San Francisco Bay Seals
Encyclopedia
San Francisco Seals was an American soccer team based in San Francisco
, California
, United States
. Founded in 1992, the team played in the USL Premier Development League
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
, until 2008, when the franchise left the league.
The team played its home games at Negoesco Stadium
on the campus of the University of San Francisco
. The team's colors were black, red and white.
Starting in 2009, the Seals run two teams (U20 and U23
) and provide the training and game experience to high school and college players, and work with others who aspire to play professionally.
, SFUSC soon became a "super club" and a dominant force in California state youth soccer. In 1990 SFUSC won the California Youth Soccer Associations (CYSA) state championship. It then continued on to take the Region IV title which put it into the National Cup final. However, the rise of the "super clubs" such as SFUSC and the La Jolla (San Diego) Nomads sparked a counter reaction from smaller California youth teams and in 1992 CYSA implemented rules to prevent these clubs from forming or competing. Faced with this opposition, the SFUSC decided to forsake the traditional path to amateur success, through the state competitions, and enter a team in the U.S. Interregional Soccer League (USISL), the forerunner of today's United Soccer Leagues
.
In 1992, the SFSCU formed its team, known as the San Francisco All-Blacks based on its all black uniform, and entered it in the USISL. While the first year went poorly, the team continued to improve in the face of stiff national-level competition. In 1994, the All Blacks, now known as San Francisco United, took first place in the Pacific Conference. In 1996, the club changed the team's name to the San Francisco Bay Seals. In 1998, the Seals moved up to the A-League
. In 2000, SFSCU sold the team to new ownership, which renamed the team the Bay Area Seals. However, the Seals lasted only to the end of the 2000 season before folding.
The Seals were division champions three times, in 1994, 1995 and 1997. In 1997, the Seals made an incredible and historic run to the semi finals of the US Open Cup. After winning the D3 US Open Cup, the Seals knocked out the Seattle Sounders
, the previous year's Open Cup Champions. They then took out two Major League Soccer
clubs. First came the Kansas City Wiz in the round of 16, and then the San Jose Clash in the quarter finals at the Clash's home field, Spartan Stadium
. The Seals' Cinderella run through higher division clubs came to an end in the semi-finals when they lost 2-1 to D.C. United
.
- left the team well in contention for the playoffs as the second half of the campaign began. However, a disappointing run of results in the latter half of 2007, including a winless streak of 5 games from mid-June to early July saw the team slip down the table, eventually finishing 6th. The end of the season was enlivened by a staggering 8-1 victory over California Gold
that featured a brace by Luke Sassano
. Jose Diaz
and Peruvian striker John Colan were the team's top scorers, notching 13 goals between them, while Shani Simpson contributed 4 assists.
2007 was a similar seesaw season of disappointing inconsistency for the Seals, when victory following defeat following victory following defeat all year long - this despite the presence of former Manchester City defender Danny Warrender
marshalling the back line. The Seals did enjoy a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Orange County Blue Star
in July, but failed to overcome their Bay Area rivals San Jose Frogs
in their two-game series, losing 2-0 in San Jose in June, and losing 2-0 at home in their season finale. The Seals eventually finished a comfortable mid-table 6th; Anton Peterlin and Keith Ratzberg were joint top scorers with 3 goals each, while Richard Halvorsen registered 3 assists.
The Seals began 2008 in fine form, picking up four wins in their first six games, including 3-2 opening day victory over Fresno Fuego
that featured a brace from Kellan Wilson, and a come-from-behind victory over Orange County Blue Star
which again saw Wilson increase his goal tally by two. They only just missed out on qualifying for the US Open Cup, beaten by a similarly fast-starting Los Angeles Legends, but suffered a down-turn in form in June, picking up just one win (2-0 away to Southern California Seahorses
) and suffering a desperate last-minute loss away at Los Angeles Legends. It was this inconsistency which ultimately cost the Seals a place in the post-season; after three back to back wins in July, including a nailbiting 3-2 win over Lancaster Rattlers
, nerves set in; a 3-0 final day loss to San Jose Frogs
when a win was required proved to be the ultimate nail in the coffin. They eventually finished the season in 4th, just two points out of the playoffs. Kellan Wilson and Peter Lovell were joint top scorers with six goals each.
In December 2008 the Seals announced that, due to the folding of their local competition the San Jose Frogs
, and the state of the economy, they would not be fielding a PDL team in 2009.
