The Austin Sockadillos, founded by Marcos, became the first expansion team in USL history in 1987, bringing the league to a total of six teams for the 1987-88 season. The team was co-owned by Tatu, who was fondly referred to as the Fantastic Armadillo by Marcos, of NASL and MISL fame. In honor of the great player, the team was named Sockadillos with a posterized cartoon version Tatu, which is Brazilian for armadillo.

 

Shortly after the Sockadillos went outside, the team altered its name slightly to Soccadillos to differentiate between the indoor and outdoor teams. With an ownership change following the 1993 season, the Soccadillos were no more as the team became the Lone Stars for 1994. Austin also had a sister Lady Lone Stars franchise, which began play in W-2 in 1999.

 

The first of many name changes and moves begins with Albuquerque changing its nickname to the Gunners. In addition, the Garland Genesis begins its continual process of metamorphosis, becoming the Arlington Arrows.

 

The Oklahoma City Warriors, who would later become the Slickers, defeated the expansion Sockadillos two games to one in the three-game championship series at the conclusion of the 1987-88 season.

Oklahoma City’s Chico Villar was named Coach of the Year for the second straight season.  Assist leader Austin Hudson of the Warriors was named Most Valuable Player.

 

Austin’s Steve Bailey was named Rookie of the Year, while Uwe Balzis, of Albuquerque, was the top goal scorer and Todd Brunskill, of Addison, was the best goalkeeper.