Continental Indoor Soccer League (1995-1997)
Tombstone
Born: November 20, 1993 – CISL expansion franchise11996 Seattle SeaDogs Media Guide
Folded: December 23, 1997
First Game: June 23, 1995 (W 6-5 vs. San Jose Grizzlies)
Last Game: October 19, 1997 (W 7-1 @ Houston Hotshots)
CISL Champions: 1997
Arenas
1995: Mercer Arena (4,055)21995 Detroit Neon Media Guide
Opened: 1927
Demolished: 2017
1996-1997: KeyArena (14,545)31997 Continental Indoor Soccer League Official Guide
Opened: 1962
Marketing
Team Colors: Green, Purple & Black41997 Continental Indoor Soccer League Official Guide
Radio:
- 1995: KJR (950 AM)
Mascot: Salty (the SeaDog)
Ownership
Owner: Barry Ackerley
Background
The Seattle SeaDogs were a three-season entry in the Continental Indoor Soccer League (1993-1997), a summertime league that attracted investment from a number of NBA franchise owners. The SeaDogs were backed by Seattle Sonics owner and billboard magnate Barry Ackerley. The club shared much of their front office infrastructure with the Sonics.
Former U.S. National Team midfielder Fernando Clavijo coached the team through all three of its seasons. The SeaDogs were also-rans for their first two seasons, finishing with losing records in 1995 (12-16) and 1996 (11-17). The ‘Dogs were also a poor draw at the box office. In their first season, played at the old Mercer Arena, the club averaged 2,341 fans per match, which was the worst figure in the 15-team CISL. In 1996, the team moved to modern KeyArena, the home of the Sonics, and attendance bumped up to 3,812 per game.
Championship Season & Demise
In 1997 the SeaDogs surged to a league-best 21-7 regular season record and then defeated the Houston Hotshots in the CISL championship series. Clavijo was named the CISL’s Coach-of-the-Year. Goalkeeper Juan de la O was named Goalkeeper-of-the-Year and MVP of the championship series.
Unfortunately that would be all she wrote for the Seattle SeaDogs. Internal dissension killed off the CISL shortly thereafter. The league folded on December 23, 1997.
Seattle SeaDogs Shop
Seattle SeaDogs Video
Grainy footage of the Seadogs 1996 home opener against the Portland Pride, via the guys at GoalWA.net
In Memoriam
Former SeaDogs owner Barry Ackerley passed away after suffering a stroke on March 21, 2011 at age 76. Seattle Times obituary.
Links
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