Cleveland Cobras
Encyclopedia
The Cleveland Stars were an American soccer club based in Cleveland, Ohio
and a member of the American Soccer League
in 1972-73. Before the 1974 season, the name was changed to the Cleveland Cobras. The Stars' colors were blue and white. The Cobras' colors were green and gold, though in 1979 they also wore alternate uniforms of gold/black and in 1981 often donned green/white uniforms.
The Cobras actively promoted youth soccer. Hundreds of clinics and camps conducted by its players established a solid youth soccer base throughout northeast Ohio — though the club did not play long enough to reap the benefits of the kids growing up to becoming ticket-buying adults. The Cleveland Force (1978–88) and Cleveland Crunch
(1989–2005) indoor soccer teams capitalized with good crowds in the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League.
The Cobras played home games on AstroTurf
at George Finnie Stadium on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace College
in Berea, Ohio
. A few exhibition games were played at Cleveland Stadium
. Each season, ownership brought top international clubs to town for "friendly" matches. Among those were the national teams of Poland, Israel and Canada, Cork Hibernians F.C.
and Sligo Rovers F.C (Ireland), GKS Tychy and Arka Gdynia
(Poland), Beitar Jerusalem F.C. and Hapoel Jerusalem F.C. (Israel), Eintracht Braunschweig
and VfB Oldenburg
(Germany) and Partizan Belgrade
(Serbia).
Management, generally consisting of local businessmen of moderate wealth who were soccer aficionados, tried to make up for its lack of finances with an abundance of enthusiasm for the sport. The club annually brought in numerous players from the largely ethnic Lake Erie Soccer League, which included among its many teams Belgrade United, Canton Hercules, Cleveland Inter, Cleveland Sannitics, Croatian Rebels, Donauschwaben Concordia, German Central Jets, German Kickers, Greek Olympic, Hrvat Knights, Hungarian Hunters, Karadjordje Stars, Latvian Hawks, Lazio Romans, Pan American Bulls, Polish Red Sox, Ukrainian Lions, Umoja Tigers, Warren Hellenics and Zagreb Rams.
Though highly skilled, the melting pot of LESL imports often proved to be as combative as they were competitive, at times failing to put aside their fierce nationalist loyalties. It made it difficult for the Cobras to mesh into a cohesive unit when players would not pass the ball to a new teammate, instead carrying a grudge borne from previous play in the LESL.
The Cobras' long-time general manager was Dr. John P. Gyekenyesi, a native of Hungary who grew up on Cleveland's east side, earned his doctorate at Michigan State University
, and has been an aerospace technician and researcher at NASA
for more than 35 years. In the Cobras' instance, you really did need a rocket scientist to run the team. Dr. Gyekenyesi had been president of the LESL before joining the Cobras.
Though the club was generally underfinanced, it had future wealth right in its locker room without realizing it in 1980. The 18-year-old son of Cleveland businessman Al Lerner
expressed interest in sports and his father figured it would be good for the youngster to start at the bottom. Randy Lerner
served as the Cobras' equipment manager, a glorified term for a locker-room assistant who picked up soiled towels and jerseys and did all sorts of mundane tasks. Randy Lerner succeeded his father as chairman of MBNA
, owner of the Cleveland Browns
of the National Football League
, and later became chairman of the Aston Villa Football Club.
After the 1981 season, Cobras ownership sold its ASL rights to a group that moved the club to Atlanta, Georgia
as the Georgia Generals
.
