Los Angeles Aztecs
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2023}}
{{Short description|Defunct American soccer club}}
{{Infobox football club |
| clubname = Los Angeles Aztecs
| image = Los Angeles Aztecs.png
| image_size = 200
| fullname = Los Angeles Aztecs
| founded = December 11, 1973
|dissolved = {{Start date and age|December 9, 1981}}
| stadium = East Los Angeles College Stadium (1974)
Murdock Stadium (1975–76)
LA Memorial Coliseum (1977, 1981)
Rose Bowl (1978–80)
Indoor:{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=OCRLAAAAIBAJ&pg=3356,6435669&dq=aztecs+soccer+la+sports+arena&hl=en|title=The Press-Courier – Google News Archive Search|access-date=December 16, 2014}}
The Forum (1979–80)
LA Sports Arena (1980–81)|
| position =
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| rightarm1 =ffcc00
| shorts1 = 000099
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| pattern_la2= _shoulder_stripes_gold_stripes_2
|pattern_b2= _shoulder_stripes_gold_stripes_2
|pattern_ra2= _shoulder_stripes_gold_stripes_2
| pattern_sh2 = _blue_stripes_adidas
| pattern_so2 = _color_3_stripes_yellow
| leftarm2= 000099
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}}
The Los Angeles Aztecs were an American professional soccer team based in Los Angeles, California, that existed from 1974 to 1981. The Aztecs competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1974 to 1981 as well as the 1975 NASL Indoor tournament, the 1979–80 and 1980–81 NASL Indoor seasons, and won the NASL Championship in 1974. During their eight years of existence, the Aztecs played at four different venues and were controlled by four different ownership groups European soccer legends George Best and Johan Cruyff played for the team, and from 1975 to 1977 English singer Elton John was a part-owner.
History
=Founding and first season success=
In January 1974, looking to build off what was considered increasing public interest in professional soccer, the North American Soccer League (NASL) announced Los Angeles as one of six cities awarded an expansion team for the upcoming 1974 season.{{cite news |title=Soccer Loop Is Expanded To 13 Teams |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OoIlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Soccer+Loop+Is+Expanded+To+13+Teams&pg=PA11&article_id=1628,1586689 |access-date=January 5, 2022 |work=Gettysburg Times |agency=AP |date=December 12, 1973}} Jack Gregory, a local doctor and real estate investor, paid the franchise fee and acted as team owner {{cite news |title=Aztecs Find Haven At East Lost Angeles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HPVKAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+Find+Haven+At+East+Los+Angeles&pg=PA15&article_id=6976,1549241 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=April 7, 1974 |page=29 |language=en}}{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Grahame |title=Grass-Roots Grandeur |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-dec-29-ss-48675-story.html |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=December 29, 1999}} and Alex Perolli was appointed the first head coach.{{cite web |last1=Fernandez |first1=Ivan |title=Before The L.A. Galaxy, Chivas USA, Or LAFC, We Had The Los Angeles Aztecs |url=https://www.lataco.com/before-the-galaxy-chivas-the-aztecs-were-losangeles-original-soccer-sensation/ |website=L.A. TACO |date=October 4, 2018 |access-date=January 5, 2022}}
After playing a series of pre-season friendlies against teams from Mexico,{{cite news |title=Club America Spoils Aztecs' Win Streak |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LPVKAAAAIBAJ&dq=Club+America+Spoils+Aztecs%27+Win+Streak&pg=PA6&article_id=7060,5694924 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=April 23, 1974 |page=11}} the Aztecs opened their first NASL season with a 2–1 win over the Seattle Sounders at the East Los Angeles College Stadium with 4,107 fans in attendance.{{cite news |title=Sounders lose |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yn9UAAAAIBAJ&dq=Los+Angeles+Aztecs+opened+their+North+American+Soccer&pg=PA5&article_id=2566,2103640 |access-date=January 5, 2022 |work=Ellensburg Daily Record |agency=UPI |date=May 6, 1974 |page=6}} After three consecutive victories to start the season, Perolli publicly criticized and then fired his starting goal keeper, Trinidad and Tobago international Kelvin Barclay, after he allowed three goals in the second half.{{cite book |last1=Cascio |first1=Chuck |title=Soccer U.S.A. |date=1975 |publisher=R. B. Luce |isbn=9780883310755 |page=96 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yY8TAQAAIAAJ}} The Aztecs finished the season with a record of 11 wins, 2 draws and 7 losses, averaging 5,098 fans per game, and winning first place in the Western Division .{{cite web |last1=Litterer |first1=David |title=North American Soccer League |url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/nasl.html |website=The Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. |access-date=January 5, 2022}} Forward Doug McMillan scored eleven goals and was named Rookie of the Year for the 1974 season, an honor he had separately won the previous season with the Cleveland Stars of the American Soccer League.{{cite news |title=At Age 29 He's Rookie Of Year |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W3MlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Doug+McMillan+NASL+rookier+of+the+year&pg=PA4&article_id=2658,641626 |access-date=January 7, 2022 |work=Gettysburg Times |date=August 24, 1974}}{{cite book |last1=Hatfield |first1=Thomas |title=The History of Soccer in Greater Cleveland from 1906 Until 1981 |date=July 21, 2014 |publisher=Outskirts Press |location=United States |isbn=9781478700173 |page=924 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=R9IdBAAAQBAJ |access-date=January 7, 2022}} Having earned a first round bye, the Aztecs defeated the Boston Minutemen 2–0 at home in the semi-finals.