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[nas] All-Time Best American Players - List and Bios!
All-Time United States Men's Team
This team consists of what constitute in my opinion the top 31 American players
of all time. This includes both native born players as well as those who were
naturalized at a young age. The team consists of 4 goalkeepers, 9 defenders, 9
midfielders and 10 forwards.
This selection takes into account their records with the National Team as well
as with their professional or semi-professional teams in both league and cup
competition. Individual championships or cups did not count as much as overall
individual performance. I felt these 31 players represented the best in what
the US has to offer. Of course this only partly takes World Cup 20002 into
account so ibviously changes are in order. Any suggestions are more than
welcome! Comments, people?
All-Time best American Players
- By David Litterer -
GK Frank Borghi
GK Brad Friedel
GK Arnie Mausser
GK Tony Meola
D Jeff Agoos
D Marcello Balboa
D Paul Caligiuri
D Charlie Colombo
D Thomas Dooley
D Harry Keough
D George Moorhouse
D Eddie Pope
M Andy Auld
M Walter Bahr
M Ricky Davis
M Alex Ely
M Jimmy Gallagher
M Cobi Jones
M John Harkes
M Tab Ramos
M Claudio Reyna
F Tom Florie
F Billy Gonsalves
F Brian McBride
F Bart McGhee
F Alex McNab
F Ed Murphy
F Bart Patenaude
F John Souza
F Archie Stark
F Eric Wynalda
PLAYER BIOGRAPHIES - All-Time American Players
Jeff Agoos - Born: May 2, 1968 in Switzerland. Defender. Moved to the US as a
child. A veteran of the US National Team since 1988. 104 caps through 2000.
Played in most of the important US matches of the 1990s. Member of the 1998 and
2002 world cup teams, solid, consistent and steady defender who stumbled at WC
2002. One of the last players cut from '94 World Cup team. Key player in World
Cup Qalifying in 1996-7, and 2000-01. In 2000 split time between the senior and
Olympic teams. Helped led US to 4th place in Olympics. Excellent play in 1995
Parmalat Cup, 1998 CONCACAF Gold Cup finalists, and 1999 Federations Cup Bronze
medal team. Has played in Major League Soccer since its inception, leading D.
C. United to MLS Cup titles in '96, '97 and '99. Named to MLS Best 11 team in
1997 and 1998. A pioneering American Abroad while with SV Wehen of Germany in
1995. Became the only four-time All-American for University of Virginia.
Finalist for 1989 Hermann trophy. Soccer America co-freshman of the year in
1986.
Andy Auld - Born Scotland, January 26, 1900. Position: Half Back or Inside
Forward. Joined first local club at age 11. Came to the US after military
service and joined the American Soccer League, playing from 1924 to 1930
appearing in 277 games for the Providence Gold Bugs before the team moved to
Fall River in 1931. Later he went on to play for Pawtucket and then he played
for Portuguese Sport Club from 1934 to 1935. However, he will always be
remembered for being a member of the U.S. World Cup team in 1930 where playing
at left half he was considered one of the most outstanding players of the
tournament. Inducted into US Hall of Fame in 1986. Died in Rhode Island,
December 6, 1977.
Walter Alfred Bahr - born Philadelphia, PA April 1, 1927. Midfielder. Captain
of the 1950 World Cup team who supplied the pass to Joe Gaetjens for the winning
goal in the upset against England. Played 19 full internationals for the US
team at a time when such games were rare. Also captained the 1948 Olympic
Team. Played many seasons in the 1950s for the Philadelphia Nationals and Uhrik
Truckers of the American Soccer League II, and playing on numerous ASL All-Star
teams. While with the Nationals, won four league titles and reached the US Open
Cup final twice. A highly successful head coach at Temple and Penn State, and
professionally with Philadelphia Ukrainians and Spartans. Elected to the US
Soccer Hall of Fame in 1976.
