New York Arrows
Encyclopedia
The New York Arrows was an indoor soccer
team that played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League
(MISL) from 1978 to 1984. They won the first four MISL championships.
(MISL). They were owned by Bernie Rodin, who also owned the Rochester Lancers
and the Baltimore Blast. As they began preparation for the first MISL season, Arrows management pondered how they would build a team from scratch. Management hit on an inspired concept which mirrored the creation of the National Professional Soccer League
in the 1960s. The NPSL had imported professional teams from Europe as a means of quickly creating teams. The Arrows decided to revisit this concept and imported the Rochester Lancers
from upstate New York. The Lancers played in the North American Soccer League
which had a spring to fall schedule. After negotiating with the Lancers front office, the Arrows signed nearly the entire roster. However, they did make one significant, and crucial, addition, they signed a virtually unknown Yugoslavian player by the name of Steve Zungul
. Zungul was a seasoned outdoor player from Hajduk Split who had gained the approval of the Yugoslavia Football Federation
to play outside of his native country for a few months. When he refused to return to Split Hejduk, the Yugoslavian Football Federation gained a ruling from FIFA
forbidding any outdoor team from signing him. This ruled out nearly every club in the world and forced him to sign with a newly established MISL team.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F00E1DD1539F930A25754C0A965948260 On December 22, 1978, the New York Arrows kicked off the first season of MISL, playing in the league's first game, at home versus the Cincinnati Kids
.
had a better record, but it was the Arrows which took the title, defeating the Philadelphia Fever
. The Arrows winning ways continued for the next three seasons as they ran to first in their division before taking the titles over the Houston Summit (1979-80), and the St. Louis Steamers
(1980-81 and 1981-82).
in 1981. His scoring exploits led to his selection as League MVP four times running. He was also the four time league scoring leader and a two time assists leader. While Zungul was head and shoulders above nearly every other player in the league, he was not the only Arrows great. Shep Messing
was the first championship series MVP and a perennial all star. His replacement, Zolton Toth, was the 1982-1983 Goalkeeper of the Year. Juli Veee
was an outstanding midfielder while Branko Segota
was a perenniall All Star. However, these are merely a handful of great Arrows players.
and Gordon Hill.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E7DD1138F93BA25752C0A965948260 While billed as a move to "Americanize" the Arrows, it was largely a cost saving device. While Zungul went on to become the NASL League MVP in 1984, the Arrows collapsed and folded at the end of the season. The six seasons in the MISL the Arrows avg. 6,440 per game.
in Uniondale, New York
.
this
League MVP
Championship MVP
Scoring Champion
Pass Master (Assists Leader)
Defender of the Year
Goalkeeper of the Year
Coach of the Year
First Team All MISL
Fernando Clavijo
Dave D'Errico
Fred Grgurev
Shep Messing
Doc Lawson
Branko Segota
Zoltan Toth
Juli Veee
Steve Zungul
Indoor soccer
Indoor soccer or arena soccer, or six-a-side football in the United Kingdom, is a game derived from association football adapted for play in an indoor arena such as a turf-covered hockey arena or skating rink. The most important difference in play is that the indoor field is surrounded by a wall...
team that played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League
Major Soccer League
The Major Indoor Soccer League, known in its final two seasons as the Major Soccer League, was an indoor soccer league in the USA from 1978 to 1992. After the folding of the North American Soccer League in 1984, the MISL was the Division I soccer league for the United States...
(MISL) from 1978 to 1984. They won the first four MISL championships.
Preparing for the first season
In 1978, the New York Arrows began its first season as an indoor soccer team in the newly established Major Indoor Soccer LeagueMajor Soccer League
The Major Indoor Soccer League, known in its final two seasons as the Major Soccer League, was an indoor soccer league in the USA from 1978 to 1992. After the folding of the North American Soccer League in 1984, the MISL was the Division I soccer league for the United States...