{{cite web |title=North American Soccer League – 1974 → Saturday, August 17, 1974 |url=http://soccerstats.us/games/35700/ |website=SoccerStats.us |access-date=January 7, 2022}} Having earned the most points during the season, Los Angeles should{{cn|date=July 2022}} have hosted the NASL Final 1974; however, due to the CBS televised start time of 3:30 (EDT){{cite news |title=North American Soccer Finals on "CBS" |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2aFDAAAAIBAJ&dq=1974+NASL+final+CBS&pg=PA16&article_id=4630,5659449 |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=The Robesonian |date=August 25, 1974 |page=11}} and other factors{{cn|date=July 2022}}, the game was moved to the Miami Orange Bowl.{{cite news |title=Miami to Host Soccer Title Game on Sunday |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7L8qAAAAIBAJ&dq=Miami+to+host+soccer+title+game+on+sunday&pg=PA15&article_id=7233,3594381 |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |agency=AP |date=August 24, 1974 |page=2-C}} On August 25, 1974, with 15,507 people in attendance, the Los Angeles Aztecs and the Miami Toros played to a 3–3 draw in regular time, after which Los Angeles won the penalty shoot-out 5–3 to win the 1974 NASL Championship.{{cite news |title=Aztecs Win Soccer Title in Overtime |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=8HZKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=8CINAAAAIBAJ&pg=7039,5233642&dq=toros+overtime&hl=en |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |agency=AP |date=August 26, 1974 |page=12}}{{cite news |title=Los Angeles Aztecs win North American Soccer League title |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=j2wzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vzIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=4129,5026763&dq=aztecs+kick+toros&hl=en |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=Lodi News-Sentinel |agency=UPI |date=August 26, 1974 |page=13}}{{cite web |last1=Levin |first1=Dan |title=The Penalty for Success |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1974/09/02/the-penalty-for-success |website=Vault |access-date=January 8, 2022}} It was the second year in a row that an expansion franchise and won the championship{{cite news |last1=Blankenship |first1=Ken |title=Rowdies Looking to rosy Future – Expansion clubs successful |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=l0BSAAAAIBAJ&dq=Rowdies+Looking+to+rosy+Future+-+Expansion+clubs+successful&pg=PA24&article_id=4687,3292161 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=St. Petersburg Times |date=February 4, 1975 |page=7C}} following the Philadelphia Atoms in 1973.
=New ownership=
Following the 1974 season, Alex Perolli left his position as head coach to take up the same job at the expansion San Antonio Thunder{{cite web |title=San Antonio Thunder Original Roster Build and Preseason |url=https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/1101384 |website=sanantoniofc |access-date=January 8, 2022 |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108225210/https://www.sanantoniofc.com/news_article/show/1101384 |url-status=dead }} and owner Jack Gregory sold his interest in the team to a group headed by John Chaffetz.{{cite news |last1=Durslag |first1=Mel |title=Soccer League Keeps Trying |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2nxYAAAAIBAJ&dq=soccer+league+keeps+trying&pg=PA9&article_id=3767,3820116 |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=The News-Dispatch |date=February 24, 1975 |page=9}} The new owners hired 25-year-old Terry Fisher, at the time the youngest coach in the NASL, giving him a two-year contract as head coach.{{cite news |last1=Yannis |first1=Alex |title=Coach Helps Aztecs Get New Image |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/01/05/archives/coach-helps-aztecs-get-new-image.html |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=January 5, 1975 |page=S15}} That February, the team traded its first and second draft choices to the expansion Chicago Sting and drafted Michael Bain, two-time All-American and captain of the 1974 NCAA Division I Soccer champions Howard Bison.{{cite news |title=Howard player 1st pick in pro soccer draft |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-RlKAAAAIBAJ&dq=michael+bain+los+angeles+aztecs&pg=PA6&article_id=2684,389204 |access-date=January 8, 2022 |work=The Afro American |date=February 1, 1975 |page=10}}{{efn|Michael Bain does not appear on any NASL Official roster}} The Aztecs were one of the sixteen NASL teams to participate in the 1975 NASL Indoor tournament. In total, the Aztecs played three indoor matches in 1975, a pre-tournament tune-up match against the San Jose Earthquakes on February 14, and tournament matches against the Vancouver Whitecaps and Seattle Sounders.{{cite web |last1=Holroyd |first1=Steve |title=History of Indoor Soccer in the USA |url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/usindoor.html |website=RSSSF |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |access-date=January 10, 2022}}
