Joe Barriskill was a complicated figure in American soccer of decades ago, playing an important part in shepherding American soccer through some dark times.
Profiles
The unusual Edgar Lewis
Roger Allaway on the driving force behind the powerhouse Bethlehem Steel team of 100 years ago, a man who was an oddity in American soccer.
The “pocket-book size masterpiece”: A publishing history of the Graham Guides
First self-published in 1948 before being backed by the USSFA beginning in 1960, over the span of three decades Bill Graham’s annual compilation of soccer activities in the US followed in the footsteps of the Spalding Guides Ed Farnsworth examines the publishing history of what are now colloquially known as the Graham Guides.
The forgotten Thomas W. Cahill
A man who dominated the sport in the United States 100 years ago is nearly unknown today.
The record-setting Archie Stark
Billy Gonsalves is considered by many to be the best US player before the Second World War but Archie Stark remains the greatest goalscorer the US has ever produced.
Teenage stars are an old story
Roger Allaway looks back at the long tradition of teenage players breaking into U.S. league and national team ranks.
Bill Cox and the ISL showed the way
Roger Allaway looks at the International Soccer League, an important step that helped to pave the way toward the start of the original NASL and thus the American soccer scene of today.
The life — and murder — of the first American-born president of U.S. Soccer
Elmer Schroeder was elected as the first native-born president of US Soccer in 1932. Two decades later he was murdered.
Rowlands stood tall, always will
A tribute to John Rowlands, an original Seattle Sounders, who passed away from the Coronavirus in April.
A Long Overdue Ode to Billy McGrath
Scottish-born Billy McGrath made his mark in Washington state. He was an exceptional player, manager and up-and-coming administrator who might have merited consideration for the National Soccer Hall of Fame – if not for one fateful decision to play just one more game.
James and Joe, part 1
The first of a two-part series telling the story of two soccer-playing soldiers who served during World War I.
What Kind of Player was Gil Heron?
Brian Bunk on Heron’s playing style.
Gil Heron
Brian Bunk on Gil Heron, the first black professional soccer player in the United States.
Perseverance in soccer: A useful trait
Len Oliver on how he is living proof that perseverance in soccer pays dividends.
Gifts of Cliff McCrath
Seattle treasure–Cliff McCrath–inducted into another soccer Hall of Fame.
Philadelphia Soccer in the 1940s and 1950s, part 6: In retrospect
National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver’s series of remembrances of playing soccer in 1940s and 1950s Philadelphia, originally published in 1992, concludes with his thoughts on the soccer’s urban future.
Dennis Shay: Patriarch of American Goalkeepers
The lineage of exceptional American goalkeepers may begin in the 1880s with Dennis Shay.
A first and lasting impression
Bob Robertson was the original voice of the NASL Seattle Sounders.
History of the Philadelphia Fury, part three: Exit the Fury
The Frank Worthington debacle Although much improved, the Fury remained an inconsistent side. Through April, the team was 2-4. However, help was on the way with the arrival of Ball and the acquisition of another goal scorer, Frank Worthington, on loan from Bolton. Worthington finished the 1978-79 season as the […]
A simple protestation
On Ferenc Puskas’s tenure as head coach of the Vancouver Royals in the first year of the original NASL.
1916: Bethlehem Steel FC travels to St. Louis
Over the 1916 Christmas holiday, Bethlehem Steel FC, holders of the National Challenge Cup and the American Cup, traveled to St. Louis for two games to decide the unofficial title of champion of the United States.
The unfortunate Steve Zungul
There was more to Steve Zungul than just his storied indoor career.
Yankee, Cowboy, Fenian Bastard: An American Catholic at Rangers Football Club
In 1976, Hugh O’Neill — born in Kearney, NJ into a family of Celtic supporters — became the first “admitted Catholic” to play for Rangers.
Len Oliver Q&A: Looking ahead
Our series of Q&A’s with Philadelphia-born National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver concludes.
Steve Moyers: American-born goalscorer
A look at the all-time leading American-born goalscorer in the original NASL.
Philadelphia Soccer in the 1940s and 1950s, part 5: The pro game in 1950s Philadelphia
National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver’s series continues.
Len Oliver Q&A: The impact of club soccer on Philly’s high school & college game
Our series of Q&As with Philadelphia-born National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver continues.
The forgotten Thomas W. Cahill
Roger Allaway on Thomas Chaill, one of the major figures in the early years of American soccer.
Philadelphia soccer in the 1940s and 1950s, part 4: High school and college soccer, products of the clubs
Len Oliver’s series on playing soccer in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 1950s continues with a look at how the high school and college game benefited from local clubs.
Kristine Lilly, the Washington Warthogs, and Olympic Gold
Without a club team to stay sharp with before the 1996 Summer Olympics, USWNT legend Kristine Lily signed with Continental Indoor Soccer League club Washington Warthogs, at the time the only professional club in the DC area.
Live From Acapulco, It’s Tabare Ramos!
Tab Ramos is presently coaching the US at the U-20 World Cup. In 1982, it took a private jet and helicopter to get him to a New Jersey high school championship playoff game.
Philadelphia soccer in the 1940s and 1950s, part 3: Moving up through the amateur ranks
Philadelphia-born National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver describes moving up the Philadelphia amateur soccer ranks in the 1940s and 1950s, playing in international friendlies, and trying out for the US Olympic team.
Q&A with Len Oliver: Youth and junior soccer with Lighthouse Boys Club
Our series of Q&A’s with US Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver continues.
Philadelphia soccer in the 1940s and 1950s, part 2: Youth & Junior League soccer with the Lighthouse Boys Club
Part two of a six part series in which National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver recalls growing up playing soccer in 1940s and 1950s Philadelphia continue with his time playing for the Lighthouse Boys Club.
Q&A with Len Oliver: Philly soccer in the 1940s & 1950s
The first in a series of Q&A’s with National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver.
Philadelphia soccer in the 1940s and 1950s, part 1
Part one of a six part series in which National Soccer Hall of Famer Len Oliver recalls growing up playing soccer in 1940s and 1950s Philadelphia.
A Boca American
Peter Millar joined Inter in 1961 and by the end of his first season he led the league in scoring and was voted its top player. He took home the Most Valuable Player award again after the 1962-63 campaign, and by early 1964 a black and white photograph of a […]
Meet the Babe Ruth of American Soccer
Steve Holroyd on Billy Gonsalves, one of the greatest players the US has ever produced.