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The Fort Lauderdale Strikers were a professional soccer (football) team based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, originally formed as the Washington Darts in 1967 within the American Soccer League before joining the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1971 and relocating to become the Strikers in 1977. Under the ownership of Elizabeth Robbie (the first female owner of a professional soccer team in North America) and later ties to the Miami Dolphins' Joe Robbie, the club competed in the NASL until 1983, achieving notable success including reaching the Soccer Bowl finals in 1980 (losing to the New York Cosmos) and featuring star players like Gerd Müller, Teófilo Cubillas, and Ray Hudson amid the league's golden era of international talent and celebrity appeal. The team relocated to Minnesota in 1984 as the Minnesota Strikers before folding with the NASL's collapse; a revival as Miami FC in 2006 rebranded to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2011, competing in the modern NASL until financial issues led to their dissolution in 2016, leaving a legacy of in-state rivalries (e.g., with the Tampa Bay Rowdies) and contributions to American soccer's growth.

Fan merchandise, including retro replicas of Fort Lauderdale Strikers soccer jerseys (often in the team's classic red-and-yellow hooped design with stitched graphics, available in home/away styles from 1977–1983 eras), is offered by online retailers like Old School Shirts, American Retro Apparel, Soccer Replicas, and NASL Jerseys, typically priced around $50–$100 with options for customization, sizes S-6XL, and shipping in 3-5 weeks. Detailed kit histories and vintage apparel, such as the 1978 home jersey or player-specific replicas, are also archived and sold for collectors. If this isn't what you meant, please clarify!

Of course. The **Fort Lauderdale Strikers** are a legendary name in American soccer with a rich history that spans two distinct eras: the original glamour team of the 1970s/80s and a modern revival in the 2010s.

Here’s a breakdown of the club's history and significance.

### 1. The Original NASL Era (1977-1983)

The team's origin story is one of relocation and rebranding.

* **Predecessor:** The team began as the **Miami Toros** in the North American Soccer League (NASL).

* **Rebranding & Move:** In 1977, owner Elizabeth Robbie (wife of Miami Dolphins owner Joe Robbie) moved the team to Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale and rebranded them the **Strikers**. The name was chosen to reflect South Florida's aviation industry and to have a more active, exciting connotation than "Toros" (Bulls).

* **The Golden Age:** The Strikers became one of the NASL's most successful and glamorous franchises. They were known for:

* **International Stars:** They famously signed **George Best**, the iconic Northern Irish superstar, and later **Gerd Müller**, the legendary German goal-scoring machine. Brazilian star **Néné** was also a fan favorite.

* **Local Heroes:** The team was also built around a core of talented American players like **Ray Hudson** (a charismatic midfielder who became the heart of the team) and **Arnie Mausser** (the U.S. national team goalkeeper).

* **Success:** They consistently made the playoffs and reached the Soccer Bowl championship final in 1980, losing to the New York Cosmos.

* **Culture:** They had a huge, passionate fanbase, a popular cheerleading squad (The Striker Girls), and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere at Lockhart Stadium.

The original Strikers folded in 1983 as the entire NASL collapsed due to financial overextension.

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### 2. The Modern Revival (2011-2016)

The name and spirit were revived decades later in the modern American soccer pyramid.

* **Relaunch:** The **Fort Lauderdale Strikers** name was reborn in 2011 when a new ownership group rebranded the existing **Miami FC** team (not to be confused with the current MLS club).

* **Leagues:** The new Strikers played in the second division, first in the **North American Soccer League (NASL)** – a reboot of the old league's name – and later in the **National Premier Soccer League (NPSL)**.

* **Notable Era:** This iteration also had moments of glory:

* They signed famous Brazilian World Cup winners **Romário** and **Ronaldo** (initially as a part-owner, and he even played in a charity match).

* They reached the NASL championship final, the **Soccer Bowl**, in 2012.

* They developed a fierce rivalry with the **Tampa Bay Rowdies**, another revived NASL name, known as the "Rowdies-Strikers Derby."

* **Demise:** Despite on-field success and a dedicated fan group (The Flight 19), financial instability led the club to cease operations after the 2016 season.

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### Key Identity Markers:

* **Colors:** The team's iconic colors are **Columbia Blue, Red, and Yellow**.

* **Logo:** The classic logo features a **heron** (a common Florida bird) in flight, kicking a soccer ball. It's one of the most beloved logos in American soccer history.

* **Stadium:** Their original and modern home was **Lockhart Stadium**, a hallowed ground for American soccer fans that was later demolished and replaced with Inter Miami CF's training facility and a new stadium.

### Legacy:

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers represent a golden age of American soccer. They are remembered for:

* Bringing world-class talent to the U.S.

* Building a passionate soccer community in South Florida.

* Having a unique, stylish identity that remains iconic decades later.

* Their story is a classic tale of the highs and lows of soccer in the United States.

While the team is currently inactive, the name "Fort Lauderdale Strikers" continues to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and remains a cherished part of American soccer history.

Here's a glimpse at the retro Fort Lauderdale Strikers emblem—a classic crest highlighting why the team holds legendary status in North American soccer history.

Fort Lauderdale Strikers: An Enduring Legacy

1. The Original Era (1977–1983)

• Founded in 1977 when the Miami Toros relocated to Fort Lauderdale.

• Competed in the iconic North American Soccer League (NASL).

• Played home games at Lockhart Stadium, becoming a major soccer hub in South Florida.

• Featured notable stars such as George Best, Gerd Müller, Elías Figueroa, Gordon Banks, and others. (Wikipedia, Diario AS)

• Consistently made the playoffs under captain Ray Hudson.

• In 1984, the franchise moved and became the Minnesota Strikers, marking the end of this chapter. (Wikipedia)

2. Revival and Short-Lived Return (1988–1994)

• The Strikers name returned in 1988 within the American Soccer League (ASL).

• Won the 1989 ASL Championship and the 1989 National Pro Soccer Championship. (Wikipedia, NZT)

• Competed until 1994 in the American Professional Soccer League (APSL) before folding again. (Wikipedia)

3. Modern Revival (2006–2016)

• Originally launched as Miami FC in 2006 (USL First Division), re-branded to Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 2011 as they joined the new NASL. (Wikipedia)

• Established a fruitful youth development partnership with Fort Lauderdale FC in 2016. (OurSports Central)

• Reached the NASL Championship Series in their first year under the Strikers brand.

• Brazilian star Stéfano Pinho won the NASL MVP (Balón de Oro) in 2015 with an exceptional season (16 goals, 7 assists). (Diario AS)

• Despite growing popularity, financial issues led to the team's cessation by late 2016. (Wikipedia)

Fan Sentiment & Cultural Impact

• The Strikers vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies rivalry remains memorable, and fans continue to yearn for the Strikers' return. Bill Edwards (former Rowdies owner) currently holds the Strikers' trademarks. (Reddit)

• There's widespread fan support for reviving the Strikers identity, even among newer teams like Inter Miami’s reserve side. (Reddit)

Summary Table

Era Years League Highlights Original 1977–1983 NASL (original) Legends like Best & Müller; moved to Minnesota Second 1988–1994 ASL / APSL 1989 championships; folded in 1994 Modern 2006–2016 USL / NASL (revival) Championship appearance; 2015 MVP; folded 2016

Bottom Line

The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are more than a defunct club—they are a symbol of South Florida’s rich soccer heritage. Whether during the golden NASL days, their championship-winning ASL run, or their later NASL revival, the Strikers continue to resonate in fans' hearts and South Florida’s sporting identity.

Would you like to explore vintage kits, matchup posters, or customize a retro “Player Card” or jersey for a Strikers theme?