Once upon time, these bleak days and long, dark nights of mid-winter were when the American game glowed brightest.

Not only around Puget Sound, but across the continent, the highest form of professional soccer was being played amidst a driving disco beat and within dasher boards and plexiglass.

Now known more commonly as arena soccer, at its height it was identified as indoor, aka six-a-side or speed soccer, at least in Seattle.

Over the coming weeks I will reach back to those nights of yore to share some history and reflections from coaches and management of the Sounders, Stars and Sea Dogs, along with those who literally played wall passes and served their share of minutes in the sin bin.

Ah, the memories.

A 3-goal lead? That was nothin’!

Foot thunder in the Woodshed.

And that glorious capper, closing out the era with a championship.

And if you were a fan during those days and would like to share a story, leave word in the comment section.

Let’s have some fun, shall we?