Pittsburgh Spirit

Pittsburgh Spirit was an indoor soccer team based in Pittsburgh and one of the original six teams that played in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). The Spirit was founded in 1978, suspended operation for the 1980–81 season, then returned to the MISL until owner Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. folded the team on April 11, 1986. In its seven seasons of play in Pittsburgh, the Spirit amassed an overall regular season win-loss record of 153-139, two postseason appearances, and an average regular season attendance of 6,351. 1981–82 The Pittsburgh Spirit was reinstated into the MISL in 1981 after suspending operations the previous season. Stan Terlecki led the team with 74 goals, second in the MISL to Steve Zungul's (New York Arrows) 103 goals, and in points (total combined goals and assists) with 117. Both Terlecki and Zungul were named the MISL's regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP). Meanwhile, goalkeeper Krys Sobieski achieved a 4.20 goals-against average (GAA), the third lowest in the league. The Spirit finished the regular season with a 31-13 record (including a franchise best .705 winning percentage), securing second place in the Eastern Division and a playoff berth. The team faced the third-place Baltimore Blast in the Division Semifinals. The Spirit won the first game of the playoffs 3–1, but would go on to lose the second contest 6–5 in overtime and the series' third and final game 4–2, eliminating the Spirit from further postseason play. 1982–83 The Spirit were unable to repeat its previous season's success and played .500 soccer for the 1982–83 season (24–24). Despite its mediocre regular season record, the team very narrowly missed the playoffs. Stan Terlecki once again led the Spirit in goals (65) and points (105), and forward Paul Child finished in the top 25 in points (68). Krys Sobieski played at a sub-.500 goalkeeping level, going 19–20 and watched his GAA fall to 4.88.