US Soccer History

US World Cup History

The US at the 1930 World Cup

We continue our series on the US at the World Cup with a look at the first World Cup in 1930, where the Bert Patenaude scored the first hat trick in World Cup history and the US finished the tournament in third place.

US Soccer History / US World Cup History

Prelude to the US at the first World Cup

Our series on the history of the US at the World Cup begins with how the first World Cup came to be in 1930 and a look at the US national team’s international play before then.

US Soccer History

Meet the Babe Ruth of American Soccer

Billy Gonsalves didn’t make US Soccer’s All-time Best XI, but Steve Holroyd explains how he is the Babe Ruth of American soccer.

US Soccer History

While you weren’t watching: The US Best XI you didn’t get to see

Did you know the U.S. national team played games before 1990? The USSF apparently didn’t, given its recent 100th Anniversary Best XI selections. Steve Holroyd investigates.

US Soccer History

Happy birthday Gene Olaff

National Soccer Hall of Fame historian Roger Allaway on ASL goalkeeping legend Gene Olaff, who turns 93.

US Soccer History

Perseverance rating: A better way to statistically evaluate soccer goalkeepers

Steve Holroyd considers how to better statistically evaluate goalkeepers.

US Soccer History

The North American Soccer Football League

Steve Holroyd looks at the history of the North American Soccer Football League, which existed for two short years right after the Second World War and featured the talents of Gil Heron.

US Soccer History

The MLS All Star Game: More traditional than you’d think

All-Star games are a fixture of American pro sports. In American pro soccer, they date back to the 1920s.

Featured / US Soccer History

Who’s better, who’s best: Leveling the pitch to find the best US club sides ever

Steve Holroyd performs some statistical leveling to determine the all-time top 15 US pro soccer teams.

Featured / US Soccer History

Looking for a golden age: A statistical analysis of US pro soccer leagues

The ASL in the 1920s has been called the “golden age” of American soccer. Some older fans argue that the NASL was “better” than MLS. Steve Holroyd looks at what the numbers say.