The Sacramento Gold was an American soccer club based in Sacramento, California that was a member of the American Soccer League. They were original called the Sacramento Spirits when founded in 1976. During their final months of existence in the 1980 season they were known as the Sacramento Spirit. History In the team's inaugural season they failed to qualify for the ASL playoffs. In the 1977 season the Spirits won the West Division and made it to the ASL championship game. During the 1978 season the Spirits' ASL membership was canceled for failing to fulfill the obligations of the ASL constitution. They were replaced by a new team owned by local cabinet manufacturer, John Andreotti. Less than two weeks later the "new" franchise was named the Sacramento Gold and inherited the Spirits' 2–4–0 record, players, and remaining schedule. In 1979 Sacramento won the ASL title. For their part, the Gold ceased operations on July 16, 1980. In a situation similar to 1978, the Gold was replaced by the Spirit, however this time it was the club's boosters that assumed the responsibility of running the club. In the 1980 season the Sacramento club won the American Conference and reached the ASL title game for the third time in four years. Coaches Dick Ott (1976) Bernard Hartze (1976) Bob Ridley (1976–77) Bill Williams (1979–80) Yearly Awards ASL Coach of the Year 1977 - Bob Ridley ASL Rookie of the Year 1977 - Mal Roche 1978 - Emilio John ASL All-Star Team 1977 - Daniel Mammana 1979 - Mickey Brown, Ian Filby 1980 - Raul Carrizo ASL Leading Points Scorer 1979 - Ian Filby (45 Points) Year-by-year Honors American Soccer League Champions (1): 1979 Runners-up (2): 1977, 1980 Participations in CONCACAF Champions' Cup: 1987 References Defunct soccer clubs in California G American Soccer League (1933–1983) teams 1976 establishments in California 1980 disestablishments in California Soccer clubs in California Association football clubs established in 1976 Association football clubs disestablished in 1980 U.S. clubs in CONCACAF Champions' Cup