A New Kick on an Old DFW Tradition

Question. What was one of the most successful Dallas sports franchises to play in Reunion Arena?

This team was around long before the Stars dropped the “North” and migrated south. And the Maverick’s past drops them out of the conversation. One of the most victorious teams in Dallas history was the Dallas Sidekicks.

Tatu

While professional soccer has always struggled in the United States, every young soccer player in DFW grew up wanting to be legendary Sidekick forward Tatu, and ceremoniously throw their jersey into the crowd after scoring a goal.

After 20 years of winning soccer, the Sidekicks “suspended operations” in 2004 but have yet, and probably will never, return to the turf, or the hearts, of Dallas.

There is hope however for the long lost Sidekicks fan found now in North Richland Hills known as the Texas Outlaws. While this isn’t big time Reunion Arena ( in it’s prime) soccer, the new NYTEX Sports Center is a good fit for the up and coming sports franchise in North Texas. And for a real late 90’s flashback, the Outlaws showcase indoor soccer veteran Patrick Shamu, made famous with the sidekicks for his unbelievable ball handling skills,and classic back flip after every goal he scored.

Patrick Shamu

The Outlaws are also coached by long time Sidekicks assistant Cesar Cervin.

If this story is too good to be true, it gets a little better. Tonight at 7:15, the Outlaws play long time rival of the Sidekicks the Monterey La Raza, in a rematch of sorts of the 2000 WISL Finals. There are also rumors that the San Diego Shockers, another former rival of the Sidekicks, might join the new effort to keep professional indoor soccer alive, the PASL.

While the Outlaws have traded the Sidekicks famous purple for a more Texas red and blue, fans can now relive old memories in North Richland Hills.