Explosion in outdoor membership occurs for the first time, doubling the size of the outdoor league from 21 to 43 for the 1993 season.

 

In addition to the dramatic expansion increase, the ‘93 outdoor season would turn out to be dynamic as well with the first-year Greensboro Dynamo repeating Palo Alto’s ‘92 feat of capturing a championship in the team’s inaugural season, defeating the Orlando Lions in the “Sizzlin’ Six” Final. Greensboro’s Eddie Radwanski was named league MVP.

 

The 1993 outdoor season also marked the first edition of the challenge cup format, an abbreviated seasonal tournament, with the Southern Challenge Cup consisting of the provisional New Orleans Riverboat Gamblers, Birmingham Grasshoppers, Montgomery Capitals and Jacksonville Fury. The Challenge Cup format was designed as a testing ground by USL for new teams.

 

The 1993-94 indoor season was just as magical with Atlanta completing their second consecutive season undefeated, running their winning streak to 33 games through two regular and postseasons. The Magic were also 7-1 with a 4-1 playoff record, losing in the Final in their inaugural season in 1991-92.

 

Atlanta defeated the Chattanooga Express in the Sizzlin’ Four Final in Baltimore for the championship. The Magic’s streak would end at 37 in the following season on their way to a third consecutive indoor title. The end of Atlanta’s run would be followed by the repeat of their “three-peat” by the Baltimore Bays.