St. Louis Steamers (1979–1988)

The St. Louis Steamers were a professional indoor soccer team based in St. Louis, Missouri, that played in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL) from 1979 to 1988. They were one of the original franchises of the MISL and quickly became one of the league's most popular and successful teams, drawing consistently large crowds to the St. Louis Arena.

The Steamers were known for their fast-paced, high-scoring style of play and for featuring several talented players, including stars like Don Ebert, Ty Keough, and Joe "The Toe" Smalley. The team consistently competed for the MISL championship, reaching the finals in 1981 and 1984, though they never captured the title.

The demise of the Steamers coincided with the overall decline of the MISL in the late 1980s. Despite their strong fan base and a period of success, financial difficulties ultimately led to the team's folding after the 1987-88 season. The Steamers remain a fond memory for many St. Louis soccer fans and are often credited with helping to popularize indoor soccer in the United States. The franchise's legacy continues to be remembered through occasional retro-themed events and the enduring popularity of the sport in the St. Louis area.