Canadian Soccer League (1987–1992)
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| Founded | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Ceased | 1992 |
| Commissioner | Dale Barnes (1987–1991) |
| Divisions | 2 Regional (East & West) |
| No. of teams | High of 11, Low of 6 |
| Country | Canada |
| Confederation | CONCACAF |
| Most titles | Vancouver 86ers (4 Championships) |
| TV partner(s) | The Sports Network |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| International cup(s) | North American Club Championship (1990) |
The original Canadian Soccer League was a Division 1 professional soccer league that operated in Canada during May-Oct from 1987 to 1992. It was a nationwide league that had franchises in six provinces over the course of its history.
The CSL was formed in the aftermath of Canada's participation in the 1986 World Cup finals tournament held in Mexico. Canada was an oddity as a country whose association was able to qualify a team despite not having a domestic professional league, or even a domestically based professional team with the demise in 1984 of the U.S.-based North American Soccer League. Founding league commissioner Dale Barnes voiced sentiment aptly when he said the league is to "bring our players home."
The league gained a leap in credibility when an agreement was reached with The Sports Network to broadcast a CSL Game of the Week, allowing a nationwide audience to view a game on domestic cable TV each Sunday evening. Broadcasts featured play-by-play commentator Vic Rauter and analyst Graham Leggat. The league received sponsorship from Air Canada, Foster's Lager, Hyundai, and Gatorade. Also the league adopted the standard FIFA points system (2-1-0, then 3-1-0) as well as allowing for draws instead of 'Americanizing' the points system with confusing bonus points and two different categories for both wins and losses unlike the NASL or the APSL which was to follow.
The Canadian Soccer League showcased 13 teams throughout its six-year history, debuting in 1987 with 8 clubs. The league reached its peak of club participation and national exposure in the 1990 season with 11 clubs, while closing out its final season in 1992 with a low of 6 clubs. Some clubs involved in the league, such as the Vancouver 86ers and Toronto Blizzard, existed prior to the formation of the CSL and would go on to play in other leagues after the CSL's demise in following the 1992 season. Clubs participating in the CSL throughout its six years of existence included:
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