The Aztecs opened the 1975 North American Soccer League season with a 2–1 victory on the road against the San Jose Earthquakes.{{cite web |title=North American Soccer League – 1975 Friday, April 18, 1975 |url=http://soccerstats.us/games/36488/ |website=SoccerStats.us |access-date=January 10, 2022}} The team's first home sellout occurred on July 3, 1975, in a 5–1 rout of the Pelé led New York Cosmos, Uri Banhoffer scored a hat-trick and was named NASL player of the week for his performance.{{cite news |title=Banhoffer Chosen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5ZNPAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+angeles+aztecs+uri+banhoffer+1975&pg=PA8&article_id=3366,631486 |access-date=January 10, 2022 |work=The Bryan Times |date=July 9, 1975}} The team officially protested their 2 August 1975 2–1 overtime loss to Earthquakes stating crowd noise prevented head coach Fisher from communicating with his players between the end of regulation and the beginning of overtime.{{cite news |title=Sports in Brief |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gBxDAAAAIBAJ&q=sports+in+brief |access-date=January 10, 2022 |work=The Altus Times-Democrat |date=August 4, 1975}} The team finished the season with a record of twelve wins and ten losses, ending in third place of the Western Division. Making the playoffs as a wild card after Chicago Sting lost their final game of the season to the Washington Diplomats,{{cite news |title=Aztecs Battle Stars In Soccer Playoffs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=GH9KAAAAIBAJ&dq=st.+louis+stars+playoff+1975&pg=PA7&article_id=7009,2049977 |access-date=January 10, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=August 11, 1975}} the Aztecs were defeated by the St. Louis Stars in a quarter-finals match that was decided by a penalty shoot-out.{{cite book |last1=Tossell |first1=David |title=Playing for Uncle Sam The Brits' Story of the North American Soccer League |date=April 13, 2012 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |isbn=9781780574721}}
=Best years=
File:George Best, Los Angeles Aztecs 1979 media guide page 53.png playing for the Aztecs]]
Following the 1975 season, English singer Elton John, purchased a stake in the team, and was given permission by the league to sit on the bench during games.{{cite news |last1=Yannis |first1=Alex |title=Elton John Acquires An Interest in Aztecs |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1975/11/05/archives/elton-john-acquires-an-interest-in-aztecs.html |access-date=January 10, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=November 5, 1975}}{{cite news |title=Elton John And Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x_xYAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+angeles+aztecs+elton+john&pg=PA5&article_id=3189,3813548 |access-date=January 10, 2022 |work=The Daily Union Democrat |agency=UPI |date=December 10, 1975}} A few weeks later, Managing General Partner Chaffetz announced the team's intention of signing 1968 Ballon d'Or winner George Best, who had been released by Manchester United.{{cite news |title=Aztecs seek George Best |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9-9LAAAAIBAJ&dq=george+best+los+angeles+1975&pg=PA7&article_id=4015,2452595 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Spokesman-Review |agency=AP |date=November 20, 1975 |page=17}} After some confusion in December between the team announcing Best's signing{{cite news |title=Aztecs sing Best |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jjtVAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+angeles+aztecs+sign+george+best&pg=PA49&article_id=3653,887384 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Leader-Post |agency=AP |date=December 3, 1975 |page=49}} and the player denying he had,{{cite news |title=Soccer Star yet to sign |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kTtVAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+angeles+aztecs+sign+george+best&pg=PA20&article_id=5122,1924170 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Leader-Post |agency=AP |date=December 6, 1975 |location=London |page=20}} George Best arrived in Los Angeles on February 20, 1976.{{cite news |title=British Soccer Star Best Arrives in LA |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xsJdAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+angeles+aztecs+george+best&pg=PA12&article_id=4042,4052220 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |agency=AP |date=February 21, 1976 |location=Los Angeles |page=12}} The Aztecs opened the 1976 North American Soccer League season on the road with a 1–2 loss against the San Jose Earthquakes, Best scored his first of fifteen goals for the season on April 25, 1976, in the team's home opener against the Rochester Lancers.{{cite news |title=Best's Goal Gives Aztecs Soccer Win |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=r8NdAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+Angeles+Aztecs+Rochester+Lancers+george+best&pg=PA85&article_id=2036,4884444 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |agency=AP |date=April 25, 1976 |location=Los Angeles |page=10}} Los Angeles finished the season in third place of the Pacific Conference Southern Division with a record of twelve wins and twelve losses. The Aztecs were defeated in the First Round of the playoffs 2–0 by the Dallas Tornado on August 18, 1976.{{cite news |title=Soccer Roundup |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1AAMAAAAIBAJ&dq=dallas+tornado+los+angeles+aztecs+1976+playoffs&pg=PA18&article_id=6613,834376 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Evening Independent |agency=AP |date=August 19, 1976 |page=4C}}
