A brief look at St. Louis’ World Cup impact
· Yahoo Sports
ST. LOUIS – It’s impossible to tell the story of soccer in the United States without mentioning St. Louis.
A city maybe most known for the storied Cardinals baseball franchise has played an undeniable role in the history of U.S. soccer.
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“History and tradition, it goes way back,” 1994 USA World Cup squad member and St. Louisian Mike Sorber said.
From the beginning, St. Louis has played a central role in the world’s game. From the first FIFA World Cup in 1930 to the iconic 1950 upset over England, the legacy of the U.S. Men’s National Team is deeply intertwined with the city.
“The city that brought this sport to our country, the birthplace of its popularity in the United States, is without question St. Louis,” said Missouri sports Hall of Fame member Bill “Mr. Soccer” McDermott.
That legacy began with immigrants who brought the world’s game to neighborhoods across the city. It grew through institutions like the Catholic Youth Council, where thousands of children developed a love for the sport. There’s Saint Louis University, a powerhouse program that captured 10 national championships. And today, it continues with Major League Soccer, reinforcing the sport’s place in the city.
“It’s part of the culture,” said Ty Keough who played for USA in 1979 and ’80. “It’s a fabric in our communities. So many people are connected through soccer and their love of the game and they follow it passionately.”
The roots of St. Louis soccer run deep. In 1930, St. Louis natives Raphael Tracey and Frank Vaughn helped lay the foundation as members of the first-ever World Cup team. Two decades later came one of the most famous moments in soccer history — the “Miracle on Grass.”
In 1950, five players with ties to St. Louis — Frank Borghi, Charlie Colombo, Harry Keough, Gino Pariani, and Frank “Pee Wee” Wallace helped the United States stun England 1–0 in a result still considered one of the greatest upsets the sport has ever seen.
“You can’t separate it,” said Keough. “The biggest upset in World Cup history featured five St. Louis guys — four from The Hill and one from the Central West End.”
Since then, dozens of men and women from St. Louis have gone on to represent the United States, with many reaching the world’s biggest stage including Brad Davis, Lori Lawson, Josh Sargent and Becky Sauerbrunn.
That tradition continues today, with St. Louis native Tim Ream serving as captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team.
“It’s more than a dream come true,” Tim Ream explained.
And as the game continues to grow across the country, there is little doubt St. Louis will remain at the heart of it.
“There’s still pride here,” Keough said. “Pride in the caliber of play, the level of competition, and the players who continue to move on to the professional ranks and to the national team.”
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