Cleveland Force (1978–1988)
Charter MISL franchise that turned a profit before folding in 1988.
The original Cleveland Force was a charter franchise of the original Major Indoor Soccer League, operating from 1978 to 1988. Its nickname referenced the Force from Star Wars, and the team initially used Darth Vader and Star Wars music until litigation forced a change, later resolved with George Lucas.
Quick Facts
- Founded
- 1978
- Folded
- July 22, 1988
- League
- Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL)
- Home venue
- Richfield Coliseum
- First owner
- Eric J. Henderson
- Peak attendance
- 19,106 (playoff game vs. Chicago Sting)
Facts from the source article.
History
The Force began the 1978–79 season by splitting their first two games, but then lost 13 of their final 14 to finish sixth, one game behind the Pittsburgh Spirit. Only Brian Budd and Roy Sinclair reached double digits in goals, with 24 and 10 respectively. The next season, the MISL expanded to 10 teams and a 32-game schedule; Cleveland was placed in the Central Division with Houston, Detroit, St. Louis and Wichita. The roster was almost entirely new, with only four players returning, and the team tied for last in the division with the St. Louis Steamers.
Attendance remained a concern until a crowd of 19,106 filled the Richfield Coliseum for a playoff game against the Chicago Sting, after which the team became an overnight success. The Force qualified for the playoffs each subsequent year and averaged at least 11,000 fans per game until folding. Despite on-field and attendance success, Wolstein grew displeased with other MISL owners' lack of investment. With other clubs folding and Cleveland's attendance declining, he folded the team in July 1988, one month after the club reached the championship round for the first time and was swept in four games by the San Diego Sockers.
More in Defunct Indoor Soccer Clubs in the United States
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