NASL Final 1973 was the championship match of the 1973 North American Soccer League season, between the expansion Philadelphia Atoms and the Dallas Tornado. The match was played on August 25, 1973 at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas. The Philadelphia Atoms won the match, 2–0, and were crowned the 1973 North American Soccer League champions.[1][2]

NASL Final 1973
Texas Stadium hosted the Final
EventNASL Final
DateAugust 25, 1973 (1973-08-25)
VenueTexas Stadium, Irving, Texas
RefereeBill Gallacher (Canada)
Attendance18,824
1972
1974

Background

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The Dallas Tornado qualified for the playoffs by virtue of winning the Southern Division with 111 points. They also had the highest point-total in the NASL, and therefore were guaranteed home field throughout the playoffs. They defeated the defending champion New York Cosmos, 1–0, in the first semifinal game played on August 15, 1973 to advance to the finals.

The Philadelphia Atoms qualified for the playoffs by virtue of winning the Eastern Division with 104 points. They also had the second highest point-total in the NASL. This guaranteed them at least one home playoff game. They soundly defeated the Northern Division champion Toronto Metros, 3–0, in the second semifinal game played on August 18, 1973 to advance to the finals.

Match details

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Dallas Tornado0–2Philadelphia Atoms
Report 1
Report 2
Best   65' (o.g.)
Straub   85'
Attendance: 18,824[6]
Referee: Bill Gallacher (Canada)[7]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dallas Tornado
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Philadelphia Atoms

1973 NASL Champions: Philadelphia Atoms


Assistant referees:


Howard Neil (United States)
Bill Wuertz (United States)

See also

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References

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  1. ^ NASL. "NASLSoccerBowl – History – Past Winner". North American Soccer League.
  2. ^ NASL. "NASL 1968–1984 – Yearly Result". North American Soccer League. Archived from the original on October 12, 2013.
  3. ^ Jasner, Phil (August 25, 1973). "Atoms-Tornado: Both Teams Miss Stars Oceans Away". Philadelphia Daily News. p. 27. Retrieved November 29, 2019.
  4. ^ "Armed with Americans, Philadelphia's soccer team beat - 09.03.73 - SI Vault". sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  5. ^ "Philadelphia Atoms @ Dallas Tornado 1973 NASL Finals Highlights – YouTube". YouTube. Archived from the original on December 29, 2012. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  6. ^ "The Year in American Soccer - 1973". Archived from the original on July 13, 2013. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  7. ^ "Past Winners | North American Soccer League". www.naslsoccerbowl.com. Archived from the original on October 13, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  8. ^ Jose, Colin (2003). North American Soccer League Encyclopedia. Haworth, NJ: St. Johann Press. p. 379.
  9. ^ Jose, Colin (2003). North American Soccer League Encyclopedia. Haworth, NJ: St. Johann Press. p. 379.
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