In 1981, Dinamo Latino was granted a franchise in the National Soccer League, and represented the Latin American community in the Greater Toronto Area.
[1][2] Artigas Cruz, a former professional soccer player from Uruguay, served as the inaugural head coach, and later was replaced by Pedro Kozak.
[6] After the demise of the North American Soccer League (NASL) in 1984 the Toronto Blizzard joined the NSL by purchasing Dinamo Latino's franchise rights.
[7] As the transference of ownership occurred midway through the season the team competed under the name of Toronto Dinamo as the name change required the approval of the league's board of directors.
[15][16] Though the Blizzard's time in the NSL produced a successful stint it served as a transitory period as Toronto awaited the creation of the Canadian Soccer League (CSL).