Montreal Manic
Montreal, Quebec1981-1983
Browse Montreal Manic tees, long sleeve tees, hoodies and crewnecks. A playoff game against Chicago in September 1981 drew 58,542 people, the largest playoff crowd in the league outside the New York club's own stadium. The team had reportedly lost about $7 million in two seasons when it stopped play after 1983. Pick a style below, then read the full Manic history further down. Down Home Apparel is an American small business remembering the best places and teams of yesteryear, and every shirt is printed to order in the USA.
5 products
Montreal Manic History
The Montreal Manic, based in Montreal, Quebec, played in North America's top pro soccer league from 1981 to 1983. They were the city's first pro soccer club since the Montreal Olympique folded in 1973. Outdoor games were played at Olympic Stadium, and the indoor team used the Montreal Forum.
The Manic drew well at the start. They averaged more than 23,000 fans in 1981 and about 21,000 in 1982. A playoff game against Chicago in September 1981 pulled in 58,542 people, the largest playoff crowd in the league outside the New York club's own stadium. The team beat Los Angeles in the first round that year, then lost to Chicago. Eddie Firmani coached the first season and a half. Gordon Hill was a first-team all-star in 1981.
The 1982 team went 19-13 and lost in the first round. In 1983 the Manic finished 12-18 but upset New York in the playoffs before losing to Tulsa in the semifinals. They also reached the indoor final that year. Attendance had fallen to under 10,000 a game outdoors. The club had reportedly lost about $7 million in two seasons, and the president blamed stadium rent, concession money and the lack of a TV deal. The Manic stopped play after the 1983 season.