United States Herbie Haller (1975–77, '81) Jackie Mudie
(1978) Jimmy Melia
(1979) Bob Ridley
(1980) Vito Colonna
(1981)
, G (1981) Ruben Astigarraga
, F (1980–81) Mohammad Attiah
, F (1979) Lee Barron
, GK (1978) Mike Barry
, M (1980–81) Fred Bass, GK (1979–81) Victor Batista, F (1977) Chris Beaudoin, GK (1979) Kenny Beech
, M (1978) Micky Brennan
, M (1978) John Brooks
, D (1979) Derek Brownbill
, F (1978) Danny Budimir, M (1975–76) Ted Busetto, F (1978–79) Vic Calabrese, F (1979) Manuel Cerda Canela, F (1973–74, '77) Marine Cano
, GK (1980) Willie Carrasco, M (1975–79, '81) Braulio Castro, M (1977) Micky Cave
, F (1980) Andy Chapman
, F (1980–81) Paul Chymovic, GK (1972–73, '76, '79) Joe Clement, D (1981) Howard Cohen, GK (1975) Vito Colonna
, F (1972–78, '81) Tomo Condric, D-M (1981) Trevor Dance
, GK (1978) United States Benny Dargle
, D (1978) Phil Davis, D (1977) Klaas de Boer
, D (1973–74) Norm Demers
, D (1981) Roberto DeOliviera
, F (1976) Steve Devic, F (1972–73) Paulo Dias
, GK (1979) Narciso Horacio Doval, F (1980) Paul Dueker, GK (1977) Vlado Dujmovic, D (1978) Keith Dyson
, F (1978) Conrad Earnest
, GK (1981) Ian Elsby
, M (1978) Jorge Espinosa, GK (1974) Dave Farrell, D (1981) Roberto Fernandez, F (1978–79) Ivair Ferreira
, M-F (1980) Joey Fink
, F (1980) Dragoslav Gardic, F (1973) Matt Garrigan, D (1981) John Granville
, GK (1979) David Grimaldi
, D (1981) Jack Groesser, GK (1976) Ian Hamilton
, D (1979, '81) Brian Haley, F (1979) Erich Haller, F (1972–73) Dale Hetherington, GK (1977) Eugene Horvat, D (1975–77) Joe Howarth
, D (1980) Miki Janosi, M (1979, '81) Alan Jefferis, D (1978)
Canada Wayne Jentas
, M (1979) Brian Joy
, M (1980) Steve Juhasz, M (1981) Charlie Kadupski
, D (1979) Mladen Kasic, F (1981) Alan Kelley
, D (1980) Bill Kenny
, F (1977) Steve Koussaya, M (1979) Joe Kovacs, D (1973–74) Joe Kowalczyk, F (1979) Chris Lada, D (1977, 79) Mladen Laus, F (1975–76) Zlatko Laus, D (1978) Peter Lawrenson, D (1977) Dave Leckie, D (1974–76) Bill Leese, D (1978) Nick LeGrand, D (1977) Hartley LeRoy, D (1974) Simon Look
, F (1981) John MacKay, M (1979) Ane Mihailovich
, F (1973–74) Daniel Mammana
, D (1980) Bob McKenzie, D (1980) Doug McMillan
, F (1974) Jimmy McMillan
, F (1972–77) Manny Mena, M (1975) Carlos Mendes, M (1979) Rildo Menezes, D (1980) Milton Moya, D (1977) Westley Mulholland, M (1979, '81) Tom Mulroy
, M-D (1979, 81) Milutin (Mike) Nikolic, D-F (1973–74, '79) Tom Nowicki
, D-M (1976) United States Jamie O'Donnell, D (1978–79) Juan Parera, M (1978) Dorivaldo Perez, D (1977) Miguel Perrichon, F (1975) Enrique Pineda, F (1974) Oscar Pisano
, D (1979–80) Zeljko Poleto, GK (1978) Billy Polack, D (1976–77) Tom Poturica, D (1972–73) Tony Prescott, D (1980) Arnie Ravenscroft, D (1977–79) Len Renery
, D (1980) Al Reynolds, F (1977) Manuel Reynosa, D (1976–78) Carlos Ribeiro, F (1977) Ed Roberts, F (1974) Leo Rojas, D-M (1980) Angelo Rossi, M (1979) Alex Rosul, D (1980–81) Zoran Savic
, F (1980–81) Walter Schlothauer
, F (1980–81) Robert Scott, M (1976) Jeff Sendobry
, D (1980) Julio Servin
, M (1974) Jacob Shanee, M (1980) Ian Sharp
, D (1972–75) Roy Sinclair
, D (1980) Robert Smith, M (1976) Roby Stahl, M (1975–77) Tom Stanisic, M (1973–75, '78) John Stephenson, M (1972–77) Chris Swain, GK (1974–75) Les Szabo, D-M (1975) United States Kevin Terry
, M-F (1981) Canada Tony Tiselj, F (1977–78) Frank Towers, D-F (1980) Eugene Vasu, D (1973–74) Roger Verdi
, D (1979) Michael Vernon, M (1972–73) Paul Vojtus, M (1974) Sid Wallace
, F (1979) Alan Wilson, F (1979) Juan Yepez, F (1980) United States Doug Zlatic, F (1981)
Coach of the Year
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland is a city in the U.S. state of Ohio and is the county seat of Cuyahoga County, the most populous county in the state. The city is located in northeastern Ohio on the southern shore of Lake Erie, approximately west of the Pennsylvania border...
and a member of the American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
in 1972-73. Before the 1974 season, the name was changed to the Cleveland Cobras. The Stars' colors were blue and white. The Cobras' colors were green and gold, though in 1979 they also wore alternate uniforms of gold/black and in 1981 often donned green/white uniforms.
