In 1983, the second American Soccer League collapsed from over-expansion, runaway spending and a restricted fan base.
In 1987, the Lone Star Soccer Alliance began its first season, mimicking the WSA model with teams in or near Texas.
On May 7, 1987, several team executives led by Clive Toye announced the creation of an east coast-based league using the WSA model.
[2] The league initially concentrated on the northeast, but in August 1987, plans expanded to include teams situated in Florida.
On April 9, 1988, the American Soccer League began its first season when the New Jersey Eagles defeated the Miami Sharks, 2–1.