Syracuse Salty Dogs
The Syracuse Salty Dogs were a professional men's soccer team in Syracuse, New York. They are a member of the United Soccer Leagues' A-League. The official club name was Syracuse Football Club, under the Syracuse Pro Sports Group, and it was founded in 2003, when the Salty Dogs played their first season, which they ended 11-12-5. Most home games were played at Alliance Bank Stadium (formerly P&C Stadium). The team suspended operations in October 2004 and will not play in 2005. The organization is working on returning a team to the A-League for 2006.
Seasons
Win-Draw-Lose - 2003 - 11-12-5
:2004 - 15-5-8
Post-season - 2003 - Didn't Qualify
:2004 - Lost to Montreal in the Eastern Championship
Financial Difficulties
Despite having the third-highest attendance in the A-League during its two years of play, the team faltered financially. Much strain has been put on its budget as a result of using Alliance Bank Stadium, which is run by the Syracuse Sky Chiefs. The team did not have a good relationship with the Sky Chiefs. During their first season, the team was forced to play several home games at a high school football field in Liverpool, NY. During its seond season, the team's playoff home games were in Cortland, NY for similar reasons. During its second and last season, there were proposals to build a downtown soccer stadium near Armory Square. After the team's folding, Matt Driscoll, Syracuse's mayor, stated that realization of such a stadium is only feasible if a team returns. Ironically, without such a stadium, a team's return is less likely. The Syracuse Pro Sports group is expected to file for bankruptcy.
Directions to stadium
By carFrom New York State Thruway (I-90): Use exit 36 onto I-81 south, and follow directions below. - From I-81 (southbound): Take I-81 South to Exit 25 (7th North St.); left at light approximately 3/4 mile to Hiawatha Blvd.; right on Hiawatha Blvd. - follow signs to Alliance Bank Stadium.
- From I-81 (northbound): Take I-81 North to Exit 23 (Hiawatha Blvd.); left at light onto Park St.; right at next light - follow signs to Alliance Bank Stadium.
- From I-690 (eastbound): Take I-690 East to the Hiawatha Blvd. Exit; left at the light onto Hiawatha Blvd. - follow signs to Alliance Bank Stadium.
- From I-690 (westbound): Take I-690 West and merge onto I-81 North; I-81 North to Exit 23 (Hiawatha Blvd.); left at light on to Park St.; right at next light - follow signs to Alliance Bank Stadium.
By bus & train
Syracuse's main bus and train station, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center is located adjacent to the stadium and is served by Amtrak, Greyhound, and Trailways.
By public transportation OnTrack has a Carousel Center station, which is only a short walk from the stadium. However, there is no pedestrian path, so this might not be advisable to the elderly and handicapped. An extension to the stadium is planned for 2005. Centro also serves the stadium.
External links[www.syracusefc.net Syracuse Football Club Revival Site]
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