The Sacramento Gold was an American soccer club based in Sacramento, California that was a member of the American Soccer League. They were original called the Sacramento Spirits when founded in 1976. During their final months of existence in the 1980 season they were known as the Sacramento Spirit.
History In the team's inaugural season they failed to qualify for the ASL playoffs. In the 1977 season the Spirits won the West Division and made it to the ASL championship game. During the 1978 season the Spirits' ASL membership was canceled for failing to fulfill the obligations of the ASL constitution. They were replaced by a new team owned by local cabinet manufacturer, John Andreotti. Less than two weeks later the "new" franchise was named the Sacramento Gold and inherited the Spirits' 2–4–0 record, players, and remaining schedule. In 1979 Sacramento won the ASL title. For their part, the Gold ceased operations on July 16, 1980. In a situation similar to 1978, the Gold was replaced by the Spirit, however this time it was the club's boosters that assumed the responsibility of running the club. In the 1980 season the Sacramento club won the American Conference and reached the ASL title game for the third time in four years.
Coaches Dick Ott (1976) Bernard Hartze (1976) Bob Ridley (1976–77) Bill Williams (1979–80)
Yearly Awards ASL Coach of the Year 1977 - Bob Ridley
ASL Rookie of the Year 1977 - Mal Roche 1978 - Emilio John
ASL All-Star Team 1977 - Daniel Mammana 1979 - Mickey Brown, Ian Filby 1980 - Raul Carrizo ASL Leading Points Scorer 1979 - Ian Filby (45 Points)
Year-by-year YearDivisionLeagueReg. seasonPlayoffsU.S. Open Cup19762ASL5th, WestDid not qualifyDid not enter19772ASL1st, WestFinalDid not enter19782ASL4th, WesternDid not qualifyDid not enter19792ASL2nd, WesternChampionDid not enter19802ASL1st, AmericanFinalDid not enter
Honors American Soccer League Champions (1): 1979 Runners-up (2): 1977, 1980 Participations in CONCACAF Champions' Cup: 1980
References