Moore and Vermes Inducted Into US Soccer Hall of Fame

The induction of 2 more pioneer players of  MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER have been selected to the United States Hall of Fame. Although the American Hall no longer exists in a building form, the ceremonial induction takes place in conjunction with other soccer events.

 

JOE-MAX MOORE

 

Caps: 100  Goals: 24

Clubs: Saarbrucken (Germany), FC Nurnberg (Germany), New England Revolution (USA), Everton (England)

 

The son of a former owner of the NASL's Tulsa Roughnecks, Joe-Max Moore was destined to be part of the American soccer scene from childhood. By the time he was old enough for professional football, there wasn't the caliber in place for his talents. Moore moved to Europe and endured the struggles of an American making it in German football.

 

He did surprising well, and when the MLS was assigning designated stars to the inaugural franchises, Moore landed with New England.  He stayed long enough to score at a rate of better than a goal every 2 games.

 

He moved to Everton in the Premier League and made over 50 appearances. He finished out his career with a return to New England for one last season. He was art of 3 US World Cup Teams (1994-2002)

Joe-Max Moore's 1996 Inaugural New England Revolution jersey (ISA photo)

Moore in action in the inaugural 1996 MLS season wearing the above shirt.

(photo ISA)

 

PETER VERMES

 

Caps: 67 Goals: 11

Clubs: New Jersey Eagles (USA), Raba Eto (Hungary), Volendam (Holland), Tampa Bay Rowdies (USA), Figueres (Spain), New York Fever (USA), New York MetroStars (USA), Colorado Rapids (USA), Kansas City (USA)

 

Having to earn his living as a traveler for the early part of his career made Peter Vermes ripe for football management. A very capable striker who became a utility player based on his determination and diversity.

 

A key player for the USA at the 1990 and 1994 World Cup, Vermes was a Captain in Colorado's(1997) and Kansas City's(2000) MLS Cup runs playing as a defender. The latter resulting in the MLS Championship victory.

(photo ISA)

Vermes wear the above jersey as MLS Champions.

 

It seems the next generation of inductees may just include players who only have played in MLS. The importance of these traveling pioneers cannot be measured in mere statistics, but rather the compliments of their peers.

 

Both these players are honored by the INTERNATIONAL SOCCER ARCHIVES with their jerseys.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome ... To All New Things

As the footballing world changes, so does the archiving of its history. We have found that the vitual museum has reached its maximum capacity. This blog will serve as the news center for the I.S.A. and its progress.

We welcome you and your feedback.