After playing the previous two seasons at Murdock Stadium on the campus of El Camino College, the team moved to the L.A. Coliseum for the 1977 season.{{cite news |last1=Tucker |first1=Bud |title=Soccer On Way Up? |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-8FdAAAAIBAJ&dq=aztecs+move+to+coliseum+1977&pg=PA27&article_id=5971,3636373 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=April 17, 1978 |page=27}} The Aztecs began the 1977 North American Soccer League season on the road against the Earthquakes again, this time beating San Jose 3–0.{{cite web |title=North American Soccer League – 1977 → Saturday, April 09, 1977 → Los Angeles Aztecs 3 San Jose Earthquakes 0 |url=http://soccerstats.us/games/39990/ |website=SoccerStats.us |access-date=January 11, 2022}} On July 3, 1977, the largest home crowd of the season, 32,165, attended the game against the Cosmos, for Brazilian superstar Pelé's last competitive appearance in Los Angeles. The Aztec won the game 4–1.{{cite news |title=Aztecs Defeat Cosmos, 4–1, Before 32,165 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=soVKAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+Defeat+Cosmos%2C+4-1%2C+Before+32%2C165&pg=PA13&article_id=4150,407512 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=July 3, 1977 |page=24}} The Aztecs finished the season in second place of the Pacific Conference Southern Division with a record of fifteen wins and eleven losses. The Aztecs were defeated by the Seattle Sounders in the Conference Championships{{cite news |title=Pele, Cosmos face Seattle Sunday in Portland |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JftXAAAAIBAJ&dq=Pele%2C+Cosmos+face+Seattle+Sunday+in+Portland&pg=PA14&article_id=4673,1829755 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |work=The Bulletin |date=August 26, 1977}} after having beaten the Earthquakes in the first round,{{cite news |title=Rochester, LA, Seattle Advance |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=W_gLAAAAIBAJ&dq=Rochester%2C+LA%2C+Seattle+Advance&pg=PA17&article_id=6587,2321791 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |work=The Evening Independent |agency=AP |date=August 11, 1977 |page=2C}} and Dallas Tornado over two-legs in the Division Championships.{{cite news |title=Tornado to host Aztecs tomorrow |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nv1RAAAAIBAJ&dq=Tornado+to+host+Aztecs+tomorrow&pg=PA1&article_id=1594,3149815 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |work=Mid Cities Daily News |date=August 17, 1977 |page=8}}{{cite news |title=Just A Few More Gang |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EeJdAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+angeles+aztecs+seattle+1977+NASL+playoffs&pg=PA17&article_id=1255,2978380 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |work=Observer-Reporter |date=August 20, 1977 |page=B3}}
After the season, the team was purchased by a group headed by Alan Rothenberg{{cite news |title=U.S. soccer chief faces selling job |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FBwaAAAAIBAJ&dq=U.S.+soccer+chief+faces+selling+job&pg=PA13&article_id=5285,4887664 |access-date=January 13, 2022 |work=The Times-News |agency=AP |date=October 21, 1990 |page=8B}} with former Los Angeles Lakers player Rudy LaRusso named general manager.{{cite news |title=NASL's Aztecs name new general manager |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pWdQAAAAIBAJ&dq=NASL%27s+Aztecs+name+new+general+manager&pg=PA25&article_id=4918,3273470 |access-date=January 13, 2022 |work=St. Petersburg Times |date=November 5, 1977 |page=3C}} The Aztecs also signed a lease to play its homes matches at the Rose Bowl for the 1978 North American Soccer League season.{{cite news |title=Round Up |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sDJcAAAAIBAJ&dq=los+angeles+aztecs+move+to+coliseum&pg=PA20&article_id=1157,4833506 |access-date=January 12, 2022 |work=The Daily Sentinel |date=December 14, 1977}} In the first game of the season, the Aztecs lost to the Houston Hurricane in a shoot-out after playing to a 2–2 draw.{{cite web |title=North American Soccer League – 1978 → Sunday, April 02, 1978 Rose Bowl |url=http://soccerstats.us/games/42068/ |website=SoccerStats.us |access-date=January 17, 2022}} Rumor's of Best's extravagant lifestyle and various personal problems, including alcoholism, began to spread during the previous season.{{cite news |last1=Murray |first1=Jim |title=Now playing for Aztecs George Best part-time superstar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aGEwAAAAIBAJ&dq=Now+playing+for+Aztecs+George+Best+part-time+superstar&pg=PA20&article_id=6818,4546975 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=The Spokesman-Review |publisher=Los Angeles Times |date=May 27, 1977 |page=39}}{{cite news |last1=Burn |first1=George |title=The long goodbye |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2005/nov/25/sport.comment2 |access-date=January 11, 2022 |work=the Guardian |date=November 24, 2005}} After missing two training sessions and meeting with the team owners to address his concerns with the direction of the club, Best skipped the team's final practice before their May 10, 1978, match against the Oakland Stompers,{{cite news |title=George Best Leaves Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OIQsAAAAIBAJ&dq=George+Best+Leaves+Aztecs&pg=PA19&article_id=2674,2505315 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=Spartnburg Herald |agency=AP |date=May 11, 1978 |page=D3}} and the team announced his indefinite suspension.{{cite news |title=Best Given Suspension With Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=BcZKAAAAIBAJ&dq=Best+Given+Suspension+With+Aztecs&pg=PA12&article_id=3066,2566655 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |agency=AP |date=May 10, 1978}} The following month, the team traded Best to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers, with the Aztecs receiving players George Dewsnip, Andy Rowland and the Strikers first 1980 draft choice.