. The A-League emerged out of the restructured
. During its first season, in
top professional soccer league in both countries, before it was replaced at the top of the United States soccer pyramid by
The origins of the league are complex. The old
. Meanwhile, in 1995, the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL), the de-facto second tier of American soccer at the time, and which had initially confined itself to organising regional leagues, began organising on a national level.
The USISL Pro League, which had been at the second tier of the pyramid in 1995, split into two leagues in 1996; the best teams joined the new
, while the remainder (plus expansion teams) remained in the USISL Pro League, which retained its Division III status. Both the A-League and the new
In an attempt to counteract the fact that a number of top A-League players had left to join MLS in 1995 and 1996 six of the seven remaining A-League teams -
, Vancouver 86ers and Atlanta Ruckus, plus two planned A-League expansion teams (
) merged with the USISL Select League to form a consolidated Division II league before the
| Season |
Winner |
Record (W-L-T) |
Points |
Playoff |
Results (W-L-T) |
Runners-Up |
Record (W-L-T) |
Points |
| 2004 -Western Conference:-Eastern Conference:-Playoffs:...
|
Portland TimbersPortland Timbers was an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of...
|
18-7-3 |
57 |
Lost in conference semifinal series overtime |
1-1-0 |
|
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
17-6-5 |
56 |
| 2003 -Northeast Division:-Southeast Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Northeast Division:-----Southeast Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference final:-Western Conference final:-----Final:...
|
Milwaukee Wave United The Milwaukee Wave United was an American professional soccer team, which last played in the A-League, the American second division.The Wave United was formed and joined the A-League after the Milwaukee Rampage folded in 2002...
|
18-10-0 |
54 |
Lost in division final series overtime |
1-1-0 |
|
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
16-6-6 |
54 |
| 2002 -Northeast Division:-Southeast Division:-Central Division:* Cincinnati lost three point for using an ineligible player-Pacific Division:-Playoff bracket:-Playoff first round:* Montreal defeated Charlotte 0-1, 1-0...
|
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
|
23-4-1 |
107 |
Lost in conference semifinal series |
0-2-0 |
|
Charleston Battery Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer team based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
|
19-3-6 |
89 |
| 2001 -History:The addition of the Portland Timbers this season saw the renewal of a Pacific Northwest rivalry between them, the Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps which dated back to the North American Soccer League. Although Vancouver was not new to the league, this was the first season they...
|
Richmond Kickers The Richmond Kickers are an American professional soccer club based in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid...
|
16-7-3 |
76 |
Lost in quarterfinal series |
0-2-0 |
|
Hershey Wildcats Hershey Wildcats were a professional soccer team, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, that played in the USL A-League between 1997 and 2001. The team was owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company...
|
16-7-3 |
75 |
| 2000 -Northeast Division:-Atlantic Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-----Eastern semifinal 1:-Eastern semifinal 2:-Western semifinal 1:-Western semifinal 2:...
|
Minnesota Thunder Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
|
20-4-4 |
99 |
Lost in final |
4-2-0 |
|
Milwaukee Rampage The Milwaukee Rampage is a defunct American soccer franchise, which played in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the A-League. The Rampage folded in 2002 because of financial problems, despite winning the A-league championship that year, as well as in 1997. The Rampage was founded in 1994 as a member of the...
|
18-9-1 |
89 |
| 1999 -Northeast Division:-Atlantic Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Eastern Conference Semifinal 1:-Eastern Conference Semifinal 2:-Western Conference Semifinal 1:...
|
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
22-6 |
92 |
Lost in final |
5-3 |
|
San Diego Flash San Diego Flash is an American soccer team based in San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1998, the team returned to competitive play in 2011 when it made its debut in the Southwest Flight of the West Division of the National Premier Soccer League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer...
|
20-8 |
90 |
| 1998 -Northeast Division:-Atlantic Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Eastern Conference semifinal 1:-Eastern Conference semifinal 2:-Western Conference semifinal 1:...
|
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
24-4 |
70 |
Won Championship |
6-0 |
|
San Diego Flash San Diego Flash is an American soccer team based in San Diego, California, United States. Founded in 1998, the team returned to competitive play in 2011 when it made its debut in the Southwest Flight of the West Division of the National Premier Soccer League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer...
|
21-7 |
61 |
| 1997 The 1997 USISL A-League season.-Overview:At the end of the 1996 A-League season, the U.S. second division A-League collapsed. Five of the six teams in the A-League then joined the USISL which had three leagues in 1996, beginning with the third division USISL Select League. With the collapse of...
|
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
21-7 |
61 |
Lost in conference final series |
3-2 |
|
Hershey Wildcats Hershey Wildcats were a professional soccer team, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, that played in the USL A-League between 1997 and 2001. The team was owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company...