The Cobras actively promoted youth soccer. Hundreds of clinics and camps conducted by its players established a solid youth soccer base throughout northeast Ohio — though the club did not play long enough to reap the benefits of the kids growing up to becoming ticket-buying adults. The Cleveland Force (1978–88) and Cleveland Crunch
Cleveland Crunch
The Cleveland Crunch was formed in 1989 as an expansion team in the Major Soccer League to replace the Cleveland Force, which had folded on July 22, 1988. Akron businessmen George S. Hoffman and Stuart Lichter formed an ownership group, named Al Miller general manager and former Force star Kai...
(1989–2005) indoor soccer teams capitalized with good crowds in the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Professional Soccer League.
The Cobras played home games on AstroTurf
AstroTurf
AstroTurf is a brand of artificial turf. Although the term is a registered trademark, it is sometimes used as a generic description of any kind of artificial turf. The original AstroTurf product was a short pile synthetic turf while the current products incorporate modern features such as...
at George Finnie Stadium on the campus of Baldwin-Wallace College
Baldwin-Wallace College
Baldwin–Wallace College is a liberal arts college in Berea, Ohio, founded in 1845. It is home to the Riemenschneider-Bach Institute and the Baldwin–Wallace Conservatory of Music, an internationally renowned music school. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Students receive a...
in Berea, Ohio
Berea, Ohio
- History :The first European settlers were originally from Connecticut. Berea fell within Connecticut's Western Reserve and was surveyed and divided into townships and ranges by one Gideon Granger, a gentleman who served as Postmaster General under President Thomas Jefferson...
. A few exhibition games were played at Cleveland Stadium
Cleveland Stadium
Cleveland Stadium was a multi-purpose stadium, located in Cleveland, Ohio. In its final years, the stadium seated 74,438, for baseball and 81,000, for football. It was one of the early multi-purpose stadiums, built to accommodate both baseball and football...
. Each season, ownership brought top international clubs to town for "friendly" matches. Among those were the national teams of Poland, Israel and Canada, Cork Hibernians F.C.
Cork Hibernians F.C.
Cork Hibernians F.C. were an Irish football club based in Cork. They played in the League of Ireland between 1957 and 1976 and played their home games at Flower Lodge. In 1971, they were League of Ireland champions.-History:...
and Sligo Rovers F.C (Ireland), GKS Tychy and Arka Gdynia
Arka Gdynia
Morski Związkowy Klub Sportowy Arka Gdynia is a Polish professional football club, based in Gdynia, Poland, that plays in the Polish 1 Liga. The club was founded as Klub Sportowy Gdynia in 1929. Its activities were interrupted between 1939–1945 due to the German occupation of Poland...
(Poland), Beitar Jerusalem F.C. and Hapoel Jerusalem F.C. (Israel), Eintracht Braunschweig
Eintracht Braunschweig
Eintracht Braunschweig is a German association football club based in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony. The club was one of the founding members of the Bundesliga in 1963 and won the national title in 1967.-History:...
and VfB Oldenburg
VfB Oldenburg
VfB Oldenburg is a German association football club based in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony. As of the 2011/12 season they play in the Oberliga Niedersachsenliga, which is at the 5th level of football in Germany.-History:...
(Germany) and Partizan Belgrade
FK Partizan
Fudbalski klub Partizan is a professional football club based in Belgrade, Serbia. In its long history, FK Partizan won as many as 37 trophies. The club is the holder of 23 national championships, 12 national cups and 1 national supercup, and has also won the Mitropa Cup in 1978...
(Serbia).
Management, generally consisting of local businessmen of moderate wealth who were soccer aficionados, tried to make up for its lack of finances with an abundance of enthusiasm for the sport. The club annually brought in numerous players from the largely ethnic Lake Erie Soccer League, which included among its many teams Belgrade United, Canton Hercules, Cleveland Inter, Cleveland Sannitics, Croatian Rebels, Donauschwaben Concordia, German Central Jets, German Kickers, Greek Olympic, Hrvat Knights, Hungarian Hunters, Karadjordje Stars, Latvian Hawks, Lazio Romans, Pan American Bulls, Polish Red Sox, Ukrainian Lions, Umoja Tigers, Warren Hellenics and Zagreb Rams.
