California Cougars
Charter PASL-Pro club based in Stockton, California.
The California Cougars were a charter member of the Professional Arena Soccer League, the top level of indoor soccer in North America. Founded in 2004, the team played at Stockton Arena in Stockton, California, wearing red, gold, and black. Antonio Sutton served as head coach from 2009 to 2011. The franchise began as a Major Indoor Soccer League expansion team purchased by real estate developer John Thomas in February 2004. The name was chosen to represent all of northern California as a regional team. Dennis Lukens, a former "A" League general manager, was the first GM, followed by Emily Ballus, a former WUSA executive. Located just 40 miles south of Sacramento, the team aimed to attract fans of the former Sacramento Knights from the CISL and WISL.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 2004
- Dissolved
- 2011
- Ground
- Stockton Arena
- Capacity
- 10,050
- Chairman
- misl
Facts from the source article.
Background
The Cougars began play in the 2005–2006 season after the construction of the Stockton Arena. In August 2006, the team was purchased by Rick and Greg Toy and their brother-in-law Jim Rachels. In May 2008, the team announced it was joining the Professional Arena Soccer League and would be renamed the Stockton Cougars. In April 2009, local businessman Fred Walke purchased majority interest in the franchise. For the 2009–2010 season, the Stockton Cougars went back to calling itself California Cougars. The team's head coaches were Troy Dayak (2005–2007), Bernie Lilavois (2007–2009), and Antonio Sutton (2009–2011). Assistant coaches included Dennis Lukens (2005–2006), Antonio Sutton (2007–2009), and Aaron Susi (2008–2011). The team played all its home matches at Stockton Arena from 2005 to 2011.
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