Owner of MISL’s Storm Says He May Fold Team

The St. Louis Storm, an MISL expansion team in 1989-90, may not return in 1990-91, the franchise’s owner says.

Losing the Storm could jeopardize the league’s future. Ron Fowler, owner of the Sockers, has said it is unlikely he would return for another season with only seven teams playing.

Storm owner Milan Mandaric says he’s unhappy over lack of support from St. Louis business leaders. A decision on whether to fold the team will be made by Friday, he said from his home in San Jose.

Mandaric said he had sought support from 20 to 25 businessmen to become investors in a minority share of the team but that Steve Frank, the Storm’s attorney, had found only two or three who were interested.

“As much as I am appreciative of the soccer community of St. Louis, I’m disappointed with the business community and other people who didn’t support us,” Mandaric said.

The Storm’s average attendance of 6,847 ranked third-lowest in the MISL last season. The team drew under 5,000 for its final two regular-season games and fewer than 4,000 for each of its two playoff dates against the Sockers.