ISA Collection adds Record Setting Kevin Hartman jersey

The person who was quoted for "nice guys finish last" never met Kevin Hartman. Aside from all his on-field accomplishements, Kevin is one of the quiet people ready to give the shirt off his back. He did exactly that, donating this 2010 game used MLS goal keeper jersey (below) to the I.S.A. Collection.

His is often involved in community work and international causes. We met him during the off-season working on NOTHINGBUTNETS - raising awareness for the need of mosquito netting to prevent malaria.

The yellow number # 1 shirt was worn during the 2010 MLS season including the record 19 game undefeated run with FC Dallas. The season was also high lighted by the incident with Frenchman Thierry Henry that caused Hartman to miss several games near the end of the regular schedule.

He recovered enough to lead FC Dallas through the playoffs and the MLS CUP Final, although he was unable to take goal kicks from the injury.

Hartman holds most of Major League Soccer's goal keeping records including:

- Most saves in MLS history.

- Most career shutouts in MLS history.

- Most wins by any goalkeeper in MLS history.

- Most consecutive minutes in MLS history.

- First MLS goalkeeper to have consecutive 20-win seasons.

Kevin has been capped (4) four times by the US National Team. He was voted MLS goalkeeper of the year in 1999.

I.S.A. Adds Seattle Sounders Record Open Cup Artifacts

The Record Setting Final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup between the Columbus Crew and Seattle Sounders will be chronicled at the International Soccer Archives. The Seattle Sounders, who won their second consecutive Cup title, drew 31,311 fans and broke the previous mark set in 1929.

The Sounders also became the first professional club to win back-to-back Open Cups since the 1930 - 1931 Fall River Marksmen of the American Soccer League. Seattle Sounders sent a match ticket (above) and the game jersey of Captain Kasey Keller (below).

Keller, who is no stranger to Cup Finals, played in two Finals with Leicester City in 1997 and 1999 and was in the squad of Tottenham Hostspurs in 2002.

Among the ephemera are the original line-up sheets and media packets. These items will go into the collection next to the 1930 U.S. Open Cup medal exhibited in the I.S.A. Collection.

Seattle Sounders finished only their second season in Major League Soccer.

Iconic American Soccer Artifact Sells At Auction - 1930 World Cup Ball

 The November Sporting Memorabilia held by Convery Auctions included an important artifact from the history of the World Cup. It also happens to be a part of the United States' soccer legacy.

In the USA's 3:0 victory against Paraguay on July 17th, 1930 - American Bert Patenaude scored the very first hat trick in World Cup play. The ball used in that match was auctioned off in Scotland for a mere 600.00 British Pound sterling ($975.82).

Among the other highlights from Convery Auction was the blue Manchester United jersey worn by Nobby Stiles in their 1968 European Cup Final win against Benfica. It hammered down for 26,000.00 pounds ($37,011.71).

The biggest price realized for an item was 188,200.00 pounds ($267,644.62) for Nobby Stiles' 1966 World Cup winner medal. He became the 8th player of the starting 11 that has put his medal up for sale. Only Bobby Charlton, Jack Charlton and Martin Peters have kept theirs.

Since 1998, the escalating price of these medals has increased. The first attempt by George Cohen failed to meet the asking price but later sold for 80,000 pounds when purchased by his former club, Fulham United.

Here is the chronological list of sales:

1998

George Cohen - 80,000.00 (to Fulham United F.C.)

Ray Wilson - 80,000.00

Gordon Banks - 124,750.00

Bobby Moore - 150,000.00  (to West Ham Utd.)

Geoff Hurst - 150,000.00 (to West Ham Utd.)

Alan Ball - 164,800.00

Nobby Stiles - 188,200.00 (to Manchester Utd.)

2010

Roger Hunt donated his medal to his former club's museum at Liverpool F.C. in 2003.