{{cite news |title=Strikers Obtain George Best |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FPEcAAAAIBAJ&dq=Strikers+Obtain+George+Best&pg=PA31&article_id=4936,3924249 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |agency=AP |date=June 25, 1978 |page=7D}} On June 6, 1978, and with a record of five wins in thirteen games, the Aztecs fired head coach Terry Fisher and replaced him with Tommy Smith.{{cite news |title=Aztecs Fire Coach Fisher |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9wZMAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+Fire+Coach+Fisher&pg=PA7&article_id=4816,1149640 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |agency=AP |date=June 6, 1978}} With only three wins during the next fourteen games, Smith was replaced by team Director of Personnel Peter Short for the final two games of the season.{{cite news |last1=Romie |first1=Rich |title=Colton, Bruner Starting Tigers Peter Short |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0CBLAAAAIBAJ&dq=Colton%2C+Bruner+Starting+Tigers+peter+short&pg=PA10&article_id=6981,4142994 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=October 19, 1978 |page=19}} The Aztecs finished the season in last place of the National Conference Western Division, recording nine wins and twenty-one loses. It was the team's worst outdoor season record and the only outdoor season the Aztecs did not qualify for the playoffs. The Aztecs did not participate in the 1978 NASL Skelly Indoor Invitational, but did play a few indoor exhibition games in March 1978.{{cite news |title=Lindsay Leads Hurricane Romp |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u1pQAAAAIBAJ&dq=Lindsay+Leads+Hurricane+Romp&pg=PA21&article_id=4348,3615491 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=St. Petersburg Independent |agency=AP |date=March 15, 1978 |location=Houston |page=2-C}}
=Michels & Cruyff years=
File:Los Angeles Aztecs 1979 media guide cover.png ahead of the 1979 season]]
On November 14, 1978, team president Larry Friend announced former FC Barcelona, AFC Ajax, and Dutch national team manager Rinus Michels had been hired as head coach.{{cite news |title=Aztecs hire Dutch soccer coach |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pS5UAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+hire+Dutch+soccer+coach&pg=PA8&article_id=5750,2682962 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=Boca Raton News |date=November 14, 1978 |page=2B}} Michels revamped the team's roster with only four players from the Aztecs 1978 team remaining on the roster for the 1979 NASL season.{{cite web |title=Los Angeles Aztecs 1979 |url=https://www.nasljerseys.com/Rosters/Aztecs_Rosters.htm#1979 |website=nasljerseys |access-date=January 17, 2022}} The Aztecs started the season with a record of five wins in seven games when on May 22, 1979, the team announced the signing of three-time Ballon d'Or winner Johan Cruyff on a $1.4 million contract over two years which also included a percentage of gate receipts, making Cruyff the highest paid athlete in Southern California.{{cite news |title=Aztec $$ Makes Cruyff NASL's New Superstar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cyAeAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztec+%24%24+Makes+Cruyff+NASL%27s+New+Superstar&pg=PA12&article_id=3300,3861853 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=Sarasota Journal |agency=UPI |date=May 23, 1979 |page=3C}}{{cite news |last1=Wilner |first1=Barry |title=Cruyff Takes Chance with Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=10ZKAAAAIBAJ&dq=Cruyff+Takes+Chance+with+Aztecs&pg=PA12&article_id=6884,98745 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=June 1, 1979 |page=22}}{{cite news |last1=Stinson |first1=Dan |title=Aztecs have Dutch treat for Whitecap fans |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gvFlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+have+Dutch+treat+for+Whitecap+fans&pg=PA53&article_id=1577,301907 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=The Vancouver Sun |date=July 11, 1979 |page=D1}} The Aztecs finished the season in second place of the National Conference Western Division with a record of eighteen wins and twelve losses. Prior to signing Cruyff, the Aztecs averaged 7,500 fans a game, but ended the season with an average attendance of 14,333. The Aztecs defeated the Washington Diplomats two games to none in the first round of the playoffs.{{cite news |title=Team play is secret of Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6nRkAAAAIBAJ&dq=Team+play+is+secret+of+Aztecs&pg=PA53&article_id=984,884006 |access-date=January 17, 2022 |work=The Calgary Herald |agency=AP |date=August 22, 1974 |page=C5}} The Aztecs won the home leg of the Conference Semifinals against the Vancouver Whitecaps in an overtime shootout, but lost the away leg and the 30 minute mini game.{{cite web |title=Their Finest Hour: Vancouver Whitecaps 1979 Soccer Bowl winning season (Part 13 – The Playoffs continue with the Aztecs) |url=https://aftn.ca/vancouver-whitecaps-1979-soccer-bowl-winning-season-part-13-the-playoffs-continue/ |website=Away From The Numbers |access-date=January 17, 2022}} Cruyff was awarded the league MVP{{cite news |last1=Wilner |first1=Barry |title=Pro Soccer Has Best Year Ever |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yZ8tAAAAIBAJ&dq=Pro+Soccer+Has+Best+Year+Ever&pg=PA182&article_id=2967,2798237 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=Reading Eagle |date=December 23, 1979 |page=71}} and Larry Hulcer was named the Rookie of the Year for the 1979 season.{{cite book |last1=Wangerin |first1=Dave |title=Soccer in a Football World |date=2006 |publisher=WSC Books, Limited |isbn=9780954013479 |page=205 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1mK2xw1E6dAC |access-date=January 18, 2022}}
