses from 1991, they managed to add a new team, the London Lasers. However the financial picture did not improve during the season, and with declining attendance and red ink continuing to mount, the league called it quits after the season. This brought an unfortunate end to the first truly national Canadian league. This was a major blow for the Canadian Soccer Association, as the CSL had been enormously successful in providing Canadian players with a higher level of competition than had been previously available since the demise of the North American Soccer League. All was not lost however, as Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver joined the APSL, while North York and Winnipeg, with fewer financial resources, joined the semi-pro Canadian National Soccer LeagueCanadian National Soccer League
The Canadian National Soccer League, known as the National Soccer League until 1993, was a professional soccer league in Canada that existed from 1926 to 1997...
.
Final League Standings
Before the season, London was added.| G | W | L | T | GF | GA | PTS | |
| Vancouver 86ers | 20 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 42 | 28 | 36 |
| North York Rockets | 20 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 25 | 20 | 30 |
| Winnipeg Fury | 20 | 8 | 11 | 1 | 27 | 42 | 25 |
| Montreal Supra | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 29 | 24 | 25 |
| London Lasers | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 25 | 32 | 22 |
| Toronto Blizzard | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 28 | 29 | 21 |
Play-offs
After the season, the league folded, along with the London franchise.Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto joined the American Professional Soccer League, and North York, and Winnipeg
joined the semi-pro National Soccer League (which changed its name to the
Canadian National Soccer League
Canadian National Soccer League
The Canadian National Soccer League, known as the National Soccer League until 1993, was a professional soccer league in Canada that existed from 1926 to 1997...
in 1993).
Leading Goalscorers
- Eddy BerduscoEddy BerduscoEddy Berdusco is a retired professional footballer from Canada.-Club career:The son of Italian immigrants, Berdusco was the original Canadian Soccer League's 3rd all-time highest goal scorer with 54 from 1988 through 1992 as a member of North York Rockets...
, North York 14 - Carlo CorazzinCarlo CorazzinGiancarlo Michele 'Carlo' Corazzin is a former professional Canadian soccer player who has appeared for the Canadian national team 59 times and has scored 11 goals. He is of Italian descent.-Club career:...
, Winnipeg 8 - John CatliffJohn CatliffJohn Catliff is a former Canadian professional soccer player. He has the second most goals scored for the Canadian national team with 18 goals between 1984 and 1994.-Club career:...
, Vancouver 6 - Doug MuirheadDoug MuirheadDoug Muirhead is a former Canadian soccer player who played for the national team from 1989-1992.-Club career:Muirhead played for Canadian Soccer League outfit Vancouver 86ers, for whom he also played in the A-League....
, Vancouver 6 - Dale MitchellDale MitchellDale Mitchell may refer to:* Dale Mitchell , American baseball player* Dale Mitchell , Canadian soccer player...
, Vancouver 6 - Geoff AungerGeoff AungerGeoffrey Edward Ramer Aunger is a former Major League Soccer player and Canadian national soccer team member.-Club career:...
, London 5 - Grant NeedhamGrant NeedhamGrant Needham is an English-born Canadian former international soccer player.-International career:He made his senior debut for Canada in a March 1991 friendly match against the United States and played one more international game, a 1993 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Australia in...
, Montreal 5 - Tony Notica, Winnipeg 5
All-Star Team
- Pat OnstadPat OnstadPatrick Stewart "Pat" Onstad is a Canadian soccer retired goalkeeper, who is currently an assistant coach for D.C. United in Major League Soccer.-Youth and College:...
, Winnipeg - Peter SarantopoulosPeter SarantopoulosPeter Sarantopoulos is a former Canadian international soccer defender.-Club career:Sarantopolous was a two time first-team and one time second-team Canadian Interuniversity Sport All-Canadian with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues...
, Winnipeg - Nick DasovicNick DasovicNick Robert Dasovic is a retired professional Canadian soccer player of Croatian descent. He was most at Toronto FC, acting as interim head coach until January 2011 and North American head scout until May 2011....
, North York - Dino LopezDino LopezDino Lopez is a retired Canadian soccer player.-Club career:The Jamaica-born defender was raised in North York, Ontario and has played in his career for York University who was named a 1989 OUA East All-Star, for the Toronto Italia , London Lasers , Nova Scotia Clippers , was an original member...
, London - Carl FletcherCarl FletcherCarl Neil Fletcher is an English-born Welsh footballer who is the current player-manager of Plymouth Argyle. He represented Wales at international level for five years, scoring one goal in 36 appearances...
, Toronto - Geoff AungerGeoff AungerGeoffrey Edward Ramer Aunger is a former Major League Soccer player and Canadian national soccer team member.-Club career:...
, London - Dale MitchellDale MitchellDale Mitchell may refer to:* Dale Mitchell , American baseball player* Dale Mitchell , Canadian soccer player...
, Vancouver - Lyndon HooperLyndon HooperLyndon Hooper is a former professional Canadian soccer player and former assistant coach of the Toronto Lynx soccer team of the United Soccer Leagues First Division...