|
19-9 |
55 |
| 1996 -Regular season:* Win = 3 points* Shootout win = 1 point* Loss = 0 points-Semifinal 1:-Semifinal 2:-Final:-Points leaders:-Honors:* MVP: Wolde Harris* Leading goal scorer: Doug Miller...
|
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
21-6 |
55 |
Lost in semifinal |
0-1 |
|
Colorado Foxes The Colorado Foxes were a professional soccer team, based in Commerce City, Colorado, that played in the APSL between 1990 and 1997. The Foxes won two APSL titles, in 1992 and 1993. When Major League Soccer started and the Colorado Rapids became the region's premier team, the Foxes tried to stay...
|
16-11 |
44 |
| 1995 -Overview:In 1995, the American Professional Soccer League, which was the de facto U.S. second division, changed its name to the A-League. The league had ended its 1994 season seven teams and intended to expand to ten for the 1995 season. These plans were stymied when the Fort Lauderdale...
|
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
17-7 |
51 |
Lost in semifinal series |
1-2 |
|
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
|
18-6 |
51 |
| Season |
Winner |
Score |
Runner-up |
Top Goalscorer |
Team |
Goals |
| 2004 -Western Conference:-Eastern Conference:-Playoffs:...
|
Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
|
2-0 |
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
|
Alan GordonAlan Gordon is an American soccer player who currently plays for San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer.-College:...
and Dante WashingtonDante Deneen Washington is a retired American soccer striker and currently a TV soccer color analyst.Washington played college soccer at Radford University, and was named a first team All-American in 1991...
|
Portland TimbersPortland Timbers was an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of...
and Virginia Beach MarinersThe Virginia Beach Mariners were an American soccer club, who formerly played in the USL First Division of the United Soccer Leagues, the second division in the US Soccer hierarchy behind Major League Soccer...
|
17 |
| 2003 -Northeast Division:-Southeast Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Northeast Division:-----Southeast Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference final:-Western Conference final:-----Final:...
|
Charleston Battery Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer team based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
|
3-0 |
Minnesota Thunder Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
|
Thiago Martins Thiago Martins is a retired Brazilian football striker.-Early Life and Amateur Career:Martins was born on the east side of São Paulo, Brazil, and came to the United States in 1996. He landed in Los Angeles, California, at 19 years old and with little money...
|
Pittsburgh RiverhoundsPittsburgh Riverhounds is an American professional soccer team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded in 1999, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
|
22 |
| 2002 -Northeast Division:-Southeast Division:-Central Division:* Cincinnati lost three point for using an ineligible player-Pacific Division:-Playoff bracket:-Playoff first round:* Montreal defeated Charlotte 0-1, 1-0...
|
Milwaukee Rampage The Milwaukee Rampage is a defunct American soccer franchise, which played in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the A-League. The Rampage folded in 2002 because of financial problems, despite winning the A-league championship that year, as well as in 1997. The Rampage was founded in 1994 as a member of the...
|
2-1 (2OT) |
Richmond Kickers The Richmond Kickers are an American professional soccer club based in Richmond, Virginia, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid...
|
Fadi Afash Fadi Afash is a former football player with the Portland Timbers of the USL First Division.On January 22, 2010 he was ranked 15th in the USL Second Division Top 15 of the Decade, which announced a list of the best and most influential players of the previous decade.-Playing career:Afash is...
, Eduardo SebrangoEduardo Sebrango is a Cuban-Canadian footballer who currently plays for Montreal Impact in the North American Soccer League.-Club:...
, and McKinley TennysonMcKinley Tennyson is an American soccer forward who played two seasons with the Portland Timbers and the 2002 playoffs with the Los Angeles Galaxy. He was the 2002 USL First Division points leader.-Youth:...
|
Portland TimbersPortland Timbers was an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of...
, Montreal ImpactMontreal Impact was a Canadian professional soccer club based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded in 1992, the team played in the North American Soccer League , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid until the 2011 season. The owner Joey Saputo now operates the MLS team Montreal ImpactThe...
, and Portland TimbersPortland Timbers was an American professional soccer team based in Portland, Oregon, United States. Founded in 2001, the team played in various leagues at the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, including the USL First Division and the USSF Division 2 Professional League, until the end of...
|
18 |
| 2001 -History:The addition of the Portland Timbers this season saw the renewal of a Pacific Northwest rivalry between them, the Seattle Sounders and Vancouver Whitecaps which dated back to the North American Soccer League. Although Vancouver was not new to the league, this was the first season they...
|
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
2-0 |
Hershey Wildcats Hershey Wildcats were a professional soccer team, based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA, that played in the USL A-League between 1997 and 2001. The team was owned by Hershey Entertainment and Resorts Company...
|
Paul Conway Paul Conway is a retired American soccer forward who spent five seasons in the English lower divisions before returning to the United States. He was the 2001 United Soccer Leagues leading goal scorer and MVP...
|
Charleston Battery Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer team based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
|
22 |
| 2000 -Northeast Division:-Atlantic Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-----Eastern semifinal 1:-Eastern semifinal 2:-Western semifinal 1:-Western semifinal 2:...
|
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
3-1 |
Minnesota Thunder Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
|
Paul Conway Paul Conway is a retired American soccer forward who spent five seasons in the English lower divisions before returning to the United States. He was the 2001 United Soccer Leagues leading goal scorer and MVP...
