Detroit Rockers
The Detroit Rockers were an indoor soccer team in the National Professional Soccer League from 1990 to 2001. They played in Joe Louis Arena and Cobo Arena in downtown Detroit, Michigan as well as The Palace of Auburn Hills and Compuware Sports Arena in the suburbs. For a time, they were led by star player-coach Andy Chapman until he was lured away by the more deep-pocketed Detroit Neon in 1994. The big stars of the Rockers included Drago Dumbovic and goalie Bryan "Goose" Finnerty. The Rockers won the 1991–1992 NPSL Championship. The Rockers outlasted the home-town rival Neon only because the Neon folded with their league the CISL.The Rockers themselves finally folded in 2001 when the NPSL ceased operations. Until the Rockers folded, they were owned by businessmen from Walled Lake.
Year-by-year
| Year | League | Reg. season | Playoffs | Owner(s) | Avg. attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990–91 | NPSL | 3rd, American | Semifinals | N/A | 4,031 |
| 1991–92 | NPSL | 3rd, American | Champions | N/A | 3,416 |
| 1992–93 | NPSL | 6th, American | Did not qualify | Michael & Marian llitch | 3,369 |
| 1993–94 | NPSL | 2nd, National | 2nd Round | Michael & Marian llitch | 5,201 |
| 1994–95 | NPSL | 4th, National | 1st Round | Michael & Marian llitch | 4,331 |
| 1995–96 | NPSL | 5th, National | Did not qualify | Michael & Marian llitch | 4,526 |
| 1996–97 | NPSL | 3rd, National North | Did not qualify | N/A | 5,101 |
| 1997–98 | NPSL | 4th, National North | Did not qualify | N/A | 5,408 |
| 1998–99 | NPSL | 3rd, National North | Did not qualify | N/A | 5,458 |
| 1999–00 | NPSL | 3rd, National North | Did not qualify | N/A | 4,098 |
| 2000–01 | NPSL | 5th, National | Did not qualify | N/A | 2,990 |
Ownership & Staff
David Woodrow – Co-Owner / General Manager- Gary Miller – Co-Owner / General Manager
Coaches
- Brian Tinnion 1990–1994
- Pato Margetic 1994–1999
- Drago 1999–2000
- Brian Tinnion 2000–2001
Honors
MVP
- Andy Chapman: 1991
- Dan O'Keefe: 1992
Leading scorer
- Andy Chapman: 1991
- Dan O'Keefe: 1992
Defender of the Year
- Sean Bowers: 1994, 1995
Rookie of the Year
- Goose Finnerty: 1991
- Sean Bowers: 1992
- Jason Willen: 1996
- Travis Roy: 1998
Coach of the Year
- Brian Tinnion: 1991
First Team All Star
- 1991: Andy Chapman
- 1992: Dan O'Keefe
- 1993: Sean Bowers
- 1994: Sean Bowers, Andy Chapman
- 1995: Sean Bowers
- 1997: Dennis Brose
Media coverage
In Detroit, the Rockers could be seen on Barden Cablevision and Pro-Am Sports System with Ian Parratt, Brian Tinnion, and Detroit Free Press columnist Bill Roose[1] among the commentators.
References