, Toronto - Eddy BerduscoEddy BerduscoEddy Berdusco is a retired professional footballer from Canada.-Club career:The son of Italian immigrants, Berdusco was the original Canadian Soccer League's 3rd all-time highest goal scorer with 54 from 1988 through 1992 as a member of North York Rockets...
, North York - Carlo CorazzinCarlo CorazzinGiancarlo Michele 'Carlo' Corazzin is a former professional Canadian soccer player who has appeared for the Canadian national team 59 times and has scored 11 goals. He is of Italian descent.-Club career:...
, Winnipeg - Paul PeschisolidoPaul PeschisolidoPaolo Pasquale Peschisolido , commonly known as Paul Peschisolido, is a Canadian association football manager and former player...
, Toronto
List of CSL Teams
| Team | City | Total Seasons | Seasons | Highest League | Highest Play-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Blizzard Toronto Blizzard (1986-1993) -National Soccer League:In 1985, less than one year after the Toronto Blizzard ceased operations due to the failure of the North American Soccer League , Blizzard owners York-Hanover purchased Dynamo Latino of the semi-professional Ontario-based National Soccer League with the intention of... |
Toronto, Ontario | 6 | 1987-1992 | Example | Example |
| Hamilton Steelers | Hamilton, Ontario Hamilton, Ontario Hamilton is a port city in the Canadian province of Ontario. Conceived by George Hamilton when he purchased the Durand farm shortly after the War of 1812, Hamilton has become the centre of a densely populated and industrialized region at the west end of Lake Ontario known as the Golden Horseshoe... |
5 | 1987-1991 | Example | Example |
| North York Rockets North York Rockets The North York Rockets were a professional soccer team that competed in the original Canadian Soccer League during its existence from 1987 to 1992... |
North York, Ontario North York, Ontario North York is a dissolved municipality within the current city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Geographically, it comprises the central part of the northern section of Toronto. As of the 2006 Census, it has a population of 635,370. The official 2001 census count was 608,288... |
6 | 1987-1992 | Example | Example |
| Ottawa Intrepid Ottawa Intrepid Ottawa Pioneers/Intrepid was the name of the Canadian Soccer League entry from the National Capital Region from 1987-1989 Ottawa, Ontario.... |
Ottawa, Ontario | 4 | 1987-1990 | Example | Example |
| Montreal Supra Montreal Supra Montreal Supra was a club in the Canadian Soccer League from 1988 to 1992.-Former players: Pat Harrington Mark Watson Patrick Diotte Iain Fraser Nick De Santis Mauro Biello Alex Bunbury Lyndon Hooper Christian Gourcuff Grant Needham... |
Montreal, Quebec | 5 | 1988-1992 | Example | Example |
| Vancouver 86ers | Vancouver, British Columbia | 6 | 1987-1992 | Example | Example |
| Edmonton Brickmen Edmonton Brickmen The Edmonton Brickmen were an Edmonton, Alberta-based soccer club that competed in two now-defunct leagues: the Western Soccer Alliance and the Canadian Soccer League.-History:... |
Edmonton, Alberta | 4 | 1987-1990 | Example | Example |
| Calgary Strikers | Calgary, Alberta | 3 | 1987-1989 | Example | Example |
| Winnipeg Fury Winnipeg Fury The Winnipeg Fury was a professional soccer team in Winnipeg. It was founded by Ralph Cantafio, who served as Team President and Chairman of the Board. The team was part of the Canadian Soccer League from 1987 to 1992. The Fury belonged to the former Canadian National Soccer League for 1993... |
Winnipeg, Manitoba | 6 | 1987-1992 | Example | Example |
| Victoria Vistas Victoria Vistas The Victoria Vistas were a Canadian soccer club in the original Canadian Soccer League. The Vistas joined the CSL for the 1989 season, and folded after the 1990 season.-1990 Season:... |
Victoria, British Columbia Victoria, British Columbia Victoria is the capital city of British Columbia, Canada and is located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island off Canada's Pacific coast. The city has a population of about 78,000 within the metropolitan area of Greater Victoria, which has a population of 360,063, the 15th most populous Canadian... |
2 | 1989-1990 | Example | Example |
| London Lasers | London, Ontario London, Ontario London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city... |
2 | 1990, 1992 | Example | Example |
| Kitchener Spirit Kitchener Spirit The Kitchener Spirit was a team in the Canadian Soccer League in 1990. In 1991, they were re-named the Kitchener Kickers. They played in Kitchener, Ontario.... |
Kitchener, Ontario Kitchener, Ontario The City of Kitchener is a city in Southern Ontario, Canada. It was the Town of Berlin from 1854 until 1912 and the City of Berlin from 1912 until 1916. The city had a population of 204,668 in the Canada 2006 Census... |
2 | 1990-1991 | Example | Example |
| Nova Scotia Clippers Nova Scotia Clippers The Nova Scotia Clippers were a short-lived franchise in the old Canadian Soccer League. The Clippers record for the 1991 season was 7 wins, 7 ties, and 14 losses for 28 points. The team lost in the quarterfinals of the cup play-offs by losing two games, home and away, to North York.The team... |
Halifax, Nova Scotia | 1 | 1991 | Example | Example |