Though highly skilled, the melting pot of LESL imports often proved to be as combative as they were competitive, at times failing to put aside their fierce nationalist loyalties. It made it difficult for the Cobras to mesh into a cohesive unit when players would not pass the ball to a new teammate, instead carrying a grudge borne from previous play in the LESL.
The Cobras' long-time general manager was Dr. John P. Gyekenyesi, a native of Hungary who grew up on Cleveland's east side, earned his doctorate at Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
, and has been an aerospace technician and researcher at NASA
NASA
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is the agency of the United States government that is responsible for the nation's civilian space program and for aeronautics and aerospace research...
for more than 35 years. In the Cobras' instance, you really did need a rocket scientist to run the team. Dr. Gyekenyesi had been president of the LESL before joining the Cobras.
Though the club was generally underfinanced, it had future wealth right in its locker room without realizing it in 1980. The 18-year-old son of Cleveland businessman Al Lerner
Al Lerner
Alfred "Al" Lerner was an American businessman and philanthropist. He was best known as the Chairman of the Board of credit card giant MBNA and the owner of the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League...
expressed interest in sports and his father figured it would be good for the youngster to start at the bottom. Randy Lerner
Randy Lerner
Randolph D. Lerner is an American entrepreneur and sports team owner.Lerner has been the owner of the American football team, the Cleveland Browns, of the National Football League since October 2002, and the Chairman of Aston Villa Football Club of the English Premier League since 2006...
served as the Cobras' equipment manager, a glorified term for a locker-room assistant who picked up soiled towels and jerseys and did all sorts of mundane tasks. Randy Lerner succeeded his father as chairman of MBNA
MBNA
MBNA Corporation was a bank holding company and parent company of wholly owned subsidiary MBNA America Bank, N.A., headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, prior to being acquired by Bank of America in 2006...
, owner of the Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are a professional football team based in Cleveland, Ohio. They are currently members of the North Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
, and later became chairman of the Aston Villa Football Club.
After the 1981 season, Cobras ownership sold its ASL rights to a group that moved the club to Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is the capital and most populous city in the U.S. state of Georgia. According to the 2010 census, Atlanta's population is 420,003. Atlanta is the cultural and economic center of the Atlanta metropolitan area, which is home to 5,268,860 people and is the ninth largest metropolitan area in...
as the Georgia Generals
Georgia Generals
Georgia Generals were a professional soccer team in the USA. They played for one season in the ASL. They were formed when the Cleveland Cobras franchise moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Their owner was Walt Russell...
.
Year-by-year
| Year | Division | League | Reg. Season | W | L | T | GF | GA | Playoffs | U.S. Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 2 | ASL | 2nd, Midwestern | 6 | 2 | 0 | 21 | 16 | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1973 | 2 | ASL | 2nd, Midwest | 8 | 2 | 2 | 56 | 22 | 1st Round (L, Cincinnati, 4-1) | Did not enter |
| 1974 | 2 | ASL | 3rd, Midwest | 8 | 7 | 3 | 28 | 28 | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1975 | 2 | ASL | 1st, Midwest | 10 | 7 | 3 | 43 | 45 | 1st Round (L, Boston, 2-2, 2-1) | Did not enter |
| 1976 | 2 | ASL | 3rd, East | 9 | 8 | 4 | 28 | 32 | 1st Round (L, Rhode Island, 2-1) | Did not enter |
| 1977 | 2 | ASL | 3rd, East | 9 | 13 | 2 | 29 | 41 | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1978 | 2 | ASL | 5th, Eastern | 7 | 13 | 4 | 27 | 55 | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1979 | 2 | ASL | 5th, Eastern | 8 | 17 | 3 | 29 | 50 | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1980 | 2 | ASL | 3rd, National | 12 | 14 | 2 | 47 | 47 | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1981 | 2 | ASL | 4th, Freedom | 5 | 22 | 1 | 33 | 78 | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
Coaches
Olinto Busetto (1972–74) United States Herbie Haller (1975–77, '81) Jackie MudieJackie Mudie
John "Jackie" Knight Mudie was a Scottish international footballer who played as a forward. He won seventeen caps for his country, helping the Scots to qualify for the 1958 FIFA World Cup....
