The 1996 A-League season was the seventh and final season of the A-League. In 1997, the league merged to form the USISL A-League.
Regular season
A significant number of postponed matches over the 1996 season by the Atlanta Ruckus, who underwent a change in ownership, ultimately forced the A-League to shorten the other teams' schedules by one match, reducing the total games played from 28 to 27. Atlanta's league position, in last place and already eliminated from the playoff contention, was not affected by the decision announced September 4, 1996. The Ruckus played a total of 22 games.
Each team had their head-to-head schedule with Atlanta shortened by one, maintaining a balanced head-to-head competition against each other. The 1996 regular season ended on September 14 with the top four regular season teams advancing to the playoffs.
Playoffs
Bracket
Semifinal 1
Semifinal 2
Final
Points leaders
Honors
MVP: Wolde Harris
Leading goal scorer: Doug Miller
Leading goalkeeper: Paolo Ceccarelli
Rookie of the Year: Wolde Harris
Coach of the Year: Lorne Donaldson
Defender of the Year: John Limniatis
Official of the Year: Kevin Skinner
First Team All League
Goalkeeper: Paolo Ceccarelli
Defenders: John Limniatis, Wade Webber, Carlos Llamosa, Rene Rivas
Midfielders: Nick DeSantis, Martin Nash, Anthony McCreath
Forwards: Wolde Harris, Domenic Mobilio, Doug Miller
References
External links
The Year in American Soccer - 1995
USA - A-League (American Professional Soccer League) (RSSSF)