The league initially concentrated on the northeast, but in August 1987, plans expanded to include teams situated in Florida. By October 1987, germany jersey the list of teams was finalized with the addition of the Orlando Lions and Miami Sharks. On April 9, 1988, the American Soccer League began its first season when the New Jersey Eagles defeated the Miami Sharks, 2-1. When the regular season ended the first week of August, Eagles had topped the standings with forty-five points. The Washington Diplomats which had the worst record of the four playoff teams, stunned the league by defeating first the New Jersey Eagles, barcelona jersey then the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to win the first league championship.