(1978) Jimmy Melia
Jimmy Melia
Jimmy Melia is a former English footballer who spent most of his career playing for Liverpool and went on to become a manager.-Liverpool:Jimmy joined the Reds straight from St...
(1979) Bob Ridley
Bob Ridley
Robert Michael "Bob" Ridley is an English former professional association football player. He played for Portsmouth and Gillingham between 1960 and 1967 before moving to South Africa. Later, he moved to California and in 2010, became the coach for San Juan Hills High School soccer team.-References:...
(1980) Vito Colonna
Vito Colonna
Vito Colonna is a retired Italian-American soccer player and coach. He played at least ten seasons in the American Soccer League and coached for at least one....
(1981)
Notable players
Dennis Almeida, M (1973–79, '81) Fred ArmstrongFred Armstrong (soccer)
Fred Armstrong is a retired American professional soccer goalkeeper.Armstrong played for the St. Petersburg Kickers in 1977. At the time, he had entered Florida Tech in order to play collegiate soccer. However, the NCAA denied his request as he had previously signed an amateur contract with the...
, G (1981) Ruben Astigarraga
Ruben Astigarraga
Rubén Astigarraga is a retired Argentine soccer forward who played in the North American Soccer League, second and third American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League, American Indoor Soccer Association and National Soccer League of Chicago.-Player:In 1979, he signed with the Cleveland Force...
, F (1980–81) Mohammad Attiah
Mohammad Attiah
Mohammad "Baby Jet" Attiah is a retired Ghanaian professional football forward. He played two seasons in the North American Soccer League....
, F (1979) Lee Barron
Lee Barron
Lee Barron was an American big band leader and radio and TV personality. His bands included Elroy Lee and the Crookston Dinner Club Orchestra, Snorty and His City Slickers, Lee Barron and His Belltone Music and the Lee Barron Orchestra, a territory band...
, GK (1978) Mike Barry
Mike Barry
Mike Barry is the former assistant offensive line coach for the National Football League Detroit Lions.Barry played at Nebraska and Southern Illinois....
, M (1980–81) Fred Bass, GK (1979–81) Victor Batista, F (1977) Chris Beaudoin, GK (1979) Kenny Beech
Kenny Beech
Kenneth "Kenny" Beech is a former English footballer. A midfielder, he played for Port Vale between 1976 and 1981, picking up the club's Player of the Year award in 1980, also playing on loan at American club Cleveland Cobras in 1978. In 1981 he was sold to Walsall, before he moved on to...
, M (1978) Micky Brennan
Micky Brennan
Mick Brennan is a retired English professional footballer. He played as a forward or a midfielder.In 1977, Micky Brennan is listed with the Cleveland State University men's soccer team. He is then listed as having played for the Cleveland Cobras of the American Soccer League in 1978.-External...
, M (1978) John Brooks
John Brooks (soccer)
John Brooks is a retired English soccer forward who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League.Brooks was recruited by San Francisco Dons coach Stephen Negoesco to attend the University of San Francisco. Brooks was visiting his brother Adrian in the United States when Negoesco spotted...
, D (1979) Derek Brownbill
Derek Brownbill
Derek Anthony Brownbill is a former English footballer who played as a forward. He played in the Football League for Liverpool and Port Vale between 1973 and 1978, before spells with American side Cleveland Cobras and English non-league clubs Wigan Athletic, Stafford Rangers, Oswestry Town,...
, F (1978) Danny Budimir, M (1975–76) Ted Busetto, F (1978–79) Vic Calabrese, F (1979) Manuel Cerda Canela, F (1973–74, '77) Marine Cano
Marine Cano
Marine Cano is a retired American professional soccer goalkeeper who played in the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League, American Soccer League and Western Soccer Alliance.-Player:...
, GK (1980) Willie Carrasco, M (1975–79, '81) Braulio Castro, M (1977) Micky Cave
Micky Cave
Michael John "Micky" Cave was an English footballer who played as a midfielder.-Career:Born in Weymouth, Dorset, Cave was studying engineering when he started his career in non-League football with hometown club Weymouth in 1966. He joined Torquay United in July 1968, soon settling into the...
, F (1980) Andy Chapman
Andy Chapman
Andrew "Andy" Chapman is a retired English-American soccer player who saw his greatest success as an indoor player in the United States...
