If you've been following the development of soccer in the United States for any length of time, you've no doubt read about Fred Oliver. The Pawtucket Free Wanderers' centerback, defender and forward was Fred Oliver, a Pawtucket native. The early American soccer history of the United States is unique in that African Americans played in a senior league for the first time. His career began in a factory but he was a star on the team, earning him a spot for the first edition World Cup.
African Americans have played in a senior league
There is a long soccer history in the United States, but very little information about it. This history is not documented by the leagues. Sports historical societies have been created to help uncover these stories. The Society for American Soccer History published recently a report on the first African American soccer player. This report, Fred Watson (and Oliver Watson), outlines the most prominent African American soccer players in the United States.
While the game is changing, the problem of the insufficient representation in the executive ranks remains. Only 1.6% of soccer executives is black. Burton Albion (low-profile English third and forth tiers) are the only Black owners for professional soccer clubs. Black ownership is partly to blame for the absence of Black coaches and managers. However, the Society is trying to change that by providing a platform and support for African American players.
The NASL declined during the early 1980s
The NASL struggled for competitiveness in the early 1980s. The league suffered from overexpansion, as well as disputes with its members' union. At the same time, unemployment had reached 10.8%, the highest level since World War II. As owners attempted to reduce costs, it was clear that the league was losing cash. The league was in danger of collapsing in 1982.
The financial difficulties of the league began to impact clubs. In 1977, there were only 18 league teams and 70% of the owners were spending more than 70% on player salaries. The NASL's lack of financial resources led many owners to drop weaker teams and continue with six teams. In 1978, there were 24 league teams. However, that wasn't enough to keep up the growing league.
The U.S. won the 1986 World Cup.
While the U.S. team didn't win the World Cup, its success was obvious from the very beginning. The U.S. soccer team had a greater attendance than any other time in its history. In the Rose Bowl's first round, the U.S. defeated Yugoslavia 4-0. In the semifinals, Brazil defeated Italy 2-1 before 83,642 Stanford fans.
The United States qualified to the World Cup on the basis of its performance in the qualifying phase. After a slow qualifying campaign, the Americans fired Jurgen Klinsmann and rehired Bruce Arena, who won three of eight qualifiers. Sunil Gulati was the president of U.S.Soccer. He stated that the U.S. expected to achieve the qualification campaign.