Xtreme Soccer League
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.
 | |
| First season | 2008 |
|---|---|
| Folded | 2009 |
| Country |  United States |
| Number of teams | 4 |
| Last champions | Detroit Ignition |
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
| 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
- Ellis, Vince (29 August 2008). "Detroit Ignition set to join new soccer league". Detroit Free Press. Detroit, MI. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
- Bondy, Stefan (30 August 2008). "NJ Ironmen going to Xtremes". The Record. Bergen County, NJ. Retrieved 3 October 2008.
- Dure, Beau (2 September 2008). "Women add Bay Area team, delay Dallas franchise". USA Today. Retrieved 1 October 2008.
- Gardner, Charles F. (16 September 2008). "Wave joins Xtreme Soccer League". Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Milwaukee, WI. Retrieved 1 October 2008.
- Green, Sylvie (Fall 2010). "The History of Indoor Soccer ... in Bits & Pieces". Goal Online. 2 (3). United States Indoor Soccer Association. Archived from the original on 23 March 2014. Retrieved 23 March 2014.