, F (1980–81) Paul Chymovic, GK (1972–73, '76, '79) Joe Clement, D (1981) Howard Cohen, GK (1975) Vito Colonna
Vito Colonna
Vito Colonna is a retired Italian-American soccer player and coach. He played at least ten seasons in the American Soccer League and coached for at least one....
, F (1972–78, '81) Tomo Condric, D-M (1981) Trevor Dance
Trevor Dance
Trevor Dance is a former English footballer.-Playing career:Dance joined Port Vale as an apprentice in August, signing his first professional forms in July 1976 and making his debut in a 2–1 defeat at Mansfield Town on 28 December 1976...
, GK (1978)
United States Benny DargleBenny Dargle
Bernard "Benny" Dargle is a retired English-born American soccer player who played as a defender, making over 400 career appearances in a professional career which lasted from 1978 to 1992.-Career:...
, D (1978) Phil Davis, D (1977) Klaas de Boer
Klaas de Boer
Klaas de Boer is a retired U.S. soccer player and coach. He played professionally in the American Soccer League and was the 1977 NSCAA Coach of the Year and 1985 American Indoor Soccer Association Coach of the Year...
, D (1973–74) Norm Demers
Norm Demers
Norm Demers is a retired U.S. professional soccer defender who spent one season in the North American Soccer League.In 1978, Demers played for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers of the North American Soccer League. In 1979, he played for the Fort Lauderdale Saints of the Southern Soccer League. In...
, D (1981) Roberto DeOliviera
Roberto DeOliviera
Roberto DeOliviera is a retired U.S. soccer forward who spent one season in the American Soccer League and five in the North American Soccer League.-External links:*...
, F (1976) Steve Devic, F (1972–73) Paulo Dias
Paulo Dias (soccer)
Paulo Roberto Dias is a retired professional Brazilian football goalkeeper who played one season in the North American Soccer League.-Player:In 1972, Dias played for the Miami Gatos in the North American Soccer League...
, GK (1979) Narciso Horacio Doval, F (1980) Paul Dueker, GK (1977) Vlado Dujmovic, D (1978) Keith Dyson
Keith Dyson
Keith Dyson is an English former professional football player. He played as a forward.Dyson began his career with Newcastle United in 1968. In three years at St James' Park, he made 76 league appearances and scored 22 goals....
, F (1978) Conrad Earnest
Conrad Earnest
Conrad Earnest is a retired American soccer goalkeeper who is a world renowned exercise physiologist. He spent two seasons in the American Soccer League....
, GK (1981) Ian Elsby
Ian Elsby
Ian Christopher Elsby is an English former footballer. His uncle is the former footballer Jim Elsby.-Playing career:Elsby graduated from the Port Vale youth team to sign as a professional in May 1978. He was immediately sent out to the USA on loan with the Cleveland Cobras, but returned by August...
, M (1978) Jorge Espinosa, GK (1974) Dave Farrell, D (1981) Roberto Fernandez, F (1978–79) Ivair Ferreira
Ivair Ferreira
Ivair Ferreira is a retired Brazilian professional soccer player. He played as either a forward or midfielder...
, M-F (1980) Joey Fink
Joey Fink
Joey Fink is a former U.S. soccer forward who spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League, two in the American Soccer League and seven in Major Indoor Soccer League. He also earned six caps with the U.S. national team between 1973 and 1975.-Youth and college:Fink played youth soccer...
, F (1980) Dragoslav Gardic, F (1973) Matt Garrigan, D (1981) John Granville
John Granville (soccer)
John Granville is a retired professional football goalkeeper. from Trinidad & Tobago.Granville was born on the island of Tobago, in Scarborough. In 1978, he played for the Southern California Lazers in the American Soccer League. He led the league in goalkeeping with a 0.79 goals against average...
, GK (1979) David Grimaldi
David Grimaldi (soccer)
David Grimaldi is a retired American professional soccer defender who spent three seasons in the North American Soccer League, three in the Major Indoor Soccer League and at least one in the American Soccer League...
, D (1981) Jack Groesser, GK (1976) Ian Hamilton
Ian Hamilton
Ian Michael "Chico" Hamilton is an English former footballer who played as a midfielder. He made more than 300 appearances in the Football League playing for Chelsea, Southend United, Aston Villa and Sheffield United, and more than 100 in the North American Soccer League for Minnesota Kicks and...
