Western Soccer League (1989)
American Professional Soccer League (1990)
Tombstone
Born: November 7, 1988 – WSL expanion franchise
Folded: Postseason 1990
First Game: April 22, 1989 (W 2-1 vs. Sacramento Senators)
Last Game:
WSL Championships: None
Stadium
La Playa Stadium (10,000)
Marketing
Team Colors: Red, Gold & White
Ownership
Owners: Michael Treman, Tony DePaco, et al.
Background
Obscure pro soccer outfit that played two summer seasons at Santa Barbara City College’s La Playa Stadium in 1989 and 1990. Real Santa Barbara joined the Western Soccer League as an expansion club in late 1988 and made their debut in April 1989.
Long-time USCB men’s coach Andy Kuenzli served as Real’s head coach and general manager during the 1989 season. The team finished 5-11, playing against clubs from Arizona, California and Oregon.
Soviet expatriate Valery Volostnykh replaced Kuenzli in 1990. Volostknykh was a taskmaster who fined players for drinking alcohol and profanity. But the team improved under his rule to finish with a record of 9 wins, 7 losses, 1 shootout win and 3 shootout losses. Jim Hutchinson and Cesar Plasencia led the 1990 squad in scoring with 9 goals each.
Real made the playoffs and lost to the Los Angeles Heat in a two-leg opening round series. The decisive 2nd leg match at La Playa Stadium on August 21, 1990 proved to be the club’s final game. Real Santa Barbara folded quietly following the 1990 season.
In Memoriam
Real Santa Barbara co-founder/president Michael Treman passed away in October 2017. Santa Barbara Independent obituary.
Links
##
