Xtreme Soccer League

Xtreme Soccer League
First season2008
Folded2009
Country United States
Number of clubs4
Last championsDetroit Ignition

The Xtreme Soccer League (XSL) was an indoor soccer league that began play in December 2008. Four teams from the former Major Indoor Soccer League participated in the first XSL season: the Chicago Storm, Detroit Ignition, Milwaukee Wave, and New Jersey Ironmen.[1][2][3] Other former MISL teams joined the National Indoor Soccer League or Professional Arena Soccer League.

The XSL officially launched on September 16, 2008, with a press conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Brian Loftin was the XSL's commissioner. Each team played a 20-game schedule beginning in December and ending in late March. There were no playoffs.[4]

On December 3, 2008, the XSL announced that Brine would supply the Triumph X 600 as the official match ball.

Citing economic trouble, the XSL folded in July 2009. Although the league officially called it a one-year hiatus, the league never resumed play.[5]

Teams

All teams participating in the 2008–09 season

Team Stadium City Founded Joined XSL After XSL folded
Chicago Storm Sears Centre Hoffman Estates, Illinois (Chicago area) 2004 2008 Joined USL
Detroit Ignition Compuware Arena Plymouth, Michigan (Detroit area) 2006 2008 Folded
Milwaukee Wave U.S. Cellular Arena Milwaukee, Wisconsin 1984 2008 Joined NISL
New Jersey Ironmen Prudential Center Newark, New Jersey 2007 2008 Folded

XSL champions

Season Champion Runner-up Date Won Notes
2008–09 Detroit Ignition New Jersey Ironmen March 27, 2009 Season Championship

Average attendance

Year Games Total Average
2008–09 80 137,382 3,435
Seasons Games Total Average
1 80 137,382 3,435

Xtreme Soccer Xperience

The Xtreme Soccer Xperience (XSL's parent company) held "3 vs. 3" tournaments, beach soccer tournaments, street soccer tournaments, and freestyle juggling competitions. The league also offered a fantasy season to fans, similar to fantasy football.

References

  1. ^ Ellis, Vince (August 29, 2008). "Detroit Ignition set to join new soccer league". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, MI. Retrieved October 3, 2008.
  2. ^ Bondy, Stefan (August 30, 2008). "NJ Ironmen going to Xtremes". The Record. Bergen County, NJ. Retrieved October 3, 2008.
  3. ^ Dure, Beau (September 2, 2008). "Women add Bay Area team, delay Dallas franchise". USA Today. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  4. ^ Gardner, Charles F. (September 16, 2008). "Wave joins Xtreme Soccer League". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
  5. ^ Green, Sylvie (Fall 2010). "The History of Indoor Soccer ... in Bits & Pieces". Goal Online. Vol. 2, no. 3. United States Indoor Soccer Association. Archived from the original on March 23, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2014.