At first glance this looks to be just another text on the history of soccer. There are many on the market today, but none delivers the message of this book. Soccer is an American game, one with deep roots in North America. It is not un-American or a game played by communists. David Wangerin takes on these old, worn-out arguments and shows why it is a game we can call our own.
Much of his research and discussion had never been seen before. Many soccer fans know about “The Miracle” at the 1950 World Cup. A hodgepodge of unknown American players were able to take down the mighty England, the birthplace of “the beautiful game”. The general public did not know this had ever happened until a movie was released in 2005. It was a far from a blockbuster, but at least it was out in the mainstream.
Wangerin tells us the story of the many heroes of American soccer. Without them, soccer may not have survived. Without Wangerin, we may never have heard their stories of triumph and disappointment.
Most people know of Giorgio Chinaglia, David Beckham, and Pele. But it was Archie Stark, who was the first star of soccer in the U.S. Stark scored over 250 goals in the fledgling ASL. He would later give way to Billy Gonsalves, who played in the league that was clearly past its prime. Gonsalves also played in the first two World Cups.
It was clear that American soccer, particularly the U.S. National Team and Major League Soccer, exists only because a strong foundation was built in the past. It is not always a distant past. Even Tab Ramos, Peter Vermes, Tony Meola, and Eric Wynalda have done their part to make their own impact on the game.
Thomas Cahill could be called the “Father of American Soccer” as his dream created several firsts: the first soccer federation, the first professional league, and the first steps in a national team system. He nurtured the game and prevented it from falling into extinction. He did this not once, but many times as Cahill would be called upon when disaster struck. For soccer, a disaster was a common occurrence.
It was strong leaders like Lamar Hunt, who took American soccer on their shoulders, that ensured that there would be a future for soccer and it would be a bright one. His Crew Stadium would be the first of its kind here in the States: a true soccer-specific facility. And he funded it almost entirely with his own money.
Events had even more of an impact on the game as we now know it. Wangerin calls November 19, 1989 “a defining moment in American soccer history” as the U.S. qualified for the World Cup in Italy. Unfortunately, this monumental moment went unnoticed by many. This happened to be the trend for the sport. It has taken too long for people to notice the game and give it the coverage, and more importantly, the respect it deserves.
The author has a daunting challenge: telling stories and providing research at the same time. Wangerin does it flawlessly, seamlessly integrating facts and statistics with great stories of monumental success and devastating failure. This book has factual value, but it is the stories of our game that sets it apart from all others.