Marcello Balboa - Born August 8, 1967, Chicago, IL. Defender. One of three
players to play in the 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups. For a time held the
record for most caps by a US National, earning 128 in all between 1988 and
2000. Captain of the USA squad who reached 4th place in the 1995 Copa America.
USA Male Soccer Athlete of the Year in 1992 and 1994, and Honda Award winner in
1994. Scored 13 goals for the National Team, a high number for a defender.
Nearly scored an incredible bicycle kick in 1994 Cup game vs. Colombia. Played
in 1995 FIFA World All-Star match in 1995. Captain of the U-20 team at the 1987
World Youth Championships in Chile. Scored 2 goals in the USA's win at the 1991
Gold Cup. Began his professional career in the American Professional Soccer
League (Division 2), playing for the San Francisco Blackhawks, Colorado Foxes
and San Diego Nomads. Signed with Leon of Mexico in 1995, and joined the
Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer in 1996. Helped lead the Rapids to MLS
Cup 1997. Was awarded the MasterCard "Goal of the Year" award in 2000.
All-American at San Diego State University in 1988-89, taking the team to the
NCAA tournament. Played in the 1988 World University games.
Frank Borghi - Born St. Louis, April 9, 1925. Goalkeeper. Goalkeeper who shut
out England in the famous 1950 World Cup match that shocked the world. In his
career he played for numerous amateur teams in St. Louis including Simpkins, the
Schumakers and Strombose. The Simpkins won the 1948 and 1950 US Open Cup while
he was with them. Elected to the US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1976.
Paul Caligiuri - Born March 9, `1964. Defender. Stalwart who played in every
game of the 1990 and 1994 world cups. Caligiuri scored the deciding goal in the
1989 qualifying match in 1989 that sent the US to their first World Cup in forty
years. Received 110 caps with the National Team between 1984 and 1997, and was
a workhorse through much of the early 1990s. National Team player of the year
in 1986. Captained the UCLA team to their 1985 NCAA title. Led the national
team in minutes played in 1995. Played for St. Pauli in the German Bundesliga
and with the Los Angeles Salsa of the USISL in 1995 before joining Major League
Soccer. In MLS, he debuted with the Columbus Crew before settling in for five
seasons with the Los Angeles Galaxy, taking them to MLS Cup 1999.
Charlie Colombo - Born St. Louis, July 20, 1920. Position: Center Half Back.
One of the most colourful players in the long history of soccer in St. Louis and
won U.S. Open Cup medals with Simpkins-Ford in 1948 and 1950. Nicknamed "Lefty"
or "Gloves", Colombo's trademarks on the field were his intense style of play
and his gloves, which he wore regardless of the weather. Velen caps for US
National Team 1948-1952, including the 1950 World Cup. Gained his greatest
notoriety for his famous rugby tackle on Stan Mortensen during the game against
England in the World Cup of 1950. After that game, he was offered $8,000 a year
to play pro soccer in Brazil. But Colombo turned him down and returned to the
U.S. where he continued to play locally for the Simpkins club and in later years
coached the St. Ambrose team. Inducted into US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1976.
Died in St. Louis, May 7, 1986.
Ricky Davis - Born November 24, 1958. Midfielder. Rick Davis was the most
prominent American player of the 1980s, at both club and national-team levels.
Played 36 full international games for the United States, which was a record at
that time, scoring 7 goals. From 1984 onward, he was the regular captain of the
national team, including leading it in the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games. Also
played for the United States in the qualifying rounds of the 1982, 1986 and 1990
World Cups. Suffered a knee injury in January 1989 that ended his outdoor
career. Played 154 games for the NASL's Cosmos from 1978 to 1984, winning the
Soccer Bowl in 1978, 1980 and 1982. Also participated in the Cosmos worldwide
exhibition tours. Davis continued playing indoors until 1990, in an attempt to
regain fitness and make the U.S. team for the 1990 World Cup. Also played
several seasons of indoor soccer. Inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame in
2001.
Thomas Dooley - Born May 12, 1961. Defender. A stalwart on the defensive lines
in World Cups 1994 and 1998. Captain of the US squad for all three games in the
1998 World Cup. Member of the national team from 1992-1999, earning 81 caps. A
dual Citizen who was born and raised in Germany, Dooley had a long and
successful career in the Bundesliga before joining the National Team, playing
three seasons with Hamburg and four with Kaiserslautern. Was a key member of
Kaiserslautern's championship squad in 1990-91. Provided a key assist in his
first US game vs. Ireland in 1992. 1992 Honda Award winner. Scored a goal in
the US upset of England in 1993. Also played on the 1995 Copa America squad.
