Sacramento Gold (1976–1980) Explained

The Sacramento Gold was an American soccer club based in Sacramento, California that was a member of the American Soccer League. They were original called the Sacramento Spirits when founded in 1976. During their final months of existence in the 1980 season they were known as the Sacramento Spirit.

History

In the team's inaugural season they failed to qualify for the ASL playoffs. In the 1977 season the Spirits won the West Division and made it to the ASL championship game. During the 1978 season the Spirits' ASL membership was canceled for failing to fulfill the obligations of the ASL constitution.[1] They were replaced by a new team owned by local cabinet manufacturer, John Andreotti. Less than two weeks later the "new" franchise was named the Sacramento Gold and inherited the Spirits' 2–4–0 record, players, and remaining schedule.[2] [3] In 1979 Sacramento won the ASL title. For their part, the Gold ceased operations on July 16, 1980.[4] In a situation similar to 1978, the Gold was replaced by the Spirit, however this time it was the club's boosters that assumed the responsibility of running the club.[5] [6] In the 1980 season the Sacramento club won the American Conference and reached the ASL title game for the third time in four years.

Coaches

Yearly Awards

ASL Coach of the Year

ASL Rookie of the Year

ASL All-Star Team

ASL Leading Points Scorer

Year-by-year

YearDivisionLeagueReg. SeasonPlayoffsU.S. Open Cup
19762ASL5th, WestDid not qualifyDid not enter
19772ASL1st, WestFinalDid not enter
19782ASL4th, WesternDid not qualifyDid not enter
19792ASL2nd, WesternChampionDid not enter
19802ASL1st, AmericanFinalDid not enter

Honors

References

Notes and References

  1. News: ASL Spirits collapse. June 16, 1978. San Francisco Examiner. 65. October 6, 2020.
  2. News: Johnson. Kent . Spirits Die, New ASL Club Born. June 16, 1978. Sacramento Bee. AA1. October 6, 2020.
  3. News: Gold Fails. June 23, 1978. Sacramento Bee. C2. October 6, 2020.
  4. News: Graswich . R.E. . Gold Fails In Bailout Try, Ceases Operation. July 17, 1980. Sacramento Bee. F1. October 6, 2020.
  5. News: Graswich . R.E. . ASL Accepts Boosters To Run Soccer Team . July 23, 1980. Sacramento Bee. D1. October 6, 2020.
  6. News: ASL Team Christened The 'Spirit' . July 30, 1980. Sacramento Bee. C1. October 6, 2020.
  7. News: Dick Ott appointed pro soccer coach. January 22, 1976. The Journal News (Hamilton, Ohio). 19. November 30, 2018.
  8. News: Weinstein . Leo . ASL Spirits' coach fired. July 28, 1976. San Francisco Examiner. 51. November 30, 2018.