Detroit Express (1981–1983)

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This article is about the American Soccer League team. For the original North American Soccer League team, see Detroit Express.
Detroit Express
Full nameDetroit Express
Nickname(s)The Express
Founded1981
Dissolved1983
GroundPontiac Silverdome
Capacity80,000
ChairmanSonny Van Arnem
Head CoachBrian Tinnion
LeagueAmerican Soccer League

The Detroit Express was an American soccer team based in Detroit, Michigan and a member of the American Soccer League. They joined the league in 1981 after the original NASL Express were moved to Washington D.C. to replace the Diplomats who had folded at the end of 1980. The ASL Express played their home games in the Pontiac Silverdome and then at Tartar Field on the campus of Wayne State University.

The 1981 Express finished second in the Freedom Division with a 15 win, 11 loss and 2 tie record. Mike Mancini was the leading scorer for Detroit with 16 goals, followed by Brian Tinnion with 9. The Express advanced to the second round of the playoffs with a 4–1 defeat of the New York Eagles, but were knocked out of the semi-finals 1–1 and 1–2 by New York United.

The 1982 ASL consisted of 7 teams in one division. With 19 wins, 4 ties, and 5 losses, The Express had the best record in the league. They then won the championship, defeating the Georgia Generals in the semi-finals and the Oklahoma City Slickers in the finals. Detroit players Brian Tinnion, Andy Chapman, and Billy Boljevic were 1, 2 and 4 overall in league scoring. And goal keeper Tad DeLorm had the best goals against average in the league.

By 1983 the league had shrunk down to 6 teams, but returned to the 2 division format. The Express struggled to a 12–13 record (the league instituted a shootout rule for the season) to finish 2nd in the Western Division behind the Dallas Americans, and did not make the playoffs. Billy Boljevic and Andy Chapman led the team in scoring with 9 goals each.

The ASL and the Express folded at the end of 1983.

Yearly awards[]

ASL All-Star Team

ASL Leading Goal Scorer

  • 1982 – Brian Tinnion (22 Goals)

ASL Leading Points Scorer

  • 1982 – Brian Tinnion (59 Points)

ASL MVP

  • 1982 – Brian Tinnion

ASL Leading Goalkeeper

Year-by-year[]

Year Division League W L T Pts Reg. Season Playoffs U.S. Open Cup
1981 2 ASL 15 11 2 125 2nd, Freedom Semifinals (Lost to New York United) Did not enter
1982 2 ASL 19 5 4 144 1st Champion Did not enter
1983 2 ASL 12 13 — 98 2nd, Western Did not qualify Did not enter

References[]

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