After World Cup 1994, played for three more seasons in the Bundesliga before
joining Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew in 1997. He played for the Crew
from 1997-99 and the MetroStars in 2000. Named to the MLS All-Star team in 1997
and 1998, was the "Fair Play" award in 1998.
Alex Ely - Born: Sao Paulo, Brazil, February 9, 1938. Position: Midfielder.
Ely played with the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals of the American Soccer
League from 1959-1965. In the ASL off-season, had stints with New York
Americans of the International Soccer League in 1960, and Toronto Roma (1961-62)
and Toronto City (1964-65) in the Eastern Canada League. While with the
Ukrainians, won US Open Cup championships in 1960 and 1963 and finished on the
losing side after a replay in 1964. Played four World Cup qualifying round games
for the United States all against Mexico, two in 1960 and two in 1965. He also
played twice for the Olympic team in 1959, also against Mexico, and four games
for the bronze medal winning Pan American games team in 1959. Played in Brazil
from 1965-1972, first for Metropolitan, then for Santos. Returned to the
American Soccer League in 1972, as player-coach for the Philadelphia Spartans
for four seasons. His coaching career extended for 37 years, at several
colleges, from 1960 to 1987. Inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1997.
Thomas Florie - Born Harrison, NJ, September 6, 1897; Died April 26, 1986.
Forward. Captain of the 1930 World Cup team, and member of the 1934 squad.
Scored 1 goal in the 1930 competition. Longtime fixture in the American Soccer
League I from 1921-1932, primarily with the Providence Clamdiggers and New
Bedford Whalers, scoring 125 goals. His Whalers won the US Open Cup in 1932.
Later played for the amateur Pawtucket Rangers where his team reached the US
Open Cup finals in 1935, and won it in 1941. Scored 126 goals in 315 games in
10 seasons in the ASL, 11th on the all-time list. Elected to the US Soccer Hall
of Fame in 1986.
Brad Friedel - Born Nov. 12, 1969. Goalkeeper. Considered one of the top
goalscorers in the world, a solid shot-stopper with command of the area and
good ball-distribution skills. Member of US National Team since 1992, and a
member of the 1994, 1998 and 2002 World Cup teams. Stellar play in his numerous
2002 Cup games. 45 caps through 2000. Originally backup to Tony Meola, has
shared goalkeeping duties with Kasey Keller for many years. Key performances in
USA Cup'95, and Copa America '95 where he landed two shutouts. Shutout Mexico
in ke1997 WC qualifying match. Started all games in USA Cup '96 and Gold Cup
'98. Member of 1999 Confederations Cup squad which took Bronze (including 2-0
shutout of Germany). Started all six matches at 2000 Olympics. Primary
goalkeeper at World Cup 20002 qualifying and finals. Professional career
includes long stints with Blackburn Rovers and Liverpool, which included Cup
appearances. Two seasons in Major League Soccer. Won 1993 Hermann Trophy while
with UCLA. Led UCLA to 1990 NCAA Championship. Soccer America Freshman of the
Year, 1990.
Jimmy Gallagher - Born in Scotland June 7, 1901. Right Back/Outside Back. Came
to the US at age 12. One of Gallagher's greatest assets was that he could play
equally well at right half or outside right and was often used with great effect
in the latter position. Played in three games in 1930 World Cup and 1 in 1934
World Cup. 7 caps and 1 goal with US National Team. Played 12 seasons in
American Soccer League from 1921-1932. Won ASL championships with J&P Coates of
Pawtucket in 1922-23 and New York Giants in 1932. In 1929, won Lewis Cup with
the New York Nationals. Later played for Slavia in Cleveland. Elected to the
US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1986. Died in Cleveland Ohio October 7, 1971.