, 20 July 2008
C. J. Brown
Efrain Burgos, Jr.
Troy Dayak
Jose Carlos Diaz
Joe Enochs
Matt Fitzgerald Stefan Frei
Kevin Long Rawlston Masaniai
Brandon McDonald
Anton Peterlin
Steve Purdy
Chris Rodd
Luke Sassano
Marquis White
Corey Woolfolk
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Founded in 1992, the team played in the USL Premier Development League
USL Premier Development League
The USL Premier Development League is the amateur league of the United Soccer Leagues in the United States, Canada, and Bermuda, forming part of the American Soccer Pyramid...
(PDL), the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid
American Soccer Pyramid
The United States soccer pyramid is a term used in soccer to describe the structure of the league system in the United States. The country's governing body for the sport, the United States Soccer Federation , oversees the system but does not operate any of its component leagues—with one temporary...
, until 2008, when the franchise left the league.
The team played its home games at Negoesco Stadium
Negoesco Stadium
Negoesco Stadium is a 3,000 seat soccer stadium located in San Francisco, California, on the campus of University of San Francisco. Named for legendary USF Soccer Coach Steve Negoesco. It is the home field for the men's and women's soccer teams. Negoesco is also the primary home field for the San...
on the campus of the University of San Francisco
University of San Francisco
The University of San Francisco , is a private, Jesuit/Catholic university located in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1855, USF was established as the first university in San Francisco. It is the second oldest institution for higher learning in California and the tenth-oldest university of...
. The team's colors were black, red and white.
Starting in 2009, the Seals run two teams (U20 and U23
San Francisco United S.C.
San Francisco United Soccer Club are a team based in San Francisco, California.-History:The club is the U-20 and U-23 team of San Francisco Seals....
) and provide the training and game experience to high school and college players, and work with others who aspire to play professionally.
Early Years
The San Francisco United Soccer Club (SFUSC) was first organized as a youth soccer club in 1985. Drawing on talented players from throughout the Bay AreaSan Francisco Bay Area
The San Francisco Bay Area, commonly known as the Bay Area, is a populated region that surrounds the San Francisco and San Pablo estuaries in Northern California. The region encompasses metropolitan areas of San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose, along with smaller urban and rural areas...
, SFUSC soon became a "super club" and a dominant force in California state youth soccer. In 1990 SFUSC won the California Youth Soccer Associations (CYSA) state championship. It then continued on to take the Region IV title which put it into the National Cup final. However, the rise of the "super clubs" such as SFUSC and the La Jolla (San Diego) Nomads sparked a counter reaction from smaller California youth teams and in 1992 CYSA implemented rules to prevent these clubs from forming or competing. Faced with this opposition, the SFUSC decided to forsake the traditional path to amateur success, through the state competitions, and enter a team in the U.S. Interregional Soccer League (USISL), the forerunner of today's United Soccer Leagues
United Soccer Leagues
The United Soccer Leagues is the organizer of several soccer leagues with teams in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. It includes men's and women's leagues, both professional and amateur. Leagues currently organized are the USL Pro, the USL Premier Development League, the W-League, and...
.
USL First Division
The United Soccer Leagues First Division was a professional men's soccer league in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico....
. In 2000, SFSCU sold the team to new ownership, which renamed the team the Bay Area Seals. However, the Seals lasted only to the end of the 2000 season before folding.
The Seals were division champions three times, in 1994, 1995 and 1997. In 1997, the Seals made an incredible and historic run to the semi finals of the US Open Cup. After winning the D3 US Open Cup, the Seals knocked out the Seattle Sounders
Seattle Sounders (USL)
Seattle Sounders was an American professional soccer team founded in 1994 as a member of the American Professional Soccer League. In 1997, the team became a member of the USL First Division, the second tier of the United States soccer pyramid, until 2008, after which the majority of the team's...
, the previous year's Open Cup Champions. They then took out two Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer
Major League Soccer is a professional soccer league based in the United States and sanctioned by the United States Soccer Federation . The league is composed of 19 teams — 16 in the U.S. and 3 in Canada...
clubs. First came the Kansas City Wiz in the round of 16, and then the San Jose Clash in the quarter finals at the Clash's home field, Spartan Stadium
Spartan Stadium (San Jose)
Spartan Stadium, located in San Jose, California, is the official stadium of the San José State University Spartans athletics teams. It is currently the home of the Spartan football and soccer teams....
