American Soccer League (1988-1989)
American Professional Soccer League (1990-1991)
Tombstone
Born: 1987 – ASL founding franchise
Folded: January 20, 1992
First Game: April 17, 1988 (W 3-1 vs. Boston Bolts)
Last Game: September 14, 1991 (W 2-1, L 0-0 [5-4 shootout loss in mini-game] vs. Albany Capitals)
APSL Champions: 1990
Stadia
1988-1989: UMBC Stadium
1990-1991: Cedar Lane Park (4,000)11991 Maryland Bays Program
1991: RFK Stadium (55,000)21991 Maryland Bays Program
Marketing
Team Colors: Red, White, Black & Gold31991 Maryland Bays Program
Ownership
Owners:
- 19??-1990: John Liparini
- 1991: John Liparini and John Koskinen
Trophy Case
ASL Most Valuable Player
- 1990: Phillip Gyau (F)*
*Also known as the APSL East Conference MVP in 1990
APSL Most Valuable Player
- 1991: Jean Harbor (F)
Background
The Maryland Bays were one of the best pro soccer clubs in America during the late 1980’s and early 1990’s during an era when the outdoor game was at a particularly low ebb in the U.S. Over the course of four seasons, the Bays posted a 79-31 record and won a national title in 1990. The 1991 Bays squad was perhaps even stronger, dominating the American Professional Soccer League with a 19-2 regular season record. But a stunning 1991 semi-final playoff defeat to the Albany Capitals prevented Maryland from defending its crown.
Bays forwards Philip Gyau and Jean Harbor won back-to-back APSL Most Valuable Player awards in 1990 and 1991. The club also featured U.S. National Team players Jeff Agoos, Desmond Armstrong and Bruce Murray.
The Bays split their games between UMBC Stadium in Catonsville and Cedar Lane Park in Columbia. The club also played a handful of games at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The club consistently lost money every season. Co-owners John Liparini and John Koskinen announced the dissolution of the franchise in January 1992.
Maryland Bays Shop
Downloads
July 2, 1988 Bays vs. Boston Bolts Game Notes
7-2-1988 Maryland Bays vs Boston Bolts Game Notes
May 21, 1989 Bays @ New Jersey Eagles Press Notes
7-23-1989 Bays vs. Albany Capitals Roster
July 21, 1990 Bays vs. New Jersey Eagles Game Notes
June 16, 1991 Bays vs. Millonarios (Colombia) Roster Sheet
Links
American Soccer League Media Guides
###