, D (1979, '81) Brian Haley, F (1979) Erich Haller, F (1972–73) Dale Hetherington, GK (1977) Eugene Horvat, D (1975–77) Joe Howarth
Joe Howarth
Joe Howarth is a retired English soccer defender who played professionally in the American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League.Howarth attended SUNY Oneonta where he was the first four-year captain of the soccer team. He was a 1971 and 1973 Honorable Mention All American and four-time All...
, D (1980) Miki Janosi, M (1979, '81) Alan Jefferis, D (1978)
Canada Wayne JentasWayne Jentas
Wayne Jentas is a retired Canadian soccer midfielder who played in the North American Soccer League, American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League and American Indoor Soccer Association. He later coached at the youth, college and professional levels....
, M (1979) Brian Joy
Brian Joy
Brian William Joy is an English former professional football right-back.-Playing career:Joy began his career as an apprentice with Coventry City playing in the 1967/68 FA Youth Cup Final against Burnley, losing 3-2 on aggregate in the 2 home and away ties, but turned professional on joining...
, M (1980) Steve Juhasz, M (1981) Charlie Kadupski
Charlie Kadupski
Charlie Kadupski is a retired American soccer defender who played professionally in the North American Soccer League, American Soccer League and United Soccer League....
, D (1979) Mladen Kasic, F (1981) Alan Kelley
Alan Kelley
Alan Kelley is an English former professional footballer who played as a full back. Kelley, who was active in both England and the United States, made over 150 career appearances.-Career:...
, D (1980) Bill Kenny
Bill Kenny
Bill Kenny is a retired English professional soccer forward who played at least one season in the American Soccer League. In 1977, he scored seven goals in twenty games for the Cleveland Cobras.-References:...
, F (1977) Steve Koussaya, M (1979) Joe Kovacs, D (1973–74) Joe Kowalczyk, F (1979) Chris Lada, D (1977, 79) Mladen Laus, F (1975–76) Zlatko Laus, D (1978) Peter Lawrenson, D (1977) Dave Leckie, D (1974–76) Bill Leese, D (1978) Nick LeGrand, D (1977) Hartley LeRoy, D (1974) Simon Look
Simon Look
Simon Look is a retired Israeli football forward who played professionally in Israel and in the American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League.-Professional:...
, F (1981) John MacKay, M (1979) Ane Mihailovich
Ane Mihailovich
Ane Mihailovich is a retired Yugoslavian-American soccer player. He spent at least four season in the American Soccer League, four in the North American Soccer League and one in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He also earned five caps with the U.S...
, F (1973–74) Daniel Mammana
Daniel Mammana
Daniel Mammana is a retired professional soccer defender.In 1976, Mammana signed with the San Antonio Thunder of the North American Soccer League. However, he saw no games with the first team. In 1977, he was a first team All Star with the Sacramento Spirits. That year the Spirits went to the...
, D (1980) Bob McKenzie, D (1980) Doug McMillan
Doug McMillan
Douglas “Doug” McMillan is a former Scottish-American soccer forward. He was both the 1973 American Soccer League Rookie of the Year and the 1974 North American Soccer League Rookie of the Year. He earned two caps with the U.S. national team in 1974....
, F (1974) Jimmy McMillan
Jimmy McMillan
James "Jimmy" McMillan III is an American political activist, perennial candidate, Vietnam War veteran, and karate expert, as well as a former postal worker and private investigator from Brooklyn, New York. He is best known as the founder of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party, a New York-based...
, F (1972–77) Manny Mena, M (1975) Carlos Mendes, M (1979) Rildo Menezes, D (1980) Milton Moya, D (1977) Westley Mulholland, M (1979, '81) Tom Mulroy
Tom Mulroy
Tommy Mulroy is a retired American pro soccer defender who played in the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League, United Soccer League and American Indoor Soccer Association.-Player:...
, M-D (1979, 81) Milutin (Mike) Nikolic, D-F (1973–74, '79) Tom Nowicki
Tom Nowicki
Tom Nowicki is an American actor who has appeared in several feature films, television series, mini-series and movies of the week. He is a member of the Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors' Guild who is best remembered for his lead appearance on RollerJam and also appeared in the...
, D-M (1976)
United States Jamie O'Donnell, D (1978–79) Juan Parera, M (1978) Dorivaldo Perez, D (1977) Miguel Perrichon, F (1975) Enrique Pineda, F (1974) Oscar PisanoOscar Pisano
Oscar Pisano is a retired Argentine football defender who went on to become a football manager. Pisano spent time in numerous North American indoor and outdoor leagues including the North American Soccer League, Major Indoor Soccer League, American Soccer League, American Professional Soccer...
