Former Tampa Bay Rowdies and Dallas Tornado executive Francisco Marcos decides to start a regional indoor soccer league, the Southwest Indoor Soccer League, or SISL, based in Texas. He signs three teams from Texas and one each from Oklahoma and New Mexico. The original members of the SISL are the Garland Genesis, Lubbock Lazers, Amarillo Challengers, Oklahoma City Warriors and Albuquerque Outlaws.

 

The vision behind the league, similar to today's, was to act as a minor-league for the highly popular Major Indoor Soccer League, which was the latest and greatest hope for American soccer following the demise of the North American Soccer League. The plan worked. Although the league would not sign an agreement with MISL, numerous players over the years would advance to play at the top level of indoor soccer in the country.

 

The league was forged by Marcos and five men, who converted empty warehouses into indoor soccer arenas primarily for local competitive and recreational leagues. Their new purpose, unbeknownst to them at the time, would have much greater impact than imagined and their destiny would unfold as the foundation for the country and North America's future success at the international level within 10 years. 

 

Of the original five teams, only one remains. The Texas Spurs of the Premier Development League are the descendants of the Garland Genesis following a slew of moves and name and ownership changes. The franchise, in 2001, will be playing under its 13th name, as the Texas Spurs, since the Garland Genesis debuted in 1986.

 

It is fitting that the Genesis, whose presence is still felt today, were the first champions in USL history, defeating the Lubbock Lazers, 7-2, in the championship match at the conclusion of the 1986-87 season. Garland's Greg Nicholas picked up the league goal-scoring crown in addition to being Most Valuable Player. Danny Perge of the Genesis was tops in assists, while Oklahoma City's Steve Meyers was the Goalkeeper of the Year and Chico Villar was the Coach of the Year.