In February 2004, John Thomas, a real estate developer, purchased an expansion team in the
Major Indoor Soccer League for
Stockton, California. The team was named the
California Cougars so that it would represent all of northern California as a regional team. The first general manager was
Dennis Lukens, a former "A" League GM who oversaw the start up operation. He was succeeded by Emily Ballus, a former executive with the WUSA. Because it is only south of
Sacramento, the team hoped to draw fans of the old
Sacramento Knights of the
CISL and
WISL. The team began play in the 2005–2006 season after the construction of its arena. In August 2006, the team was purchased by Rick and Greg Toy and their brother in-law Jim Rachels. In May 2008, the team announced that it was joining the
Professional Arena Soccer League and would be renamed the
Stockton Cougars. In April 2009, local businessman Fred Walke purchased majority interest in the franchise. For the 2009–2010 season Stockton Cougars went back to calling itself California Cougars.
Year-by-year Playoff record ==Coaches==