BONHAMS To Auction George Best Treasures

Chester, UK - Bonhams Auctions of England will be selling the very best of George Best.  The legendary Irish footballer who passed away in 2005, was considered by many as the first pop icon in the sport.

Having plied his skills on 5 continents, the gifted yet troubled star was the hero to millions especially his beloved Manchester United fans.

Up for sale is cream of his accomplishments, including the 1968 European Cup Winners medal, his last Northern Ireland team jersey, and a limited edition Fabrege Egg created to honor George Best's career.

Of special interest is the American Soccer League presentation award (below) for services to soccer in the United States. The I.S.A. provided specific photographs and information on this particular artifact for the auction.

(George Best and Noel Lemon)

Beginning in 1976, Best played for the Los Angeles Aztecs, Ft. Lauderdale Strikers and finished with the San Jose Earthquakes in 1981.

In addition, the auction includes many Manchester United items from paintings to actual player's seats from the stadium at Old Trafford.

The auction will be held in Chester on Wednesday, October 20th.

Collection Adds Jerseys and Shea Stadium Memorabilia

The I.S.A. increased its collection with various artifacts through the kind donation of its supporters.

Finland international SAMI HYYPIA made his debut for LIVERPOOL F.C. in the 1999 Carlsberg Beslfast Challange. The club won that tournament and repeated the feat for the 2000 edition.

Liverpool debuted their "orange" kit in the 2000-2001 season which saw Hyypia lift the crystal Belfast Trophy. Hyypia, now at Bayer Leverkusen after a decade and over 300 games for Liverpool, also made 105 international appearences for his native Finland.

Sami Hyypia wearing the donated jersey (above) supports the Carlsberg Beslfast Challenge Trophy at Windsor Park.

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 SHEA STADIUM in Queens, New York played host to many events including baseball's World Series games, NFL grid iron football, Papal visits, The Beatles 1964 concert and international football matches.

On September 5, 1997 - COLOMBIA and EL SALVADOR played to a 2:2 draw at the now demolished landmark.

A glass globe and slab base commemorate the international event and the venue (above) with the logo of the sponsor - Mundial Sports Group - from the match (below) is now on display.

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A jersey of perennial Uruguayan League Champions C.A. PENAROL - recognized by FIFA as the "best South american club of the 20th century" - has joined the exhibits of the ISA.

A record 37 titles in 78 professional seasons gives credibility to the club's fame. This jersey from their 1999 Clausura victory (below) was sent to the ISA.

In addition, a wonderful championship pennant was included (below).

World Cup Fever Grips Bonhams Football Auction

Bonhams Auctions (Chester, England) held their Sporting Memorabilia sale in conjunction with the first week of the 2010 World Cup. It was no surpise with the frenzy the global tournament reaches, that bidding was intense.

As expected, the England based auction company featured items from their finest moment - the 1966 World Cup - which the nation hosted and won. Topping the list was Geoff Hurst's red England shirt. Although it was only his spare, and never worn, it fetched 8,880 Pound Stirling (approximatly 1 Pound = $1.50) or about $13,138.00 US dollars.

Next in line was from the international career of Welsh legend - John Charles. His 1957-58 season winners medal with Italian club Juventus also brought 8,880.00 Pounds ($13,138). 

Former Scottish International and Newcastle United player Jimmy Scoular's career,   World Cup items, including David Beckham, were highlighted along with these medals and jerseys:

- 1966 England World Cup jersey - Ian Callaghan L2,280 ($3,375)

- 1966 West Germany World Cup jersey - Siegfred Held - L2,520 ($3,730)

- 1952 N. Ireland jersey - Danny Blanchflower - L1,740 (2,575)

- 1986 England World Cup jersey - Kenny Sansom - L1,020 ($1,509)

- 1998 England Team jacket - David Beckham - L264 ($391)

- 1955 Newcastle's F.A. Cup medal - J. Scoular - L6,960 ($10,297)

- 1951 Newcastle's F.A. Cup medal - Fairbrother - L6,000 ($8,877)

- 1984 Watford F.A. Cup runner-up medal - Les Taylor - L3,960 ($5,859)

Other artifacts from autographs to game programs filled the catalog including a 1966 hand-signed England World Cup Team photograph - 3,280 Pounds ($4,854), and a 1937 Scottish Cup match program between Celtic and Aberdeen L420  ($622).

