Although the Pro League, as it was known in 1995 and 1996, would not be formed until the following outdoor season, USISL was given Division III status from the United States Soccer Federation. Exactly half of the league’s 72 teams choose to turn professional with the amateur teams still eligible to compete in the Sizzlin’ Nine Championship through the USSF’s permission.

 

The amateur and undefeated (18-0 regular season) Minnesota Thunder, in their first year, would advance to the championship match of the Sizzlin’ Nine before losing to the defending champion Greensboro Dynamo. It took a shootout, however, to decide the outcome between the two young clubs. Tied, 1-1, Greensboro came out on top in the shootout to win its second consecutive outdoor title in just its second year of existence.  Minnesota’s Manny Lagos, who would go on to play in MLS, was named league MVP.

 

The Minnesota Thunder’s appearance was the first of five championship game appearances the team would have prior to the turning of the century, finally winning the A-League crown in 1999. The Thunder, a four-year-old amateur team, prior to joining USL in ‘94 have always been led by head coach Manuel (Buzz) Lagos.  Lagos has compiled a 121-43-4 regular season USL record. He was honored as the Coach of the Year in 1995 after leading the Thunder to their second straight appearance in a championship game.

 

The 1994-95 indoor season sees the Atlanta Magic, who sufferred their first loss since the 1991-92 season, continue their dominance with a third straight championship, defeating the  renamed Oklahoma City Slickers, 6-3, in the final.  The Mesquite Kickers, a distant cousin of the Genesis-Spurs joined the league.