Adelino "Billy" Gonsalves - Born Portsmouth, RI, August 10, 1908. Died July 17,
1977. Forward. Perhaps the best US forward of all time. Gonsalves played in
all three games at World Cup 1930 and also in the 1934 World Cup match, and was
a key playmaker. His professional career was matched by few others. After
playing for amateur clubs in Fall River, he led the Lusitanio Recreation Club of
Cambridge to the Boston & District League championship. Signed in 1927 with the
Boston Wonder Workers of the American Soccer League I, taking the team to the
1928-28 league title. Joined the Fall River Marksmen in 1929, leading that team
to three league titles and US Open Cup titles in 1930 and 1931. Scored 92 goals
in 180 games in five seasons with the ASL, and many more in his long careers in
St. Louis and the ASL II. Also won US Open Cup titles for New Bedford Whalers
in 1932, St. Louis Stix, Baer & Fuller in 1933, 1934 and St. Louis Central
Breweries in 1935, giving him six consecutive national titles. Led St. Louis
Shamrocks to Open Cup finals in 1936 and 1937, ditto with Chicago Manhattan Beer
in 1939. Won his final two Open Cup titles in 1943 and 1944, with Brooklyn
Hispano of the American Soccer League II. Inducted to the US Soccer Hall of
Fame in 1950, as a charter member.
John Harkes - Born in Kearney, NJ March 8, 1967. Midfielder. One of the
all-time cap earners for the National Team, with 90 caps through 2000. Started
all three games for 1990 World Cup and all thee first round games in 1994.
Career with US National Team started in 1987. Member of 3rd place 1999
Confederations Cup squad. Starter for the FIFA World All-Stars vs. Brazil in
1997. Co-MVP of 1995 Copa America tournament. Member of 1988 Olympic team.
Played for University of Virginia, named Missouri Athletic Club and Atlantic
Coast Conference Player of the Year in 1987. His professional career included
stints with the American Soccer League III's Albany Capitals in 1989. Played
for Sheffield Wednesday in England from 1990-1993, becoming the first American
to score a goal in the F.A. Cup, and also the first American to play in a F. A.
Cup final in 1993. In 1992, was the first American to play in the UEFA Cup.
Scored England's "Goal of the Year" in 1990. Later played for Derby County and
West Ham United of the Premiership. A charter member of Major League Soccer, he
captained D. C. United to the inaugural MLS CUP and a US Open Cup title in
1996. Captained D. C. United to a second MLS title in 1997, and played on their
1998 squad that lost the Cup to Chicago Fire, and won the 1998 Interamerican
Cup. Played for the New England Revolution 1999-2001, and was a four-time MLS
All-Star.
Cobi Jones. - Born June 16, 1970 in Detroit, MI. Midfielder. Currently the
all-time leader in caps for the US national team with over 140 since his debut
in 1992. Played every minute of the 1998 World Cup. Played two games in World
Cup 1994 including the match against Brazil. Through 2000 had scored 14 goals.
Youngest men's player in the world to reach 100 caps. US's leading scorer in
2000, played a pivotal role in World Cups 1994 and 1998. All-time assist leader
for the Nats. Won the 1998 Honda Award and US Male Athlete of the Year.
Member of the bronze medal squad at 1999 Confederations Cup in Mexico. Member
of the 1992 US Olympic team. Member of the Gold Medal winning 1991 Pan-American
Games squad. Played for UCLA in college, and was named to NSCAA 2nd
All-American team in 1991. Played for Coventry City 1994-95 before signing with
the Los Angeles Galaxy of Major League Soccer. A five time all-star, he was 2nd
in league scoring in 1998, again leading the Galaxy in scoring in 2001. Helped
lead the Galaxy to MLS Cup appearances in 1996 and 2001.
Harry Keough. Born St. Louis, MO, November 15, 1927. Defender. Played on the
1950 World Cup squad, appearing in all three games. Also played for the 1952 US
Olympic team. Received 17 caps in his national team career. Had a long career
on St. Louis amateur clubs, winning the US Open Cup with St. Louis Kutis in 1954
and 1957. Won the National Amateur Cup in 1952 with the St. Louis Raiders, and
won five consecutive Amateur Cup titles with Kutis from 1956-1961. Also won the
US Junior Cup in 1946 with Schumachers. Coached the St. Louis University
Billikens to a 213-50-23 record, winning numerous NCAA titles. Indicted into
the US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1976. Son Ty played for the NASL's San Diego
Sockers and is a television announcer.
