Description
Book SynopsisThe United States men’s national soccer team has a rich history dating back to the early twentieth century. The team, along with the sport, toiled in obscurity for decades but found its breakthrough moment in 1989 when the United States qualified for its first World Cup in 40 years. In A History of the U.S. Men's National Soccer Team, Clemente A. Lisi recounts the team’s significant achievements and history-making moments, including its decisive 1991 Gold Cup victory, quarterfinal appearance at the 2002 World Cup, and memorable performance at the 2009 Confederations Cup. Beginning with the formation of the national team and continuing through the 2016 Copa America Centenario, each chapter includes game descriptions, fascinating background stories, and profiles of notable players from the era. A History of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team features vintage photographs and exclusive player interviews that bring the struggles and triumphs of the national team to life. Including little-known stories from the team’s early years and details from its recent past, this book will entertain and inform soccer fans of all generations.
Trade ReviewClemente Lisi has brought the history of US Soccer to life. As one of the guys who was fortunate enough to have spent several years playing for our national team, this book brought me back to those games and those moments again. -- Paul Krumpe, former US Men’s National Soccer Team member
From the “well-aimed blows” of Thomas Cahill’s cane against a Swedish intruder to the 2013 “snowclasico” victory and beyond, Clemente Lisi’s book captures the soul of a national team that has always had to scrap for recognition and respect. Player portraits and contemporary news accounts bring to life a history that had been swept away in soccer’s barren times but continues to unfold in the 21st century. -- Beau Dure, author of Long Range Goals: The Success Story of Major League Soccer
You can’t truly appreciate where you are and where you’re going if you don’t know how you got there. Rarely is that more appropriate than for fans of soccer in the United States. While the sport has been undergoing tremendous growth over the past decade, there are few fans who realize the deep roots the sport has in this country. A History of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team looks to change that. Clemente Lisi shines the light, and brings to life many of the milestones of soccer in the United States—from the century-old launching of the national team to the 40 years in the wilderness following its historic upset of England. Many fans know the modern heroes of the game, like Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey, but few are aware of the roles that the likes of Buff Donnelli, Gene Olaff, and Eddie Hawkins played in its long history. This book will deepen the knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. national team as it breaks new ground in the modern game, and is a must read for anyone who calls themselves a fan of the red, white, and blue. -- Phil Schoen, beIN SPORTS and Sirius XM FC
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Humble Beginnings: 1916-1929 Chapter 2: Early World Cup Success: 1930-1949 Chapter 3: The Big Upset: 1950-1959 Chapter 4: Slump into Obscurity: 1960-1969 Chapter 5: Soccer’s Rebirth: 1970-1979 Chapter 6: On the Verge of Success: 1980-1988 Chapter 7: Shot Heard ‘Round the World: 1989-1999 Chapter 8: America’s Team: 2000-2010 Chapter 9: A New Era: 2011-2016 Appendix A: All-Time Records Appendix B: USMNT World Cup Box Scores (1916-2014) Bibliography Index About the Author
