This edition takes us back to the 2017 season of the San Francisco Deltas, from the second incarnation of the North American Soccer League (NASL). In this segment I’m providing the select shots from their only year.
A bit of a disclaimer: The idea of covering the second tier professional team at that time was to provide coverage via FootySF, and to get the historical record of their season. Also, the main theme is to provide a portfolio and selection of shots that captured the play at that time. I did not anticipate it would turn out to be a one and done year.
The true approach was to see the team through a presser’s lens and setting aside every and any views otherwise in the true soccer outsider’s perspective. The biggest surprise was the Deltas played a very entertaining brand of soccer that cumulated in the Soccer Bowl championship with many of the players coming from the international ranks and from MLS and other leagues. The task was just to limit the coverage to at least one team’s visit with the exceptions being the New York Cosmos for historical reasons, Indy Eleven with former Quakes Jon Busch and Brad Ring, and Jacksonville Armada with the second match billed as “The Final Game”.
The selection from each game covered is presented here:
If only they were allowed to continue there could have been some fierce rivalries with both the San Jose Earthquakes and Sacramento Republic. More matches would have allowed for some interesting storylines be in league or cup play but that’s for another article.
The story is best preserved for the history of soccer and are lessons learned be the negatives or the positives. I have my preferences but the Deltas were a pleasure and privilege to cover, especially from the vantage point of a media presser rather than a fan of the game, and the players and fans had unique character and heart. The club’s inspired effort made the players instant fan favorites.
The post-season was bonus coverage for the year:
There are more pictures from their only season in 2017 but that can be saved for another day. Still, the story ought to be told, and until next time.
Sets from FootySF and 3pointsport. Photos by Nap Badillo.
Indy Eleven (FootySF)
New York Cosmos (FootySF)
Jacksonville Armada (FootySF)
Indy Eleven (FootySF)
at San Jose Earthquakes US Open Cup (FootySF) extra Facebook set
Puerto Rico FC (FootySF)
Miami FC (FootySF)
FC Edmonton (3pointsport)
Jacksonville Armada (3pointsport) combined Facebook set of this game and FC Edmonton
North Carolina FC (postseason) (FootySF) original set
New York Cosmos (championship) (FootySF) original set
Previous Throwback-Flashback blurbs: