The History of the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks
The San Francisco Bay Blackhawks were a professional soccer team that played a key role in the development of the sport in the United States during the late 20th century. Founded in 1989 by Bay Area real estate lawyer Dan Van Voorhis, the Blackhawks competed at Spartan Stadium and in various leagues, including the Western Soccer League (WSL), the American Professional Soccer League (APSL), and later the United States Interregional Soccer League (USISL).
Early Years and Domestic Success
The Blackhawks debuted in the WSL in 1989, finishing with an 11–5 record. In 1990, the WSL merged with the east-coast-based American Soccer League to form the APSL. The Blackhawks won the WSL conference title and finished as APSL runners-up in 1990. In 1991, they won the APSL Championship, defeating the Albany Capitals in the final.
Van Voorhis’s financial support was crucial during a time when professional soccer in the U.S. faced economic challenges. He invested in facilities, travel, and player compensation, attracting notable American players such as Eric Wynalda, Marcelo Balboa, John Doyle, and Dominic Kinnear.
International Ambitions
The 1991 APSL title qualified the Blackhawks for the 1992 CONCACAF Champions’ Cup. In the tournament’s early rounds, they defeated teams from Panama, Belize, and Honduras with a combined score of 22–2. In the semifinals, they faced Mexican club América, led by striker Hugo Sánchez.
The first leg took place at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, a venue known for its high altitude and challenging environmental conditions. The Blackhawks managed a strong performance, with Jamaican international Peter Isaacs scoring an equalizer to tie the game at 1–1. However, a red card for defender Troy Dayak shifted the momentum, and América scored twice more in a 3–1 win.
In the second leg at San Jose State University’s Spartan Stadium, the Blackhawks scored through Joey Leonetti and Tim Martin, keeping the match competitive. However, an offside call negated a potential tying goal, and the match ended 2–1. The aggregate score eliminated the Blackhawks from the tournament.
Decline and Legacy
The Blackhawks began to face financial difficulties. The 1992 APSL season saw the league reduced to five teams, and the Blackhawks finished with an 8–8 record. In 1993, the team moved to the USISL and was renamed the San Jose Hawks. They posted a 14–2 record but did not reach the championship due to goal differential.
The team folded after the 1993 season due to financial losses. However, their contributions supported the establishment of Major League Soccer (MLS) in the Bay Area. In 1994, Van Voorhis transferred player contracts and resources to MLS, which helped form the San Jose Clash (later Earthquakes).
Enduring Impact
The San Francisco Bay Blackhawks domestic successes, participation in international tournaments, and professional approach contributed to the sport’s growth and laid the groundwork for the future of professional soccer in the region.
Team Records by Season
| Year | Name | League | Record | Regular Season | Playoffs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | San Francisco Bay Blackhawks | WSL | 11–5 | 1st Northern Division | Final |
| 1990 | San Francisco Bay Blackhawks | APSL | 13–7 | 1st WSL Conference | Final |
| 1991 | San Francisco Bay Blackhawks | APSL | 17–4 | 2d Western Conference | Champions |
| 1992 | San Francisco Bay Blackhawks | APSL | 8–8 | 3rd | Semifinals |
| 1993 | San Jose Hawks | USISL | 14–2 | 1st Pacific Division | Sizzling Six |
1989 Season
The Blackhawks played in the 89 WSL Championship, losing to San Diego.
8/12/89 San Diego 1-0 San Francisco Bay
ASL/WSA Championship was held at Spartan Stadium on Sept. 9, 1989 between San Diego (WSL) and Ft. Lauderdale (ASL). Ft. Lauderdale won 3-1.
| North Div. | GP | W | L | PK | GF | GA | PTS |
| San Francisco Bay Blackhawks | 16 | 11 | 5 | 2-2 | 37 | 26 | 98 |
| Portland Timbers | 16 | 11 | 5 | 1-2 | 32 | 15 | 92 |
| Seattle Storm | 16 | 10 | 6 | 1-1 | 32 | 23 | 87 |
| Sacramento Senators | 16 | 3 | 13 | 0-1 | 20 | 43 | 40 |
| South Div. | GP | W | L | PK | GF | GA | PTS |
| San Diego Nomads | 16 | 12 | 4 | 2-2 | 30 | 18 | 99 |
| Los Angeles Heat | 16 | 10 | 6 | 2-0 | 35 | 19 | 81 |
| Real Santa Barbara | 16 | 5 | 11 | 0-1 | 20 | 35 | 51 |
| Arizona Condors | 16 | 5 | 11 | 1-1 | 25 | 39 | 50 |
| California Kickers | 16 | 5 | 11 | 2-1 | 17 | 30 | 42 |
Win-6pts, SOW-2pts, SOL-1pt, 1 bonus point per goal scored
in regulation, maximum of 3 per game