Of interest to American soccer history were the USA jersey swapped with Jimmy Scoular in Scotland's 1952 match with United States L816 ($1,208) and the jersey of Ramon Mifflin who appeared for Team USA in the 1976 Bicentennial Cup against England L 720 ($1,066).

Also proving that paper is not pulp - An autographed poster of PELE's Farewell Game from 1977 rang up L744 ($1,102) and a game program from Liverpool's 1964 Tour match vs. the San Francisco Select Team hammered at L 240 ($355).

Bonhams is associated with Bonham & Buttefields of California. They are expected to feature more international sporting memorabilia in the future.

Noel Lemon Collection - Part 2

The array of soccer history that has been added to the I.S.A. Collection is rich indeed. The silver salver presented to the US National Team by the Colombian club "Millionarios" was made for the very first Marboro Cup in 1987.

The silverware (above) was finely crafted and engraved. The edging depicts the 11 districts that make up the Republic of Colombia.

Also included in the collection are several National and club penants that were exchanged before some of the international and friendly matches. The large satin banners like Peru (below), Colombia and Juventus are very ornate and colorful.

Lemon's organization - Mundial International Ltd., was a catalyst in expanding international tours and was the first to bring the Colombian National Team to play England at Wembley Stadium.

Mundial also facilitated the first tour for Peru on European soil. As a token to commemorate the match between Holland and Peru in October 1998, this ornate silver and gem stone statue (below) was created.

More in Part 3.

I.S.A. Acquires the "Noel Lemon collection"

Noel Lemon is one of the pioneers of the modern professional era of American soccer. He brought an NASL Championship to Oklahoma with the Tulsa Roughnecks and the ASL and National Championship to Florida's Ft. Lauderdale Strikers. The effects of the Strikers on the South Florida community is still endeared to this day. The Chamber of Commerce recognition award (below) was presented to the club after winning the National title.

Lemon was also instrumental in bringing top level international soccer to the United States when almost none existed. He organized the Marlboro Cup - a star studded international event that allowed the US National Team to prepare for their first World Cup in 40 years and give Americans the taste for quality international soccer.

During his tenure as GM of the Roughnecks, the club toured Britain and played against some of the historied clubs such as Cardiff City (Wales), Leicester City, Portsmouth and Derby County (England), as well as clubs from Holland and Bermuda.

The gift that was exchanged between Tulsa and Derby Couty F.C. (below) was this magnifcent statue of a ram - the nickname of Derby County club.

The Marlboro Cup (played from 1987 to 1990) hosted in several American cities, included visits from Millionarios, America de Cali and Atletico Nacional (Colombia), Colo-colo (Chile), Sporting Cristal and Alianza Lima (Peru), Benfica and Sporting (Portugal), Club America and Atlas (Mexico), Juventus (Italy) and Flamengo (Brazil).

The US World Cup Team was also able to play other National sides from South Korea, Uruguay, Colombia, Costa Rica, Russia and Poland.

The silver presentation coupet (above) was made by the famous Tiffany & Company. It is one of the many fine gifts exchanged during the tournament which was held at various times in Miami, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to exhibit these artifacts" says I.S.A. Historical Director Chuck Zsolnai. "We are pleased that Noel's work and the legacy from this era of American Soccer will be preserved for future generations."

There are plans for a touring exhibit and the artifacts will be available for other museums to loan and organizations to research.