. The Seals' Cinderella run through higher division clubs came to an end in the semi-finals when they lost 2-1 to D.C. United
D.C. United
D.C. United is an American professional soccer club based in Washington, D.C. which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. It is one of the ten charter clubs of MLS, having competed in the league since its inception, in 1996.Over the...
.
Resurrection in the PDL
Then, in 2006, after a six-year gap, the original club owners resurrected the team, this time as a franchise in the PDL as the San Francisco Seals. Their first year back in competition was fairly decent - four wins in their first six games, including a comprehensive 3-1 over California GoldCalifornia Gold
Not to be confused with the television series California's GoldCalifornia Gold was an American soccer team, founded in 2002. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2006, when the team left the league and...
- left the team well in contention for the playoffs as the second half of the campaign began. However, a disappointing run of results in the latter half of 2007, including a winless streak of 5 games from mid-June to early July saw the team slip down the table, eventually finishing 6th. The end of the season was enlivened by a staggering 8-1 victory over California Gold
California Gold
Not to be confused with the television series California's GoldCalifornia Gold was an American soccer team, founded in 2002. The team was a member of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2006, when the team left the league and...
that featured a brace by Luke Sassano
Luke Sassano
Luke Sassano is an American soccer player who currently plays for Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer. Sassano has played at various positions including as a holding midfielder, right back and central defender.-Youth and College:Sassano began his career at Lamorinda Soccer Club...
. Jose Diaz
Jose Diaz
Jose Diaz may refer to:*José Díaz , Spanish politician*Jose "Pepi" Diaz, American attorney and The Apprentice contestant*Joselo Díaz, Major League Baseball player*Jose Diaz-Balart, American journalist...
and Peruvian striker John Colan were the team's top scorers, notching 13 goals between them, while Shani Simpson contributed 4 assists.
2007 was a similar seesaw season of disappointing inconsistency for the Seals, when victory following defeat following victory following defeat all year long - this despite the presence of former Manchester City defender Danny Warrender
Danny Warrender
Daniel "Danny" Warrender is an English professional footballer.Warrender has previously played for Manchester City, in his hometown, and Blackpool...
marshalling the back line. The Seals did enjoy a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star is an American soccer team based in Irvine, California, United States. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at...
in July, but failed to overcome their Bay Area rivals San Jose Frogs
San Jose Frogs
San Jose Frogs was an American soccer team based in San Jose, California, United States. Founded in 2005, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2008, when the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played its...
in their two-game series, losing 2-0 in San Jose in June, and losing 2-0 at home in their season finale. The Seals eventually finished a comfortable mid-table 6th; Anton Peterlin and Keith Ratzberg were joint top scorers with 3 goals each, while Richard Halvorsen registered 3 assists.
The Seals began 2008 in fine form, picking up four wins in their first six games, including 3-2 opening day victory over Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego
Fresno Fuego is an American soccer team based in Fresno, California, United States. Founded in 2003, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at Chukchansi...
that featured a brace from Kellan Wilson, and a come-from-behind victory over Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star
Orange County Blue Star is an American soccer team based in Irvine, California, United States. Founded in 1997, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home games at...
which again saw Wilson increase his goal tally by two. They only just missed out on qualifying for the US Open Cup, beaten by a similarly fast-starting Los Angeles Legends, but suffered a down-turn in form in June, picking up just one win (2-0 away to Southern California Seahorses
Southern California Seahorses
Southern California Seahorses is an American soccer team based in La Mirada, California, United States. Founded in 2001, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference.The team plays its home...
) and suffering a desperate last-minute loss away at Los Angeles Legends. It was this inconsistency which ultimately cost the Seals a place in the post-season; after three back to back wins in July, including a nailbiting 3-2 win over Lancaster Rattlers
Lancaster Rattlers
Lancaster Rattlers is an American soccer team based in Lancaster, California, United States. Founded in 2006, the team plays in the National Premier Soccer League , a national amateur league at the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the Southwest Division.The team plays its home games...
, nerves set in; a 3-0 final day loss to San Jose Frogs
San Jose Frogs
San Jose Frogs was an American soccer team based in San Jose, California, United States. Founded in 2005, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2008, when the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played its...
when a win was required proved to be the ultimate nail in the coffin. They eventually finished the season in 4th, just two points out of the playoffs. Kellan Wilson and Peter Lovell were joint top scorers with six goals each.