(MISL). They were owned by Bernie Rodin, who also owned the Rochester Lancers
Rochester Lancers
The Rochester Lancers were a soccer team based in Rochester, New York that played in the American Soccer League from 1967 until 1969 and the North American Soccer League from 1970 to 1980 at Aquinas Stadium...
and the Baltimore Blast. As they began preparation for the first MISL season, Arrows management pondered how they would build a team from scratch. Management hit on an inspired concept which mirrored the creation of the National Professional Soccer League
National Professional Soccer League (1967)
The National Professional Soccer League was a North American professional soccer league that existed for only the 1967 season before merging with the United Soccer Association to form the North American Soccer League. It had ten charter members, nine from the United States and one from Canada...
in the 1960s. The NPSL had imported professional teams from Europe as a means of quickly creating teams. The Arrows decided to revisit this concept and imported the Rochester Lancers
Rochester Lancers
The Rochester Lancers were a soccer team based in Rochester, New York that played in the American Soccer League from 1967 until 1969 and the North American Soccer League from 1970 to 1980 at Aquinas Stadium...
from upstate New York. The Lancers played in 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:...
which had a spring to fall schedule. After negotiating with the Lancers front office, the Arrows signed nearly the entire roster. However, they did make one significant, and crucial, addition, they signed a virtually unknown Yugoslavian player by the name of Steve Zungul
Steve Zungul
Slaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
. Zungul was a seasoned outdoor player from Hajduk Split who had gained the approval of the Yugoslavia Football Federation
Football Association of Yugoslavia
The Football Association of Yugoslavia was the governing body of football in Yugoslavia, based in Belgrade, with a major administrative branch in Zagreb....
to play outside of his native country for a few months. When he refused to return to Split Hejduk, the Yugoslavian Football Federation gained a ruling from FIFA
FIFA
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association , commonly known by the acronym FIFA , is the international governing body of :association football, futsal and beach football. Its headquarters are located in Zurich, Switzerland, and its president is Sepp Blatter, who is in his fourth...
forbidding any outdoor team from signing him. This ruled out nearly every club in the world and forced him to sign with a newly established MISL team.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9F00E1DD1539F930A25754C0A965948260 On December 22, 1978, the New York Arrows kicked off the first season of MISL, playing in the league's first game, at home versus the Cincinnati Kids
Cincinnati Kids
The Cincinnati Kids were a soccer team based out of Cincinnati that played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League. They played only in the 1978-79 MISL season and were partially owned by Pete Rose. Their home arena was Riverfront Coliseum....
.
Champions
The decision to import the Lancers paid off as the Arrows finished second out of six teams. Only the Houston Summit, essentially the NASL Houston HurricanesHouston Hurricanes
The Houston Hurricanes were a soccer club that competed in the United Soccer Leaguesfrom 1996 to 2000.-Description and history:The Hurricanes were a Division III franchise, and their Major League Soccer affiliation was with the Kansas City Wizards owned by Joseph "Joey" Marc Serralta Ives and...
had a better record, but it was the Arrows which took the title, defeating the Philadelphia Fever
Philadelphia Fever
.The Philadelphia Fever were an indoor soccer team based out of Philadelphia that played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League from 1978 to 1982. Their home arena was the Spectrum)...
. The Arrows winning ways continued for the next three seasons as they ran to first in their division before taking the titles over the Houston Summit (1979-80), and the St. Louis Steamers
St. Louis Steamers (1979–1988)
The original St. Louis Steamers played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League from 1979 through 1988. Their home fixtures were held at the St. Louis Arena.-Ownership:* Ben Kerner & Partnership * Thomas M...
(1980-81 and 1981-82).