, D (1979–80) Zeljko Poleto, GK (1978) Billy Polack, D (1976–77) Tom Poturica, D (1972–73) Tony Prescott, D (1980) Arnie Ravenscroft, D (1977–79) Len Renery
Len Renery
Len Renery is a retired English-American professional soccer defender.Renery attended Columbia University where he played on the men's soccer team. He was a 1969 and 1970 first-team All Ivy. He graduated in 1971. In 1972, he played for the expansion New Jersey Brewers of the American Soccer League...
, D (1980) Al Reynolds, F (1977) Manuel Reynosa, D (1976–78) Carlos Ribeiro, F (1977) Ed Roberts, F (1974) Leo Rojas, D-M (1980) Angelo Rossi, M (1979) Alex Rosul, D (1980–81) Zoran Savic
Zoran Savic (soccer)
Zoran Savic is a retired Yugoslavian soccer forward who played professionally in the first Major Indoor Soccer League, second and third American Soccer League, American Professional Soccer League and American Indoor Soccer Association...
, F (1980–81) Walter Schlothauer
Walter Schlothauer
Walter Schlothauer is a retired U.S. soccer player and coach. He played in several outdoor and indoor leagues. In 1980, he was the American Soccer League Rookie of the Year with the Cleveland Cobras....
, F (1980–81) Robert Scott, M (1976) Jeff Sendobry
Jeff Sendobry
Jeff Sendobry is a retired American soccer defender who spent one season in the American Soccer League and four in the Major Indoor Soccer League....
, D (1980) Julio Servin
Julio Servin
Julio Servin was a U.S. soccer defender who earned one cap with the U.S. national team in a 1-0 loss to Poland on August 3, 1973. Servin, and most of his team mates, were from the second division American Soccer League after the first division North American Soccer League refused to release...
, M (1974) Jacob Shanee, M (1980) Ian Sharp
Ian Sharp
Ian Sharp is a British film and television director.Sharp was educated at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn and Hatfield College, Durham University where he gained an honours degree in Psychology and Modern Philosophy...
, D (1972–75) Roy Sinclair
Roy Sinclair
Roy Sinclair is a retired English professional football midfielder. He spent eleven seasons in the lower English divisions before moving to the United States where he played in the North American Soccer League, American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League.-Player:Sinclair began his...
, D (1980) Robert Smith, M (1976) Roby Stahl, M (1975–77) Tom Stanisic, M (1973–75, '78) John Stephenson, M (1972–77) Chris Swain, GK (1974–75) Les Szabo, D-M (1975)
United States Kevin TerryKevin Terry
Kevin Terry is a retired English-American soccer forward and referee who played professionally in the Major Indoor Soccer League, American Soccer League and United Soccer League. He spent ten seasons as a Major League Soccer and seven years as a FIFA official....
, M-F (1981)
Canada Tony Tiselj, F (1977–78) Frank Towers, D-F (1980) Eugene Vasu, D (1973–74) Roger VerdiRoger Verdi
Roger Verdi is a retired English professional footballer who spent his entire career in North America, making over 100 league appearances in the North American Soccer League.-Early life:...
, D (1979) Michael Vernon, M (1972–73) Paul Vojtus, M (1974) Sid Wallace
Sid Wallace
Sid Wallace is a retired soccer forward who played in the American Soccer League.In 1976, Wallace played for the Utah Golden Spikers of the American Soccer League. In 1978, he played for the Southern California Lazers. In 1979, he played for the Cleveland Cobras.-References:...
, F (1979) Alan Wilson, F (1979) Juan Yepez, F (1980)
United States Doug Zlatic, F (1981)Honors
Rookie of the Year- 1973 Doug McMillanDoug McMillanDouglas “Doug” McMillan is a former Scottish-American soccer forward. He was both the 1973 American Soccer League Rookie of the Year and the 1974 North American Soccer League Rookie of the Year. He earned two caps with the U.S. national team in 1974....
- 1980 Walter SchlothauerWalter SchlothauerWalter Schlothauer is a retired U.S. soccer player and coach. He played in several outdoor and indoor leagues. In 1980, he was the American Soccer League Rookie of the Year with the Cleveland Cobras....
Coach of the Year
- 1975 Herbie Haller