In December 2008 the Seals announced that, due to the folding of their local competition the San Jose Frogs
San Jose Frogs
San Jose Frogs was an American soccer team based in San Jose, California, United States. Founded in 2005, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2008, when the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played its...
, and the state of the economy, they would not be fielding a PDL team in 2009.
Final squad
vs. San Jose FrogsSan Jose Frogs
San Jose Frogs was an American soccer team based in San Jose, California, United States. Founded in 2005, the team played in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2008, when the franchise folded and the team left the league.The team played its...
, 20 July 2008
Notable former players
Espen BaardsenEspen Baardsen
Espen Baardsen is a former footballer. He played as a goalkeeper. Born in the United States to Norwegian parents, he was selected for the USA under-18 national team before switching his international eligibility to Norway because of his dual nationality.-Club career:In 1995 Baardsen was spotted by...
C. J. Brown
C. J. Brown
C. J. Brown is a former American soccer player who is currently an assistant head coach for Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer.-College and Amateur:...
Efrain Burgos, Jr.
Efrain Burgos, Jr.
Efrain "Junior" Burgos, Jr. is a Salvadoran footballer. He is the son of former footballer Efrain Burgos.-College and Amateur:...
Troy Dayak
Troy Dayak
Troy Dayak is a former American soccer player who played as central defender. He spent his entire Major League Soccer career with the San Jose Clash/Earthquakes and nearly all of his professional career playing for Bay Area teams.-San Francisco Bay Blackhawks:Dayak grew up in Walnut Creek,...
Jose Carlos Diaz
Carlos Diaz (American footballer)
Jose Carlos Diaz is a Mexican-American professional soccer player, who currently plays for W Connection of Trinidad and Tobago.- Youth career :...
Joe Enochs
Joe Enochs
Joseph “Joe” Enochs is a retired American soccer player who spent the majority of his career at German Second Division club VfL Osnabrück. He began his professional career with the San Francisco United All Blacks before moving to Germany to sign with FC St. Pauli. He never played for the first...
Matt Fitzgerald Stefan Frei
Stefan Frei
Stefan Frei is a Swiss footballer who currently plays for Toronto FC in Major League Soccer.-Youth and college:...
Kevin Long Rawlston Masaniai
Rawlston Masaniai
Rawlston "Rawley" Masaniai is an American Samoan soccer player who plays as a midfielder. He was one of the first players from American Samoa to play at international level.-Club career:...
Brandon McDonald
Brandon McDonald (soccer)
Brandon McDonald is an American soccer player who currently plays for D.C. United in Major League Soccer.-Amateur and College:...
Anton Peterlin
Anton Peterlin (soccer)
Anton Alexander Peterlin is an American soccer player who plays for Football League One club Walsall as a midfielder, having previously played for San Francisco Seals, Ventura County Fusion, Everton and Plymouth Argyle....
Steve Purdy
Steve Purdy
Steve Purdy is an American-born Salvadoran footballer currently playing for Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer.-College:...
Chris Rodd
Chris Rodd
Christopher Henry Trevor Rodd is an American professional soccer player. He plays for Bryne FK in the Norway's Adeccoligaen.- Biography :...
Luke Sassano
Luke Sassano
Luke Sassano is an American soccer player who currently plays for Sporting Kansas City in Major League Soccer. Sassano has played at various positions including as a holding midfielder, right back and central defender.-Youth and College:Sassano began his career at Lamorinda Soccer Club...
Marquis White
Marquis White
Marquis White was a U.S. soccer forward who spent time playing in both the Netherlands, Bolivia and the United States. He played two seasons in Major League Soccer, two in the USISL and one in the USL A-League. He currently teaches high school and is the Technical Director of the Diablo F.C...
Corey Woolfolk
Corey Woolfolk
Corey Woolfolk is an American soccer forward who currently plays for the San Francisco Seals of the Premier Development League. He had previously spent six seasons in the USL First Division....
