Washington Warthogs
Washington Warthogs | |
Team history | 1994–1997 |
Arena | USAir Arena 1994 – 1997 |
Based in | Landover, Maryland |
Colors | |
Leagues | Continental Indoor Soccer League |
The Washington Warthogs were a professional indoor soccer team in the Continental Indoor Soccer League (CISL) from 1994–1997. They played their home games in the USAir Arena in Landover, Maryland, an arena they shared with the Washington Capitals, Washington Bullets and the Georgetown Hoyas.
The Warthogs featured the league's only female player, first with Colette Cunningham and then Kristine Lilly replaced her the next year. Also of note, their head coach, Jim Gabarra, was also a player.
The Warthogs were particularly popular with families, as parents would take their kids to the inexpensive games. The team's popularity largely fed on growing participation in soccer among area youth.
The two top players of the team over its history were Denison Cabral and Dante Washington. Both went on to strong outdoor careers with Washington playing in MLS, and both currently are signed by the Baltimore Blast of the MISL. The 4 season that the Warthogs played in Washington they average attendance was 6,489 per game. Clyde Watson went on to coach Women's Professional Soccer and girls elite travel soccer. Ritchie Burke, Irad Young, and Marcello Valencia became coaches for Public and Private schools, as well as travel soccer teams. David Tenney was in charge of Manassas soccer Goalkeepers, now lives in Washington State.
Kyle Glasgow was the only fan elected to the Warthog hall of fame.
Some games were televised on HTS.