1978 – 1986
A founding franchise of the Major Indoor Soccer League, and Pittsburgh's introduction to the indoor game.
The short version
When the Major Indoor Soccer League kicked off in the winter of 1978–79, the Pittsburgh Spirit were one of its six founding clubs — playing a fast, physical, boards-and-turf game that most American fans had never seen before.
Founding owner Jim Milhalke brought the team to life in 1978. Home was the Civic Arena, the retractable-dome landmark that also housed the Penguins. The early years were lean. The Spirit finished that first season 6–18 and drew the smallest crowds in the league. Beer distributor Frank Fuhrer bought the club in August 1979 and shut it down a season later.
The Spirit returned in late 1981 under Edward J. DeBartolo Sr., who at one point owned three Pittsburgh teams at once — the Penguins, the Spirit, and the USFL's Maulers. That second era was the good one. The 1983–84 team went 32–16, the best regular season in club history, and averaged around 8,000 fans a night. DeBartolo folded the franchise on April 11, 1986.
By the numbers
Season by season
The MISL's inaugural season. The Spirit were one of six founding franchises and finished 6–18, drawing 2,801 a night across a twelve-game home schedule and beginning to build a legion of loyal fans.
Pittsburgh beer distributor Frank Fuhrer bought the club in August 1979. He ran it for a single season and shut it down at the end of the year.
While the Spirit revitalized the franchise, the MISL played on.
The comeback. Penguins owner Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. revived the franchise in late 1981. Stan Terlecki lit up the league with 74 goals and 117 points — second only to Steve Zungul of the New York Arrows. Billy McNicol, Mickey Cave, Paul Child, and Graham Fyfe each hit fifteen or more. Keeper Krys Sobieski posted a 4.20 goals-against average, third best in the MISL. Dave MacKenzie and John O'Hara anchored a stubborn Spirit defense.
The Spirit were unable to repeat the previous season's success and played .500 soccer at 24–24, very narrowly missing the playoffs. Stan Terlecki again led the Spirit in goals (65) and points (105), and forward Paul Child finished in the top 25 in points (68). Krys Sobieski went 19–20 in goal.
The best of it. A 32–16 record — the winningest regular season the club would ever have — and average attendance peaking over 8,000, even after losing Terlecki to the Golden Bay Earthquakes.
Zee Kapka led the Spirit offense with 66 points, and former first-round draft pick goalkeeper Joe Papaleo forged a 16–8 record with a 4.12 GAA. Kevin Maher earned the honor of MISL Rookie of the Year. Second in the Eastern Division, the Spirit made the postseason but lost in the semifinals.
The Spirit finished sixth at 19–29. Former leading scorer Stan Terlecki returned and led the team with 39 goals and 66 points. Goalkeeper Peter Mowlik finished the season 11–13 with a 4.71 GAA.
Despite large, enthusiastic crowds, this season marked the end for the Pittsburgh Spirit in the MISL. The team finished just four games out of first place in the Eastern Division with a record of 23–25. Goaltender David Brcic was named to the All-MISL team. After the final whistle, the Pittsburgh Spirit franchise folded.
Records compiled from public MISL archives. Spot something wrong, or have a season we have missed? Just email us!
The archive
Team photos, game nights at the Arena, programs, and the jerseys — contributed by alumni.
Click any photo to see it full size.
We are building this archive from whatever alumni can dig up — photos, programs, ticket stubs, newspaper clippings, video. Mention it on your RSVP, or bring it to the dinner and we will scan it on the spot.
Film room
Game footage still wanted
Match footage, news clips, and highlights will live here.
If you know of tape that still exists, we would like to hear about it.
Forty years later, the team gets back together. October 9–10, 2026.
