Las Vegas Quicksilvers
Squad
The Las Vegas Quicksilvers were a defunct American soccer club that played in the NASL.
They competed in the North American Soccer League during the 1977 season.
The team was based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and played their home games at Las Vegas Stadium.
Biography
Formation
The Las Vegas Quicksilvers were originally founded in January 1974 as the Baltimore Comets, part of an expansion effort by the North American Soccer League (NASL) that added six new teams following the 1973 season. After two seasons in Baltimore, the franchise was sold and relocated to San Diego, where it became known as the San Diego Jaws. Following a disappointing performance in the 1976 season, where they finished last in the Southern Division, the team announced its move to Las Vegas, rebranding as the Quicksilvers.
1977 NASL Season
The Quicksilvers kicked off their inaugural season in Las Vegas on April 9, 1977, with a thrilling 1-0 victory against the New York Cosmos, drawing an impressive crowd of 11,896 fans to Las Vegas Stadium. This match was notable for being the tenth encounter between legendary players Eusébio and Pelé. The team started strong, winning nine of their first twelve games, but faced a significant downturn, losing seven of their next eight matches. This led to the firing of head coach Derek Trevis, who was replaced by Jim Fryatt. Ultimately, the Quicksilvers finished the season in last place in the Pacific Conference Southern Division, with a record of eleven wins and fifteen losses, averaging 7,092 fans per game.
Demise and Legacy
Despite their initial promise, the Quicksilvers struggled to maintain their momentum and faced financial difficulties. In late October 1977, there were discussions about the Milwaukee Brewers potentially purchasing the team, but these plans fell through amid legal troubles, including a civil suit filed by the Clark County District Attorney. After the 1977 season, the franchise relocated once again, this time to San Diego, where it was rebranded as the San Diego Sockers, marking the end of the Quicksilvers' brief existence in the NASL.
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Career & Clubs
Origins
The team that would become the Quicksilvers was founded in January 1974 as the Baltimore Comets when the North American Soccer League added six expansion teams following the 1973 season. After two seasons in Baltimore, the team was sold and moved to San Diego, becoming the San Diego Jaws. After finishing last in the Southern Division for the 1976 North American Soccer League season, the team announced it would move to Las Vegas.
1977 NASL season and demise
The Quicksilvers opened the season on April 9, 1977, at home with a 1–0 win against the New York Cosmos with 11,896 fans in attendance at Las Vegas Stadium. The game was the tenth meeting in history between Eusébio and Pelé, considered by many to be the two finest players of the era. After starting the season with nine wins and three loses, the team lost seven of their next eight games; head coach Derek Trevis was fired and replaced by Jim Fryatt. The team finished the season in last place of the Pacific Conference Southern Division with eleven wins and fifteen losses and averaging 7,092 fans a game. The Quicksilvers were broadcast on local radio by KORK, now KRLV (AM). While there was a local television program on KSHO (now KTNV) there's no evidence that station, or any other, televised the Quicksilvers' matches. In late October 1977, it was reported the Milwaukee Brewers considered purchasing the team. However, less than a week later the Clark County District Attorney filed a civil suit…
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The Las Vegas Quicksilvers were an American soccer team that competed in the North American Soccer League (NASL) during the 1977 season. The team was based in Las Vegas, Nevada, and played their home games at Las Vegas Stadium. After the 1977 season, the team relocated to San Diego and became the San Diego Sockers.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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