Los Angeles Skyhawks

The Los Angeles Skyhawks were based out of L.A. as a member of the American Soccer League (ASL) - part of their west coast expansion in 1976. They played out of Birmingham High School in The Valley. With Ron Newman as their head coach, the Skyhawks recruited young players from England including goalkeeper Brian Parkinson and forward Jimmy "the Price" Hinch.

In their first season, 1976, the Skyhawks had the league’s best record of 13-6-2, which gave them an automatic bye in the first round of the playoffs. The Skyhawks would come from behind in the quarterfinal, defeating the Tacoma Tide. For the ASL championship game, the Skyhawks played defending champion New York Apollo where they would have to come from behind again. With over 9,000 fans in attendance, the Skyhawks proved their strength and resilience by beating out the Apollos 2-1 while down a man for the entire second half. 

While 1977 wasn’t as successful, they would make it back to the Final against the Apollo again in 1978. The Apollo would have revenge though, defeating the Skyhawks 1-0. After one more season, the Skyhawks would fold.