Buffalo Blazers was a soccer team in Buffalo, New York. They competed in the National Soccer League[1] from 1976-1978, 1980.[2][3] They were one of only four American teams (Detroit Besa, Detroit Canadians, and Detroit Vardar) to have competed in the National Soccer League which was based in Canada.
Full name | Buffalo Blazers |
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Founded | 1976 |
Stadium | War Memorial Stadium Buffalo, New York Lackwanna Stadium Lackawanna, New York |
League | National Soccer League |
The Blazers joined the NSL for the 1976 season and became the first representative from Buffalo to compete in the league.[4][5] The team ownership initially applied for a franchise in the North American Soccer League, but the Upstate New York territorial rights were held by the Rochester Lancers.[6] Buffalo's first home venue was at Lackwanna Stadium in Lackawanna, New York.[7] The Blazers in 1977 played their games at War Memorial Stadium, and secured promotion to the NSL First Division.[8][7] In July 1978, the team moved their home venue to Hyde Park Stadium in Niagara Falls, New York to increase their attendance numbers.[9][10]
In 1979, the Blazers played as an amateur soccer team with Stephen Mechtler serving as the head coach.[11] In 1980, after a one-year hiatus in 1980, the Blazers continued competition in the National Soccer League.[12] The Blazers hired Carlo Del Monte as their head coach who previously managed Hamilton Italo-Canadians.[13][14] Del Monte assembled a roster that consisted of many former Hamilton players.[15][16] The acquisitions proved initially successful as Buffalo produced an undefeated streak of eight matches.[17] They're on field performance would later produce mediocre results due to internal strife within the organization.[17] The club managed to secure the final postseason berth, but the league executive denied participation in the playoffs due to their financial and player issues.[18]
In 1981, the club ceased operations, and were replaced by Detroit Besa.[19]
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Season | League | Teams | Record | Rank | Playoffs | Ref |
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1976 | National Soccer League (Second Division) | 8 | 9–2–10 | 4th | – | [21] |
1977 | 10 | 12–3–3 | 3rd | – | [21] | |
1978 | National Soccer League (First Division) | 11 | 3–3–14 | 11th | – | [21] |
1980 | National Soccer League | 12 | 8–2–12 | 8th | – | [21] |
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