Philadelphia - 100 Years of Soccer

On the eve of Philadelphia Union's Major League Soccer debut, the International Soccer Archives has acquired rare memorabilia from the city of Brotherly love. While many European soccer clubs can trace their beginnings back over a century, several American cities have played the sport just as long. Pennsylvania's Eastern mecca of Philadelphia is one such city.

With strong British roots dating to colonial days, Philadelphia was a playground for exiled Britons who imported the sports of horse racing, boxing and soccer to America. Organized soccer leagues formed as early as 1884. One of the nation's most prominant was the Allied American Football Association which spurred the likes of powerhouse club Bethlehem Steel F.C., and was directly affiliated with The Football Association in England.

The Bethlehem Company's footballers were National Champions on several occasions. They would be joined in later years by semi-pro and amateur clubs such as the Philadelphia Ukranians, and professionals like the Philadelphia Atoms, who won the title in their innaugural NASL season.

Cup and tournament play were organized and divisional tables were marked with championship medals and trophies. These recent additions to the I.S.A. collection include these medals and postcards of these early clubs.

The Allied American Football Association was the second oldest organized sports league in America after baseball. They were recognized by FIFA in 1913 and had established the American Cup - the fore runner to the (Lamar Hunt) U.S. Open Cup.

The artifacts that were added to the I.S.A. collection include:

- 1917/18 (Philadelphia) Allied American Football League medal
- 1914/15 (Philadelphia) Allied American Football League medal
- 1910  Philadelphia Cup medal
- 1913/14 West Philadelphia F.C. postcard
- 1912c. Philadelphia soccer team photo

FIFA World Cup Winner Medal Up For Auction

The 1950 FIFA World Cup winner's medal awarded to Juan Alberto Schiaffino (1925-2002) was put to auction recently. The solid gold medal with ring suspension was given to the Uruguay squad members for defeating host Brazil in the 1950 World Cup final. It was offered on Ebay, the online auction site.

In addition to the FIFA medal, the auction contained several key items reflecting Schiaffino's duel international appearances - 20 caps for Uruguay and 4 for his adopted Italy.

The collection includes awards from his successful club career with CA Penarol before transferring to Italian giants AC Milan and later AS Roma.

The lot, which also included a commemorative Rolex watch engraved for services with Roma, did not meet the minimum bid of $150,000 USD or the "buy it now" option of $200,000 USD.

Bornstein's Boots - A Boost for Haiti

Sometimes a kick is just a kick, a smile is just a smile ... but in the case of USA international Jonathan Bornstein - the fundamentals of both worlds apply.

Recently, Bornstein offered up his game-worn soccer shoes to raise money for the American Red Cross and their humanitarian aid to earthquake ravaged Haiti.

The boots he wore (above) while scoring against Costa Rica on October 14, 2009 not only won the match for the USA, but allowed Honduras to also qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

Jonathan kindly autographed the pair of shoes (above) which were sold on ebay, the online auction site. They drew 51 bids and finished with a final price of $1,725 USD - all which will go directly to the Haiti cause.

It is not often that such well publized memorabilia can make it into the hands of the general public. However, this item is well documented and a great addition to any international soccer collection.

Second wave ... 2009 Wall of Champions

Additional donations have arrived to fill out the 2009 Wall of Champions exhibit.

 
TORONTO FC gained their first title of their short history - the Canadian Championship. Newly acquired MLS superstar DWAYNE DE ROSARIO's famous # 14 jersey has been secured. TFC battled rivals Vancouver Whitecaps and last year's winners - Montreal Impact in the 2009 tournament.

The MONTREAL IMPACT did not go without allocades - winning what may perhaps be the final USL Championship in history.

The Impact were kind enough to send this team signed Championship jersey along with other memorabilia.

World Cup bound MEXICO won the 2009 Concacaf Gold Cup in impressive fashion.

The jersey of English-based youngster, GIOVANNI SANTOS has been added to the Champions display along with a gold winners medal thanks to the Mexican Football Federation.