The Spirit was founded in 1978, suspended operation for the 1980–81 season, then returned to the MISL until owner Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. folded the team on April 11, 1986.

The Spirit finished the regular season with a 31–13 record (including a franchise best .705 winning percentage), securing second place in the Eastern Division and a playoff berth.

[3] The Spirit enjoyed its winningest regular season ever in 1983–84, going 32–16 despite losing two-time leading scorer Terlecki to the Golden Bay Earthquakes.

Zeee Kapka led the Spirit offense with 66 points and former first round draft pick goalkeeper Joe Papaleo forged a 16–8 record with a 4.12 GAA.

[4] Two-time former leading scorer Stan Terlecki returned to the team, but the Spirit finished in sixth place ten games under .500, going 19–29.

Terlecki led the team with 39 goals and 66 points, while goalkeeper Peter Mowlik finished the season 11–13 with a 4.71 GAA.