Arnie Mausser - Born 2/28/1954. Goalkeeper. Arguably the finest goalkeeper the
U.S. ever produced up to this time. Arnie had a long career with 8 different
NASL teams. He was a big man with a very unrthodox technique: A very effective
distributor of the ball, he threw right handed but kicked left. He earned 35
shutouts during his ten years with the NASL, and his stellar performances
earned him the starting goalkeeper position for the national team with which he
earned 34 caps between 1975 and 1986. He was selected to the NASL first
all-star team in 1976. Mausser also played with the Rhode Island Oceaneers of
the ASL before joining the NASL in 1975. Also played 1 season with Buffalo
Stallions of the MISL.
Brian McBride - Born June 19, 1972 in Illinois. Forward. Scored the lone US
goal in World Cup 1998. Several key goals in World Cup 2002. Regular started
and key goal scorer during Qualifying tournaments for World Cup 1998 and 2002.
Co-leader for US scoring in 1999. 45 caps through 2000. A regular with the
Nats since 1996. Was the first player drafted by Major League Soccer. In his
seventh MLS season ans is regularly one of the top scorers. Spent time with
Preston North End 2000-01 and Wolfsburg in 1995. Set St. Louis University
records for goals, assists and points, and a two-time All-American. Finalist
for Hermann and Missouri Athletic Club trophies. Is only now reaching the peak
of his career.
Bartholomew "Bart" McGhee - Born Edinburgh Scotland, April 30, 1899; died
January 26, 1979. Forward. Bart played all three games for the US in the 1930
World Cup, scoring the first goal by an American in World Cup competition.
After starring for the Philadelphia Hibernians shortly after World War I, Bart
began his professional career with New York Football Club in the American Soccer
League I, and then continuing his ASL career with Indiana Flooring, New York
Nationals and New York Giants. Scored 137 goals in 350 games over 9 seasons in
the league. His New York National team won the US Open Cup in 1928, and a year
later won the Lewis Cup. While with the New York Giants in 1932, he won the ASL
league championship series against the New England Whalers. Inducted into the
US National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1986.
Alex McNab - Born in Scotland, December 27, 1895. McNab was already a young
Scottish star when he was signed to the American Soccer League in 1924, creating
a senation on both sides of the Atlantic. He was a key US player from 1924 to
1937. In 1925, he led the Boston Wonder Workers to the US Open Cup title. Led
Boston to ASL league titles in 1927-28 and Lewis Cup titles in 1925 and 1927.
While with Fall River Marksmen, won league titles in 1928-29 and 1930 Wopn six
straight US Open Cup titles: First with Fall River in 1930 and 1931, and New
Bedford in 1932. Moved to St. Louis where he again won the Cup in 1933 with
Stix, Bauer & Fuller in 1933 & 1934 and Central Breweries in 1936. Was a true
Marque player and a mentor to the famous Gilly Gonsalves. Died in St. Louis in
1960.
Tony Meola - Born February 21, 1969 in Belleville, NJ. Goalkeeper. Tony was
goalkeeper for every US game in World Cups 1990 and 1994, and particularly in
1994 was a key player in keeping the team in the game with his numerous saves.
94 caps through 2000 in a national career that started in 1988. Had 7 shutouts
for the team in 1993. Earned his first shutout in his first start at the 1989
Marlboro Cup. One of the top goalkeepers in Major League Soccer, a four time
all-star though 2000. Won five MLS awards in 2000 including MVP, top
goalkeeper, and come back player of the year as he led Kansas City to victory in
MLS Cup 2000. Earlier in his career, he played for Brighton, England in 1990,
Ft. Lauderdale Strikers of the APSL in 1991, and the USISL's Long Island Rough
Riders in 1995. He led the Roughriders to the 1995 league title. Played for
the NY/NJ MetroStars during his early years in MLS. Made an amazing comeback to
the national team in 1999 after four and a half years away. Played for
University of Virginia in college, leading them to a co-championship in 1989.
