Robert Scorca is our in-residence South Florida historian. He is a regular contributor to our site as well as to publications such as Miami Soccer Fan.
-----------------------
The history of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers goes back before Fort Lauderdale. The team even goes back before the North American Soccer League. The N.A.S.L. was soccer in it's heyday. Players like Pele, George Best, Gordon Banks, Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, "Nene" Cubilas, etc., all graced the fields in the United States and Canada but I am getting ahead of myself. Before we get there we start with humble beginnings

PART I HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
Things started out with very humble beginnings. Up north the Washington Britannica was formed. They were an amateur club playing locally on any field that was available. They were formed in 1963. I could not find any records or players for this team as information is almost nonexistent. Even proving the existence of the Britannica proved to be a challenge. Here is the only information I was able to gather.

1963 Washington Britannica
1964 Washington Britannica
1965 Washington Britannica
1966 Washington Britannica

The Washington club goes through a name change and becomes a professional team. They play 2 years composed of 3 seasons.
American Soccer League (Division II)
W T L Finish
1967-68 Washington Darts 7 2 6 3rd
1968 Washington Darts 9 1 1 Champion
1969 Washington Darts 14 5 1 Champion
The Washington Darts join the N.A.S.L. finish with the best record but get eliminated in the playoffs by the Rochester Lancers.
Team Colors: Silver, Blue and White.

North American Soccer League
W T L Finish
1970 Washington Darts 14 4 6 1st Southern Div.
1971 Washington Darts 8 10 6 3rd Southern Div.

Coming Up Next : Part II Professional Soccer comes to South Florida and Leaves

I would like to extend the help I received to work this article. Many game programs along with media guides were used for this article. Also of great help was " The History of American Soccer " by Steve Holroyd and Dave Litterer


Thursday, June 25, 2009

1 Comment
Uncle Ed
Great piece Robert and cool picture!
Can't wait to read the rest of this...
Friday, June 26, 2009 - 09:18 AM