Year-by-year
| Year | Team Name | Division | League | Regular Season | Playoffs | Open Cup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | San Francisco All Blacks | N/A | USISL | 3rd, Pacific | Did not qualify | Did not enter |
| 1993 | San Francisco All Blacks | N/A | USISL | 3rd, Pacific | Divisional Finals | Did not enter |
| 1994 | San Francisco United All Blacks | 3 | USISL | 1st, Pacific | Divisional Semifinals | Did not enter |
| 1995 | San Francisco United All Blacks | N/A | USISL Premier League | 1st, Pacific | 3rd Place | Did not qualify |
| 1996 | San Francisco Bay Seals | 4 | USISL Premier League | 2nd, Western Northern | Final | Did not qualify |
| 1997 | San Francisco Bay Seals | 3 | USISL D-3 Pro League | 1st, West | Semifinals | Semifinals |
| 1998 | San Francisco Bay Seals | 2 | USISL A-League | 6th, Pacific | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 1999 | San Francisco Bay Seals | 2 | USL A-League | 6th, Pacific | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2000 | Bay Area Seals | 2 | USL A-League | 5th, Pacific | Conference Quarterfinals | Did not qualify |
| 2006 | San Francisco Seals | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Southwest | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2007 | San Francisco Seals | 4 | USL PDL | 6th, Southwest | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
| 2008 | San Francisco Seals | 4 | USL PDL | 4th, Southwest | Did not qualify | Did not qualify |
Honors
- USISL D3 Pro League Western Conference Champions 1997
- US Open Cup Semi-Finalists 1997
- USISL Premier League Regular Season Champions 1995
- USISL Premier League Pacific Conference Champions 1995
- USISL Pacific Conference Champions 1994
Stadia
- Negoesco StadiumNegoesco StadiumNegoesco Stadium is a 3,000 seat soccer stadium located in San Francisco, California, on the campus of University of San Francisco. Named for legendary USF Soccer Coach Steve Negoesco. It is the home field for the men's and women's soccer teams. Negoesco is also the primary home field for the San...
, San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
(2006–2008) - Stadium at the College of AlamedaCollege of AlamedaCollege of Alameda is a two-year community college located in Alameda, California.The college is part of the Peralta Community College District and was opened in 1968. The college has been located at its campus at Atlantic Avenue and Webster Street since 1970...
, Alameda, CaliforniaAlameda, CaliforniaAlameda is a city in Alameda County, California, United States. It is located on Alameda Island and Bay Farm Island, and is adjacent to Oakland in the San Francisco Bay. The Bay Farm Island portion of the city is adjacent to the Oakland International Airport. At the 2010 census, the city had a...
1 game (2006) - Stadium on Treasure Island, San Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco, CaliforniaSan Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
1 game (2006) - Stadium at Livermore High SchoolLivermore High SchoolFounded in 1891, Livermore High School is a public high school located in the city of Livermore, California, USA, and is part of the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District . In 2007, it was chosen as one in four schools in Alameda County to receive the California Distinguished School...
, Livermore, CaliforniaLivermore, CaliforniaLivermore is a city in Alameda County. The population as of 2010 was 80,968. Livermore is located on the eastern edge of California's San Francisco Bay Area....
1 game (2006) - Stadium at San Marin High SchoolSan Marin High SchoolSan Marin High School is a high school located in Novato, California, in the United States. Novato is in Marin County.The current enrollment is 1039. The staff includes 62 certificated members including three counselors, one librarian and three administrators...
, Novato, CaliforniaNovato, CaliforniaNovato is a city located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area, in northern Marin County. Novato is located about north-northwest of San Rafael, at an elevation of 30 feet above sea level . The 2010 U.S. Census estimated the city population to be about 51,904. Novato is about ...
1 game (2007) - Stadium at Clayton Valley High SchoolClayton Valley High SchoolClayton Valley High School is a secondary school located in Concord, California. and just under two miles from Clayton. It is part of the Mount Diablo Unified School District. Most of the students live in Clayton and the nearby Concord neighborhoods with some coming from Pittsburg...
, Concord, CaliforniaConcord, CaliforniaConcord is the largest city in Contra Costa County, California, USA. At the 2010 census, the city had a population of 122,067. Originally founded in 1869 as the community of Todos Santos by Salvio Pacheco, the name was changed to Concord within months...
1 game (2007) - Stadium at Chabot CollegeChabot CollegeChabot College is a community college located in Hayward, California.-Campus:The campus has a 200-seat theatre, a 1,432-seat performing arts center, a full-size planetarium, four major athletic fields, an HD television studio, and an Olympic-class swimming pool.-History:Chabot College was the first...
, Hayward, CaliforniaHayward, CaliforniaHayward is a city located in the East Bay in Alameda County, California. With a population of 144,186, Hayward is the sixth largest city in the San Francisco Bay Area and the third largest in Alameda County. Hayward was ranked as the 37th most populous municipality in California. It is included in...
1 game (2008)