From September through October 1979, the team embarked on a three-country European tour{{cite news |last1=Romine |first1=Rich |title=Sports Jabs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cHZKAAAAIBAJ&dq=Los+Angeles+Aztecs+European+tour&pg=PA13&article_id=5886,3749415 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=September 16, 1979 |page=24}} beginning with a 2–1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain F.C.{{cite news |last1=Werneck |first1=Jose |title=Camp Neutro |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NcsxAAAAIBAJ&dq=Los+Angeles+Aztecs+at+Paris+St.+Germain&pg=PA82&article_id=6972,4025636 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=Jornal do Brasil |date=September 25, 1979 |page=25 |language=pt}} The team then played six games in the Netherlands winning three, losing two and earning one draw.{{cite news |title=Aztecs lose in exhibition |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eQFlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+F.C.+Utrecht&pg=PA68&article_id=5089,1764363 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=Edmonton Journal |agency=AP |date=October 3, 1979 |location=Utrecht |page=D8}}{{cite news |title=IN Soccer.... |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-5ZjAAAAIBAJ&dq=Los+Angeles+Aztecs+European+tour&pg=PA58&article_id=1893,1737508 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=Star Phoenix |date=October 5, 1979 |page=C18}}{{cite news |title=Early goal dims hopes for Spain |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FZtlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Early+goal+dims+hopes+for+Spain&pg=PA47&article_id=1245,263706 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=The Vancouver Sun |date=October 11, 1979 |page=C7}} On the team's final leg through England, the Aztec drew 1–1 against Birmingham City F.C.{{cite news |title=La Opinion |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=uXtEAAAAIBAJ&dq=Cruyff%20birmingham%20city&pg=PA9 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |publisher=La Opinion |date=October 18, 1979 |language=Spanish}} and lost 2–0 to Chelsea F.C.{{cite news |title=Chelsea wins exhibition |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=xZ4xAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+Tie+English+Team&pg=PA147&article_id=1228,3543642 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=The Montreal Gazette |publisher=The Montreal Gazette |date=October 17, 1979 |page=34 |language=en}} Mexican media company Televisa purchased the team in early 1980 and sold the team's rights to Johan Cruyff to the Washington Diplomats for $1 million in order to save payroll money and foster a different image for the team.{{cite news |title=Washington Signs Superstar Cruyff |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qfAcAAAAIBAJ&dq=Washington+Signs+Superstar+Cruyff&pg=PA29&article_id=3669,5705745 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=Sarasota Herald-Tribune |agency=AP |date=February 27, 1980 |page=9D}}{{cite news |last1=Tucker |first1=Bud |title=A Johan Cruyff Explained |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MBxKAAAAIBAJ&dq=A+Johan+Cruyff+Explained&pg=PA9&article_id=6646,1115229 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=The Press-Courier |date=April 5, 1980 |page=16}} The Aztecs participated in the 1979–80 NASL Indoor season earning only two wins in twelve matches. A few weeks prior to the beginning of the 1980 outdoor season, Michels resigned has head coach, but was able to reach an agreement with the new owners and confirmed he would be returning.{{cite news |title=IN Soccer.... |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hPRlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+Defeat+Dutch+Team&pg=PA37&article_id=1027,203359 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=Edmonton Journal |publisher=Edmonton Journal |date=March 1, 1980 |page=C5 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=NASL's 14th Season Set to Unfold |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Xp00AAAAIBAJ&dq=NASL%27s+14th+Season+Set+to+Unfold&pg=PA14&article_id=5168,5518669 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |work=The Hour |publisher=The Hour |date=March 29, 1980 |page=26 |language=en}} The Aztecs finished the 1980 season in second place of the National Conference Western Division with a record of twenty wins and twelve losses. Losing the first game of the Conference Quarterfinals at RFK Stadium the Aztecs defeated the Diplomats in the series by winning the home leg in a shootout, and the 30-minute minigame 2–0.{{cite news |last1=Feinstein |first1=John |title=Diplomats Shocked by Aztec Loss |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1980/09/01/diplomats-shocked-by-aztec-loss/ef7ef10e-18be-480c-8b58-f151b3245b57/ |access-date=January 19, 2022 |newspaper=Washington Post |date=September 1, 1980}} The Aztecs advanced to the Conference Championships after defeating the Seattle Sounders in another shootout after each team won their home leg and playing to a 1–1 tie in the minigame.{{cite news |title=Aztecs nip Sounders in Shootout |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kHARAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+nip+Sounders+in+Shootout&pg=PA17&article_id=4944,1315798 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=Eugene Register-Guard |agency=AP |publisher=Eugene Register-Guard |date=September 6, 1980 |location=Seattle |page=3C |language=en}} The Aztecs were defeated by the New York Cosmos in both games of the Conference Championships.