Pittsburgh Spirit
| Full name | Pittsburgh Spirit |
|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Spirit |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Dissolved | 1986 |
| Stadium |
Civic Arena Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania |
| Capacity | 16,940 |
| Owner |
 Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (1981–86) |
| League | Major Indoor Soccer League |
Pittsburgh Spirit were an indoor soccer team based out of Pittsburgh and were one of the original six teams that played in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). The Spirit were founded in 1978, suspended operation for the 1980–81 season, then returned to the MISL until owner DeBartolo folded the team on April 11, 1986.[1] The seven seasons of play in Pittsburgh the Spirit average attendance for the regular season was 6,351. In the playoffs the Spirit average 7,117
The Pittsburgh Spirit were reinstated into the MISL after suspending operations during for the 1980–81 season. Stan Terlecki led the team with 74 goals, second in the MISL to Steve Zungul's (New York Arrows) 103 goals. Both Terlecki and Zungul were named MISL regular season MVP. Goaltender Krys Sobieski had the third-lowest goals-against average with a 4.20 GAA.
The Spirit would face the third-place Baltimore Blast in the playoffs. The Spirit won the first game of the playoffs 3–1 but lost the second game 6–5 in overtime. The Spirit lost the third game of the series 4–2, which eliminated the Spirit from post-season play.
The Spirit did not repeat the success of their previous season and played .500 soccer for the 1982–83 season (24–24–0). 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 sub-.500 goal, going 19–20 and watched his GAA fall to 4.88. The Spirit did not qualify for the playoffs during this season.
The Spirit would have their best season in 1983–84, going 32–16 despite losing two-time leading scorer Terlecki to the Golden Bay Earthquakes. The Spirit's attendance would peak during this season, drawing 8,000 fans. By comparison, the Pittsburgh Penguins averaged around 6,000 during the same season. Zeee Kapka would lead the Spirit with 66 points and former first round draft pick Joe Papaleo led the Spirit with a 16–8 record with a 4.12 GAA. Kevin Maher would earn the honor of MISL Rookie Of The Year. The Spirit made the playoffs, but would lose to the Cleveland Force three games to one. The scores of the games were 4–6, 4–1, 5–6 (OT), 3–5.
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