National Professional Soccer League (1990-2001)
Tombstone
Born: October 1989 – NPSL expansion franchise
Folded: August 2001
First Game: November 6, 1990 (L 13-12 @ New York Kick)
Last Game: April 1, 2001 (L 22-4 @ Milwaukee Wave)
NPSL Champions: 1992
Arenas
1990-1996: Cobo Arena
1996-1999: Joe Louis Arena
1999-2000: The Palace of Auburn Hills
2000-2001: Compuware Arena
Branding
Team Colors:
Ownership
Owners:
- 1990-1993: Total Soccer, Inc.
- 1993-1999: Mike Ilitch & Marian Ilitch
- 1999-2001: Robert VanHellemont, Gary Miller & David Woodrow
Background
The Detroit Rockers were an indoor soccer team that earned a modest following in the Motor City during the 1990’s. The Rockers won the championship of the National Professional Soccer League during their second season in the winter of 1991-92. But for most part the Rockers were also-rans, failing to make the playoffs during their final six seasons of existence.
Key performers included forward Andy Chapman (1991-1994), player-coach Pato Margetic (1994-1999), forward Drago Dumbovic, and long-time goalkeeper Bryan Finnerty.
From 1993 until 1999 the Rockers were owned by Detroit Red Wings and Tigers owner Mike Ilitch and his wife Marian. During this same period, Detroit had a competing indoor team, the Detroit Neon, owned by Pistons owner William Davidson. But by the late 1990’s, heavy hitter investors like Ilitch and Davidson soured on indoor soccer. The Neon folded in 1997. Ilitch sold off the Rockers in 1999.
In a cost-cutting move, the team moved to a small suburban arena in suburban Plymouth Township in 2000. In August 2001, the National Professional Soccer League disbanded. Six former NPSL immediately re-group to form a new league known as the Major Indoor Soccer League (2001-2008). But Rockers ownership elected not to join the MISL and went out of business.
Detroit Rockers Shop
Detroit Rockers Video
The Rockers host the Harrisburg Heat at the Palace of Auburn Hills during the 1999-00 season.
Links
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5 Responses
I WAS A PARTIAL OWNER WHEN WE WON THE NPSL CHAMPIONSHIP….
Did you co-own with someone named Robert?
I am trying to contact Brian Tinnion who I understand coached the Rockers. I am writing a book and played football with Brian 60 years ago at school in Workington England. I have lived in New Zealand for the past 46 years.
I believe Brian still runs Total Soccer in Fraser, Mi. It’s an indoor soccer facility. I also think his son Joey is the men’s coach at Rochester University in Rochester, Mi.
Brian Co owner total siccer in Frazer south of 15mile in Utica east side office in building left side