Won the Hermann and Missouri Athletic Club trophies in 1989 and was a two-time
All-American.
George Moorhouse - Born Lancashire, England May 4, 1901; died July 13, 1982.
Defender. Captain of the 1934 World Cup team, Moorhouse also played in all
three games of the 1930 Cup. Moorhouse also had a long and distinguished career
in the American Soccer League I, mostly with the New York Giants. Scored 45
goals in 262 games over 8 seasons. His national career began in 1926 against
Canada. After the demise of the original ASL, he played for the New York
Americans of the ASL II, winning the US Open Cup in 1933 and 1937, captaining
the latter team. Played for the ASL All-Stars against Scotland in 1935, and
Charlton Athletic in 1937. Inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1986.
Ed Murphy - Born Scotland, November 6, 1930. Forward. An outstanding forward
with the U.S. national team from 1955 to 1969. During a time when the national
team played rarely, he played in 16 full internationals, two Olympic qualifying
games and ten games in the finals of the Pan American Games. He was a member of
the bronze medal Pan American Games team of 1959 and scored a hat trick against
Brazil in Chicago in a game the U.S. won 5-3. During the entire competition he
scored eight goals in six games and in overall Pan Am play scored 11 goals in
ten games. Murphy played in World Cup qualifying in 1957, 1962, 1966 and 1968
and also in an international against England in 1959 in Los Angeles scoring the
only goal in an 8-1 loss. He played his club career in Chicago for the Maroons,
Norwegian-Americans and in 1968 for the Mustangs of the North American Soccer
League. Inducted into US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1998.
Bertram Albert "Bart" Patenaude - Born Fall River, MA November 4, 1909; died
November 4, 1974. Forward. Played all three games for the US in the 1930 World
Cup, and the first World Cup player to score a hat trick. A highly prolific
scorer who landed in 13th place in the American Soccer League's all-time scoring
leaders despite only playing four seasons with the circuit. Scored an
incredible 118 goals in only 124 games for Fall River Marksmen, New York Yankees
and other teams. His Fall River Marksmen won the US Open Cup in 1930 and
1931and Bart scored five goals in the first leg of the 1931 final against
Chicago Bricklayers. With Philadelphia German-Americans, won the 1933 National
Amateur Cup, scoring four goals in one game. Later played for many years in St.
Louis amateur leagues, where he won the 1935 US Open Cup with Central Breweries
and reached the finals in 1936 with Shamrocks. Inducted into the US Soccer Hall
of Fame in 1971.
Eddie Pope - Born Greensboro, NC December 24, 1973. Defender. Stiull young and
yet already one of the best US defenders in history. A stalwart in Major League
Soccer since it's beginning in 1996. MLS Defender of the Year in 1997.
Drafted 2nd overall in 1996. With D. C. United's MLS Cup winning teams in 1996,
1997 and 1999, scoring the winning goal in 1996. Named to four consecutive MLS
all-star teams 1997-2000. With National Team, 35 caps through 2000. Started
all three games of 1996 Olympics. Key player in 1998 and 2002 World Cup
Qualifying competition. Scored goal in historic '98 Gold Cup upset over
Brazil. Very successful performance at 2002 World Cup. 1994 NCAA All-American
with North Carolina.
Tab Ramos - Born September 21, 1966 in Montevideo, Uruguay. Midfielder. A key
player in the 1990, 1994 and 1998 World Cups. Tab is perhaps best known for
suffering a fractured skull after being hit by Leonardo of Brazil in 1994.
Scored 8 goals in 81 games from 1988-2000. Assisted on the game winning goal
against Colombia. Best years were 1990 and 1996; experienced frequent injuries
but was devastating when healthy. Assisted on both goals in the victory over
England in 1993. Member of the 1988 Olympic team and the 1989 World Indoor
Championship at which the US won the bronze medal. Played for the US U-20's in
the 1983 World Youth Championships, and at the Pan-American games later that
year. All-American with North Carolina State. Played in 1988-89 with the
American Soccer League III, where he was an All-Star. Joined Figueres of Spain
in 1990, where he was named one of the "top 100 players in the world" by World
Soccer magazine. After a stint with Real Betis in 92-93, played for Tigres of
Mexico in 1994-95. Was the first player signed to MLS in 1995, and has played
six seasons with the MetroStars through 2001.
