Columbus Capitals

American Indoor Soccer Association (1984-1986)

Tombstone

Born: June 1984 – AISA founding franchise
Folded: 1986

First Game: November 4, 1984 (W 12-11 vs. Kalamazoo Kangaroos)
Last Game:

AISA Championships: None

Arenas

1984-1985: The Ohio Center

1985-1986: Fairgrounds Coliseum (5,124)

Marketing

Team Colors:

Ownership

Owners:

1984: Jerry Galbreath & Dr. Bernie Masters
1984-1986: Robert Jerles

Attendance

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Print Download

Source: 1997-98 National Professional Soccer League Official Guide & Record Book

Trophy Case

American Indoor Soccer Association Most Valuable Player

1984-85: Lesh Shkreli

Background

Short-lived entry in the low-budget American Indoor Soccer Association. The Columbus Capitals were one of six original franchises when the AISA formed in early 1984. The league played out of minor league hockey arenas in the upper Midwest at the time. It was conceived as a low-budget alternative to the Major Indoor Soccer League (1978-1992) that played in major market NBA and NHL arenas.

The Caps’ Yugoslav-born forward Lesh Shkreli, a veteran of the American outdoor minor leagues, led the AISA in scoring during the inaugural 1984-85 season (59 goals, 44 assists, 103 points) and was named league MVP.

The team never caught on at the box office, averaging around 1,300 fans in each of its two seasons of play. The Capitals ceased operations during the summer of 1986. Owner Robert Jerles cited an inability to come to terms on dates or lease payments with either the Ohio Center or the Fairgrounds Coliseum, the arenas used by the Capitals during their first two seasons, for the 1986-87 season.

Thanks to contributor Claude Jacques for the Capitals pocket schedule for this entry.