, Greg HowesGreg Howes is an American soccer player, currently player-coach for Tacoma Tide in the USL Premier Development League.-Career:...
, and Johnny MenyongarJohnny Menyongar is a Liberian footballer currently playing for Shillong Lajong F.C. in India's I-League.-College:...
|
Charleston Battery Charleston Battery is an American professional soccer team based in Charleston, South Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the American Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid....
, Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
, and Minnesota ThunderMinnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
|
17 |
| 1999 -Northeast Division:-Atlantic Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Eastern Conference Semifinal 1:-Eastern Conference Semifinal 2:-Western Conference Semifinal 1:...
|
Minnesota Thunder Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
|
2-1 |
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
Mark Baena Mark Baena is a retired American soccer player. Baena is the highest goalscorer in the history of USL First Division, where he amassed eighty-six goals...
and Niall ThompsonNiall Joseph Thompson is an English-born Canadian footballer, who works currently as Assistant coach of Surrey United Firefighters.-Club career :...
|
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
and Vancouver 86ers |
20 |
| 1998 -Northeast Division:-Atlantic Division:-Central Division:-Pacific Division:-Eastern Conference:-Western Conference:-Eastern Conference semifinal 1:-Eastern Conference semifinal 2:-Western Conference semifinal 1:...
|
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
3-1 |
Minnesota Thunder Minnesota Thunder was an American professional soccer team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States. Founded in 1990, the team played in the USL First Division , the second tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, until 2009. The team played its home games at the National Sports Center in nearby...
|
Mark Baena Mark Baena is a retired American soccer player. Baena is the highest goalscorer in the history of USL First Division, where he amassed eighty-six goals...
|
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
|
24 |
| 1997 The 1997 USISL A-League season.-Overview:At the end of the 1996 A-League season, the U.S. second division A-League collapsed. Five of the six teams in the A-League then joined the USISL which had three leagues in 1996, beginning with the third division USISL Select League. With the collapse of...
|
Milwaukee Rampage The Milwaukee Rampage is a defunct American soccer franchise, which played in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the A-League. The Rampage folded in 2002 because of financial problems, despite winning the A-league championship that year, as well as in 1997. The Rampage was founded in 1994 as a member of the...
|
1-1 (SO) |
Carolina DynamoCarolina Dynamo is an American soccer team based in Greensboro, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1993, the team plays in the USL Premier Development League , the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, in the South Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.The team plays its home...
|
Doug Miller Doug Miller is a U.S. soccer forward and a youth soccer coach. He spent one season in Major Indoor Soccer League and nine in the National Professional Soccer League, winning two championships and leading the league in scoring in 1998-1999. Miller also played ten seasons of outdoor soccer in the...
|
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
23 |
| 1996 -Regular season:* Win = 3 points* Shootout win = 1 point* Loss = 0 points-Semifinal 1:-Semifinal 2:-Final:-Points leaders:-Honors:* MVP: Wolde Harris* Leading goal scorer: Doug Miller...
|
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
|
2-0 |
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
Doug Miller Doug Miller is a U.S. soccer forward and a youth soccer coach. He spent one season in Major Indoor Soccer League and nine in the National Professional Soccer League, winning two championships and leading the league in scoring in 1998-1999. Miller also played ten seasons of outdoor soccer in the...
|
Rochester Raging RhinosThe Rochester Rhinos are an American professional soccer team based in Rochester, New York, United States. Founded in 1996, the team plays in the National Division of the new USL Professional Division, the third tier of the American Soccer Pyramid, having self-relegated from the USSF D2 Pro League...
|
18 |
| 1995 -Overview:In 1995, the American Professional Soccer League, which was the de facto U.S. second division, changed its name to the A-League. The league had ended its 1994 season seven teams and intended to expand to ten for the 1995 season. These plans were stymied when the Fort Lauderdale...
|
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
|
2-1 (SO) |
Atlanta Ruckus |
Peter Hattrup Peter Hattrup is a retired U.S. soccer player and current youth soccer coach.-Youth and college:Hattrup was a four-year starter as a star player for the Seattle Preparatory School boys' soccer team. He graduated in 1982 and entered Seattle Pacific University.Hattrup was a scoring sensation for...
|
Seattle SoundersSeattle 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...
|
11 |