Claudio Reyna - Born Livingston, New Jersey July 20, 1973. Position:
Midfielder. Probably the most successful American playing in Europe today. A
key US National team player since 1994 with 78 caps through 2000. For years has
been a catalyst in the midfield. Played every minute of 1998 World Cup and
provided stellar performances in 2002 World Cup. Named to 1994 World Cup team
but did not play. Played on USA Cup '95 and Copa America '95 teams, as well as
1992 Olympic Team and 1991 U-23 Pan-American Games team. Played many seasons in
Europe, including with VfL Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Glasgow Rangers.
Ranked 25th best player in Bundesliga in 1998 by Kicker Magazine. Was first
American to Captain a European team when he led Wilfsburg for summer of 1998.
Played in German Cup 1998, and UEFA Cup 1999, where he was named "man of the
match" in game against AS Parma.His Glasgow Rangers won Scottish Cup his first
two seasons (1998-89, 99-2000). Led University of Virginia to NCAA titles in
1991, 92, 93. Won Missouri Athletic Club trophy in 1992 and 1993. Three time
NSCAA All-American.
John Benevides "Clarkie" Souza - Born Fall River, MA, July 12, 1920. Forward.
Member of the 1950 World Cup team and one of the best US players for that
competition. Long time player for the amateur Ponta Delgada squad of Fall
River, MA, he won the US Open Cup in 1947 and amateur cup titles in 1946, 10947,
1048 and 1950. Also won the Amateur cup with New York German-Hungarian in
1951. Member of the 1948 Olympic team, and played for the US in the North
American Championship in 1947. Earned 12 caps for the national team at a time
when full internationals were rare, and scored 3 goals. Inducted into the US
Soccer Hall of Fame in 1976.
Archie Stark - Born: Glasgow, Scotland, December 21, 1897. Position: Forward.
Died: Kearny, New Jersey, May 27, 1985.
The most prolific goalscorer in American soccer history, Archie Stark ranks 43rd
on the all time list of the worlds top first division goalscorers with his 300
goals. His career really took off and he gained national prominence when he was
signed in 1924 by Bethlehem Steel as a center forward. In his first season with
the famous Steel club he scored 67 goals in 44 league games, a world Division 1
single season record which stands to this day (Pele's league wasn't certified
Div. 1 until 1969!). Between 1921 and 1932 he scored over 300 goals in games
played in the American and Eastern professional soccer leagues, and ASL cup
games, plus 29 more in U.S. Open Cup games. Won ASL championship in 1927,
Eastern League championship in 1929, as well as the U.S. Open Cup in 1926. Two
caps for US National Team. Turned down an invitation to the 1930 World Cup
team, citing business reasons. Later went on tour to Europe as a guest player
with Fall River. Finished his career in 1934 with the ASL2's Kearney Scots.
Inducted into US Soccer Hall of Fame in 1950. Died Kearney New Jersey on May
27, 1985.
Eric Wynalda - Born June 9, 1969 in Fullerton, CA. Forward. The all-time
leading scorer in US history, with 34 goals in a career that spanned from
1990-2000. Wynalda played in World Cups 1990, 1994 and 1998. Scored the US
tying goal against Switzerland in 1994. Scored the lone goal in the US victory
over Brazil in the 1998 Gold Cup. Received the first Red Card by a US player in
1990. Named to 1995 Copa America All-Star team, and won 1996 US Player of the
Year Award and Honda Awards in 1993 and 1996. Named Futbul Primera's Player of
the Year in 1992. Played for San Diego State in college. Played four years in
the American Professional Soccer League 1988-1992, winning league title in 1991
with the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks. First American-Born player in the
Bundesliga, with Saarbrucken in 1992-93. Played for VfL Bochum in 1994-1995,
and was a charter member of Major League Soccer. Scored the first goal in the
MLS while with San Jose Clash. Other teams have included Miami Fusion and New
England Revolution, and he is still active in MLS through 2001.
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