{{cite news |last1=Yannis |first1=Alex |title=Cosmos Beat Aztecs; Birkenmeier Excels; Goalie Makes Spectacular Saves Cosmos Subdue Aztecs by 2–1 Neeskens Still Missing |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1980/09/11/archives/cosmos-beat-aztecs-birkenmeier-excels-goalie-makes-spectacular.html |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=September 11, 1980 |location=Pasadena |page=S9}}{{cite news |title=Cosmos Nip Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=lA9IAAAAIBAJ&dq=Cosmos+Nip+Aztecs&pg=PA30&article_id=6320,3994302 |work=The Victoria Advocate |agency=AP |date=September 14, 1980 |location=East Rutherford |page=3B |language=en}} Less than a month after the team was eliminated from the playoffs, Michels left the team for the position of technical director of FC Köln.{{cite news |title=Sports Brief...Coach Will Not Return |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QTMcAAAAIBAJ&dq=sports+brief+stroman%2C+victoria+boosters+to+meet&pg=PA10&article_id=2924,3634697 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Victoria Advocate |publisher=The Victoria Advocate |date=October 14, 1980 |page=18 |language=en}}
=Final season=
The Aztecs achieved their best indoor season record with eleven wins and seven loses and earning first place of the Western Division in the 1980–81 NASL Indoor season but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Edmonton Drillers.{{cite news |title=Drillers shoot past Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4_tkAAAAIBAJ&dq=Drillers+snoot+past+Aztecs&pg=PA53&article_id=1080,3913094 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=Edmonton Journal |publisher=Edmonton Journal |date=February 2, 1981 |location=Los Angeles |page=D3 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Finn finishes off Aztecs in playoffs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZKJlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Finn+finishes+off+Aztecs+in+playoffs&pg=PA36&article_id=3137,5218740 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Vancouver Sun |publisher=The Vancouver Sun |date=February 20, 1981 |page=D2 |language=en}} On January 9, 1981, the Aztecs announced Cláudio Coutinho had signed a two-year contract to coach the team.{{cite news |title=Soccer |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4DhgAAAAIBAJ&dq=televisa+buy+los+angeles+aztecs&pg=PA34&article_id=6653,2625255 |work=The Phoenix |date=January 10, 1981 |page=C4 |language=en}} The team also moved back to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to play their home games for the 1981 outdoor season.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Larry |title=Sports |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=A3RkAAAAIBAJ&dq=aztecs+move+to+coliseum+1981&pg=PA49&article_id=1786,6260611 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Calgary Herald |publisher=The Calgary Herald |date=May 20, 1981 |page=C1 |language=en}} The Aztecs finished the 1981 North American Soccer League season in second place of the Western Division with a record of nineteen wins and thirteen losses and an average attendance of 5,814. The team was knocked out of the first round of the playoffs by the Montreal Manic two games to one, the last game decided on a controversial penalty call in overtime.{{cite news |title=Maiden Manic Outpace Aztecs |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=CbhaAAAAIBAJ&dq=Maiden+Manic+Outpace+Aztecs&pg=PA21&article_id=3326,2434352 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Evening Independent |agency=AP |publisher=The Evening Independent |date=August 25, 1981 |location=Montreal |page=4C |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Aztecs top Manic to tie series |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YFFmAAAAIBAJ&dq=Aztecs+top+Manic+to+tie+series&pg=PA33&article_id=3084,4257209 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Vancouver Sun |agency=AP |publisher=The Vancouver Sun |date=August 28, 1981 |location=Los Angeles |page=C3 |language=en}}{{cite news |title=Manic make most of call |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Z49VAAAAIBAJ&dq=Manic+make+most+of+call&pg=PA29&article_id=958,4482847 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Leader-Post |agency=Canadian Press |publisher=The Leader-Post |date=August 31, 1981 |page=B9 |language=en}} Following the season on December 9, 1981, Televisa released a statement stating the team would not be operating for the 1982 season and that any remaining player contracts would be sold.{{cite news |title=Aztecs are now part of history |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UbVlAAAAIBAJ&dq=Los+Angeles+Aztecs&pg=PA42&article_id=850,6965024 |access-date=January 19, 2022 |work=The Vancouver Sun |agency=AP |date=December 10, 1981 |location=Los Angeles |page=C6}}
Year-by-year
| class="wikitable"
!Year !Division !League !Reg. season !Playoffs !Open Cup !Avg. Attend. |
| 1974
|1 |NASL |bgcolor="B3B7FF"|1st, Western |bgcolor="ffcbcb"|Champions |did not enter |5,098 |
| 1975
|N/A |NASL Indoor |3rd, Region 4 |did not qualify |N/A |N/A |
| 1975
|1 |NASL |3rd, Western |Quarterfinals |did not enter |8,307 |
| 1976
|1 |NASL |3rd, Pacific Southern |1st Round |did not enter |8,051 |
| 1977
|1 |NASL |3rd, Pacific Southern |Semifinals |did not enter |9,638 |
| 1978
|1 |NASL |4th, National Western |did not qualify |did not enter |9,301 |
| 1979
|1 |NASL |2nd, National Western |Conference Semifinals |did not enter |14,334 |
| 1979–80
|N/A |NASL Indoor |5th, Western |did not qualify |N/A |3,152 |
| 1980
