Buffalo Blazers

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Full nameBuffalo Blazers
Founded1976
StadiumWar Memorial Stadium
Buffalo, New York
Lackwanna Stadium
Lackawanna, New York
LeagueNational Soccer League

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) ever in the National Soccer League which was based in Canada.

History[]

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 with the hopes of increasing 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, 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 which consisted of many former Hamilton players.[15][16] The acquisitions proved initially successful as Buffalo produced an undefeated streak of eight matches.[17] Their 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 were denied participation in the playoffs by the league executive due to their financial and player issues.[18]

In 1981, the club ceased operations, and were replaced by Detroit Besa.[19]

Head Coach history[]

Seasons[]

Season League Teams Record Rank Playoffs Ref
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]

References[]

  1. ^ "1977-1980 Buffalo Blazers • Fun While It Lasted". Fun While It Lasted. 2013-09-19. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  2. ^ "The Canadian National Soccer League". The Canadian National Soccer League. Retrieved 2019-08-27.
  3. ^ "Windsor Stars blank Hamilton for successful debut in division". The Globe and Mail. May 3, 1976. p. S4.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  4. ^ "Tigers blanked by Hamilton". Ottawa Journal. May 10, 1976. p. 20.
  5. ^ Waring, Ed (December 8, 1975). "Meeting recommends NSL commissioner". The Globe and Mail. p. S8.
  6. ^ Byrnes, Kevin (January 30, 1978). "Business Scope Advertising". Buffalo Courier-Express. p. 34.
  7. ^ a b Billoni, Mike (April 23, 1978). "Buscarino Named Blazers' Coach". Buffalo Courier-Express. p. 47.
  8. ^ Munich, John (March 1, 1979). "Let's Talk Sport". Newspapers.com. Sun and the Erie County Independent. p. 12. Retrieved 2021-01-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  9. ^ "Blazers Set Talks With Falls Brass". Buffalo Courier-Express. June 11, 1978. p. 279.
  10. ^ "Red tape idles Stars". Windsor Star. July 17, 1978. p. 30.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ "Blazers Play As Amateurs". Buffalo Courier-Express. May 1, 1979. p. 26.
  12. ^ "Return Chartered for Blazers". Buffalo Courier-Express. October 5, 1979. p. 38.
  13. ^ "1981 Hamilton Steelers - Team of Distinction". Archived from the original on September 24, 2020. Retrieved January 5, 2021.
  14. ^ "Blazers Ink DelMonte". Buffalo Courier-Express. April 1, 1980. p. 55.
  15. ^ "Sudbury Cyclones lose as Albuquerque scores". Sudbury Star. May 12, 1980. p. 13.
  16. ^ "Cyclones hit road in weekend action". Sudbury Star. May 17, 1980. p. 13.
  17. ^ a b Falldien, Jack (August 18, 1980). "Cyclones blank Buffalo squad". Sudbury Star. p. 9.
  18. ^ "Playoff chances good after Cyclones win". Sudbury Star. September 8, 1980. p. 13.
  19. ^ Labow, Jeffrey (May 6, 1981). "Canadian flavor for new look NSL". The Globe and Mail. p. S4.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ^ Billoni, Mike (April 23, 1978). "Buscarino Named Blazers' Coach". Buffalo Courier-Express. p. 47.
  21. ^ a b c d "Buffalo Blazers | SoccerStats.us". soccerstats.us. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
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