Dominating players
While the Arrows dominated the league as a team, several Arrows players gained repeated individual recognition. In his four seasons with the Arrows, Steve Zungul, "The Lord of All Indoors", regularly scored nearly 5 goals per game and on one instance, scored seven in a game vs. the Phoenix InfernoPhoenix Inferno
The Phoenix Inferno was an American indoor soccer team based out of Phoenix, United States, that played in the Major Indoor Soccer League from 1980 to 1983. In 1983 new ownership renamed the team the Phoenix Pride. The Pride folded at the end of the 1983-1984 season...
in 1981. His scoring exploits led to his selection as League MVP four times running. He was also the four time league scoring leader and a two time assists leader. While Zungul was head and shoulders above nearly every other player in the league, he was not the only Arrows great. Shep Messing
Shep Messing
Shep Messing is a former American soccer goalkeeper and current broadcaster. He played seven seasons in the North American Soccer League and six in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also a member of the U.S...
was the first championship series MVP and a perennial all star. His replacement, Zolton Toth, was the 1982-1983 Goalkeeper of the Year. Juli Veee
Juli Veee
Juli Veee is a retired Hungarian American soccer forward. Known as the "Double-deuce, triple-E, the one-and-only Juli Veee", Veee experienced his greatest success as an indoor player with the San Diego Sockers. He also earned four caps, scoring two goals, with the U.S...
was an outstanding midfielder while Branko Segota
Branko Segota
Branimir "Branko" Šegota is a former Canadian professional soccer forward, starring in the original Major Indoor Soccer League, the North American Soccer League, the Continental Indoor Soccer League, the National Professional Soccer League, and the Canadian Soccer League.Born in Rijeka, then part...
was a perenniall All Star. However, these are merely a handful of great Arrows players.
Decline and bankruptcy
Though a powerhouse on the field, they were not a powerhouse at the box office. Shortly after the team won its fourth and final MISL title, the team was sold. In January 1983, the team traded Steve Zungul to the San Jose Earthquakes for Gary EtheringtonGary Etherington
Gary Etherington is a retired English-American soccer player who began his professional career in the North American Soccer League before moving to the Major Indoor Soccer League. He earned seven caps with the U.S. national team...
and Gordon Hill.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C00E7DD1138F93BA25752C0A965948260 While billed as a move to "Americanize" the Arrows, it was largely a cost saving device. While Zungul went on to become the NASL League MVP in 1984, the Arrows collapsed and folded at the end of the season. The six seasons in the MISL the Arrows avg. 6,440 per game.
Arena
Their home arena was Nassau Veterans Memorial ColiseumNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, United States. Home to the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League, the Coliseum is located approximately east of New York City on Long Island...
in Uniondale, New York
Uniondale, New York
Uniondale is a hamlet as well as a suburb of New York City in Nassau County, New York, United States, on Long Island, in the Town of Hempstead. The population was 24,759 at the 2010 United States Census.-Geography:...
.
this
Year-by-year
| Year | Record | Regular Season | Playoffs | Avg. Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1978-1979 | 16-8 | 2nd | Champions | 5,446 |
| 1979-1980 | 27-5 | 1st Atlantic Division | Champions | 7,813 |
| 1980-1981 | 35-5 | 1st Atlantic Division | Champions | 8,083 |
| 1981-1982 | 36-8 | 1st Eastern Division | Champions | 6,429 |
| 1982-1983 | 24-24 | 4th Eastern Division | 1st Round | 5,623 |
| 1983-1984 | 20-28 | 4th Eastern Division | 1st Round | 5,478 |
Honors
MISL Championship- 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982
League MVP
- 1978-1979 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1979-1980 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1980-1981 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1981-1982 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
Championship MVP
- 1978-1979 Shep MessingShep MessingShep Messing is a former American soccer goalkeeper and current broadcaster. He played seven seasons in the North American Soccer League and six in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also a member of the U.S...
