Toronto Blizzard
Toronto, Ontario1979-1984
Browse Toronto Blizzard tees, long sleeve tees, hoodies and crewnecks. The Blizzard reached Soccer Bowl '83 and lost 2-0 to Tulsa, then lost the 1984 final series 2-0 to Chicago. The roster included Roberto Bettega, Jimmy Nicholl, Ace Ntsoelengoe and Jomo Sono. Choose a style below, then read the full Blizzard history further down. Every shirt is printed to order in the USA and carries the memories of bygone places and teams.
5 products
Toronto Blizzard History
The Toronto Blizzard, based in Toronto, Ontario, played in North America's top pro soccer league from 1979 to 1984. The club was the earlier Toronto Metros-Croatia renamed after Global Television bought it in February 1979. Karsten von Werseb owned it from 1981.
Home games were at Exhibition Stadium from 1979 to 1983. In 1984 the Blizzard moved back to Varsity Stadium. During the 1980-81 and 1981-82 winters they also played indoors at Maple Leaf Gardens. Keith Eddy coached through 1981, then Bob Houghton took over for 1982-84. The roster included Roberto Bettega, Jimmy Nicholl, Ace Ntsoelengoe and Jomo Sono.
Results were mixed: 14-16 in 1979, 7-25 and no playoffs in 1981, then 17-15 in 1982 and 16-14 in 1983. In 1983 Toronto beat Vancouver and Montreal in the playoffs and lost Soccer Bowl '83 0-2 to Tulsa. In 1984 it finished 14-10, beat San Diego in the semifinal and lost the final series 0-2 to Chicago.
The league suspended play in 1985. A different team called the Toronto Blizzard played in a Canadian league from 1986 to 1993.