|1 |NASL |2nd, National Western |Conference Championships |did not enter |12,057 |
| 1980–81
|N/A |NASL Indoor |bgcolor="B3B7FF"|1st, Western |1st Round |N/A |3,439 |
| 1981
|1 |NASL |2nd, Western |1st Round |did not enter |5,814 |
Notable players
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
- {{flagicon |MEX}} Javier Aguirre
- {{flagicon |USA }} Gary Allison
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Lee Atack
- {{flagicon |SAF}} Desmond Backos
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Phil Beal
- {{flagicon |NIR}} George Best
- {{flagicon |CAN}} Željko Bilecki
- {{flagicon |CAN }} Bob Bolitho
- {{flagicon |England }} Colin Boulton
- {{flagicon |England }} Colin Clarke
- {{flagicon |USA }} Martin Cohen
- {{flagicon |SCO}} Charlie Cooke
- {{flagicon |URU}} Julio César Cortés
- {{flagicon |BRA}} Renato Costa
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Peter Coyne
- {{flagicon |NED}} Johan Cruyff
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Chris Dangerfield
- {{flagicon |TRI}} Steve David
- {{flagicon |WAL}} Ron Davies
- {{flagicon |MEX}} Antonio de la Torre Villalpando
- {{flagicon |USA }} Roberto de Oliveira
- {{flagicon |England }} George Dewsnip
- {{flagicon |ARG }} Angelo DiBernardo
- {{flagicon |YUG }} Vito Dimitrijević
- {{flagicon |TRI}} Tony Douglas
- {{flagicon |England }} Gary Etherington
- {{flagicon |USA }} Bernie Fagan
- {{flagicon |SCO}} Mike Ferguson
- {{flagicon |USA }} Santiago Formoso
- {{flagicon |USA }} Randy Garber
- {{flagicon |USA }} Poli Garcia
- {{flagicon |USA }} Steve Gay
- {{flagicon |URU }} Uruguay Graffigna
- {{flagicon |USA }} Austin Hayes
- {{flagicon |ENG }} Graham Horn
- {{flagicon |USA }} Larry Hulcer
- {{flagicon |WAL }} Alan Jones
- {{flagicon |ENG }} Garry Jones
- {{flagicon |USA}} Jerry Kazarian
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Alan Kelley
- {{flagicon |ENG }} Jimmy Kelly
- {{flagicon |YUG }} Mihalj Keri
- {{flagicon |HUN}} György Kottán
- {{flagicon |CAN}} Bob Lenarduzzi
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Dave Lennard
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Malcolm Linton
- {{flagicon |TRI }} Sammy Llewellyn
- {{flagicon |ESP}} Miguel Lopez
- {{flagicon |BRA}} Luís Fernando Gaúcho
- {{flagicon |USA }} Terry Mancini
- {{flagicon |England }} Jackie Marsh
- {{flagicon |USA }} John Mason
- {{flagicon |England }} Bobby McAlinden
- {{flagicon |SCO}} John McGrane
- {{flagicon |SCO}} Mike McLenaghen
- {{flagicon |SCO}} Doug McMillan
- {{flagicon |England }} Alan Merrick
- {{flagicon |PER }} Ramón Mifflin
- {{flagicon |USA}} Ane Mihailovich
- {{flagicon |USA }} Jim Millinder
- {{flagicon |USA }} Bill Mishalow
- {{flagicon |TRI }} Ramon Moraldo
- {{flagicon |USA }} Dave Morrison
- {{flagicon |CAN }} Buzz Parsons
- {{flagicon |USA}} Hugo Pérez
- {{flagicon |MEX}} Héctor Pulido
- {{flagicon |USA}} Brian Quinn
- {{flagicon |Brazil }} Luiz Rangel
- {{flagicon |USA }} Tom Reynolds
- {{flagicon |USA }} Bob Rigby
- {{flagicon |SCO}} Andy Rolland
- {{flagicon |Argentina }} Rubén Omar Romano
- {{flagicon |NED}} Thomas Rongen
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Alex Russell
- {{flagicon |CZE}} Miro Rys
- {{flagicon |USA}} Todd Saldana
- {{flagicon |USA }} Bill Sautter
- {{flagicon |USA }} Dave Shelton
- {{flagicon |USA }} Bobby Sibbald
- {{flagicon |SCO }} Dave Smith
- {{flagicon |ENG}} Tommy Smith
- {{flagicon |POL }} Franciszek Smuda
- {{flagicon |USA }} Frantz St. Lot
- {{flagicon |NED}} Wim Suurbier
- {{flagicon |USA}} Chris Turner
- {{flagicon |HUN }} Juli Veee
- {{flagicon |NED}} Leo van Veen
- {{flagicon |MEX}} Sergio Velazquez
- {{flagicon |USA }} Scott Vorst
- {{flagicon |GER }} Walter Wagner
- {{flagicon |USA }} Rudy Ybarra
{{div col end}}
Ownership
- Dr. Jack Gregory – Founder / co-owner
- Elton John – co-owner (1975–1977)
- Alan Rothenberg – owner (1977–80)
- Televisa – owners (1980–1981)
Honors
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-break}}NASL championships
NASL Regular Season Premierships
Division Champions
League MVP
- 1979 Johan Cruyff
Rookie of the Year
- 1974 Doug McMillan
- 1979 Larry Hulcer
League scoring champion
- 1977 Steve David (26 goals, 6 assists, 58 points)
League goal scoring champion
- 1977 Steve David (26 goals)
League Assists Leader
- 1974 Doug McMillan (10 assists)
- 1977 George Best (18 assists)
Indoor All-Stars
- 1980–81 Mihalj Keri, Chris Dangerfield{{cite news|last=Henderson|first=Jim |title=For Keith Bailey, The Long Wait Is Finally Over|date=April 21, 1981|newspaper= The Tampa Tribune|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/335321009|page=5-C|access-date=January 6, 2021}}
{{Col-break}}
All-Star first team selections
- 1976 George Best
- 1977 Steve David, George Best
- 1979 Johan Cruyff
All-Star second team selections
- 1974 Luis Marotte, Doug McMillan
- 1977 Charlie Cooke
- 1979 Mihalj Keri
- 1980 Luis Fernando, Mihalj Keri
- 1981 Mihalj Keri
All-Star honorable mentions
- 1976 Charlie Cooke
- 1979 Wim Suurbier
U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame
- 2003 Bob Lenarduzzi
- 2006 Hugo Pérez
Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame
- 2001 Bob Lenarduzzi
- 2003 Buzz Parsons
- 2004 Bob Bolitho
- 2008 John McGrane
- 2012 Juli Veee
- 2013 Brian Quinn
{{col-end}}
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Los Angeles Aztecs}}
{{North American Soccer League (1966–85)}}
Category:Association football clubs established in 1974
Category:Association football clubs disestablished in 1981
Category:North American Soccer League (1968–1984) teams
Category:Defunct soccer clubs in California
Category:Soccer clubs in California
Category:Defunct indoor soccer clubs in the United States
Category:1973 establishments in California