- 1979-1980 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1980-1981 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1981-1982 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
Scoring Champion
- 1979-1980 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1980-1981 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1981-1982 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1982-1983 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
Pass Master (Assists Leader)
- 1979-1980 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1981-1982 Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
Defender of the Year
- 1981-1982 Val Tuksa
Goalkeeper of the Year
- 1982-1983 Zoltan Toth
Coach of the Year
- 1980-1981 Don PopovicDon PopovicDragan "Don" Popovic is a retired professional soccer midfielder and current coach in the United States. He played professionally in Yugoslavia, Canada and the North American Soccer League...
First Team All MISL
- 1978-1979: Shep MessingShep MessingShep Messing is a former American soccer goalkeeper and current broadcaster. He played seven seasons in the North American Soccer League and six in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also a member of the U.S...
, Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker... - 1979-1980: Shep MessingShep MessingShep Messing is a former American soccer goalkeeper and current broadcaster. He played seven seasons in the North American Soccer League and six in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also a member of the U.S...
, Branko SegotaBranko SegotaBranimir "Branko" Šegota is a former Canadian professional soccer forward, starring in the original Major Indoor Soccer League, the North American Soccer League, the Continental Indoor Soccer League, the National Professional Soccer League, and the Canadian Soccer League.Born in Rijeka, then part...
, Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker... - 1980-1981: Shep MessingShep MessingShep Messing is a former American soccer goalkeeper and current broadcaster. He played seven seasons in the North American Soccer League and six in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also a member of the U.S...
, Dave D'ErricoDave D'ErricoDave D'Errico is a retired American soccer player. He spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League , five in Major Indoor Soccer League and one in the United Soccer League...
, Branko SegotaBranko SegotaBranimir "Branko" Šegota is a former Canadian professional soccer forward, starring in the original Major Indoor Soccer League, the North American Soccer League, the Continental Indoor Soccer League, the National Professional Soccer League, and the Canadian Soccer League.Born in Rijeka, then part...
, Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker... - 1981-1982: Val Tuksa, Steve ZungulSteve ZungulSlaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...
- 1982-1983: Val Tuksa
Significant players
Fernando ClavijoFernando Clavijo
Fernando Clavijo is a retired American soccer football defender and former head coach of the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. He played three seasons in the American Soccer League, two in the North American Soccer League and ten in the Major Indoor Soccer League...
Dave D'Errico
Dave D'Errico
Dave D'Errico is a retired American soccer player. He spent six seasons in the North American Soccer League , five in Major Indoor Soccer League and one in the United Soccer League...
Fred GrgurevFred Grgurev
Ferdo "Fred" Grgurev is a retired Yugoslavian-American football forward who played professionally in the North American Soccer League and Major Indoor Soccer League...
Shep Messing
Shep Messing
Shep Messing is a former American soccer goalkeeper and current broadcaster. He played seven seasons in the North American Soccer League and six in the Major Indoor Soccer League. He was also a member of the U.S...
Doc LawsonDoc Lawson
Aldophus “Doc” Lawson is a former American soccer defender best known for his long indoor career. Lawson played the third most games in the history of the original MISL. He also spent four seasons in the North American Soccer League. Known for his tenacious defending, Doc earned the nickname,...
Branko SegotaBranko Segota
Branimir "Branko" Šegota is a former Canadian professional soccer forward, starring in the original Major Indoor Soccer League, the North American Soccer League, the Continental Indoor Soccer League, the National Professional Soccer League, and the Canadian Soccer League.Born in Rijeka, then part...
Zoltan Toth
Juli VeeeJuli Veee
Juli Veee is a retired Hungarian American soccer forward. Known as the "Double-deuce, triple-E, the one-and-only Juli Veee", Veee experienced his greatest success as an indoor player with the San Diego Sockers. He also earned four caps, scoring two goals, with the U.S...
Steve ZungulSteve Zungul
Slaviša Žungul, known in the United States as Steve Zungul is a retired Yugoslavian-American football striker. Žungul began his career with Hajduk Split in his native Yugoslavia before moving to the United States where he became a dominant indoor soccer striker...