The US men's soccer team has a rich and often overlooked history in the World Cup, dating back to the first tournament in 1930. From grisly injuries to a vanished hero, the stories of the US players are as fascinating as they are tragic. Here are four moments from the USA's early World Cup history that are worth revisiting.
- 1930: The First World Cup and a Hat-Trick
The US squad in 1930 was a mix of British players and Americans playing in the US league. They started with a 3-0 win over Belgium, followed by a 3-0 victory over Paraguay, with Bert Patenaude scoring the first World Cup hat-trick. However, the US team's success was marred by injuries. In the semi-final against Argentina, goalkeeper Jimmy Douglas played with a twisted knee, midfielder Ralph Tracy missed the second half with a broken leg, and forward Andy Auld was temporarily blinded after a physio dropped a bottle of chloroform. Despite their efforts, the US lost 6-1.
- 1934: Donelli's Glory and a Brutal Murder
The US team in 1934 qualified for the tournament by beating Mexico in Italy. Aldo "Buff" Donelli scored all four goals in the match. However, the US team's journey to the tournament was not without controversy. Mexico blamed their defeat on the long journey to Italy, while the US team had a shorter journey. In the first round, the US lost 7-1 to Italy, the eventual champions. The US team manager, Elmer Schroeder, was a US-born president of the United States Football Association. In 1932, he was elected as the first US-born president of the United States Football Association. However, his life was cut short in 1953 when he was found dead in his apartment, bound with the cord from the window-blinds. It is believed that he was murdered by a serial killer who preyed on gay men in Philadelphia.
- 1950: The Disappeared Hero
The US team qualified for the 1950 World Cup in Brazil and achieved a notable victory by beating England 1-0 in Belo Horizonte. The goal was scored by Joe Gaetjens, who had been born in Haiti and was awaiting US citizenship. However, Gaetjens never got his citizenship and returned to Haiti soon after. His family was connected to the Haitian political elite, and in 1964, when Duvalier declared himself dictator for life, most of Gaetjens' family fled the country. Gaetjens decided to remain in Haiti and was soon arrested by the Tonton Macoute, Duvalier's secret police. He was never seen again, and it is believed that he was murdered at the Fort Dimanche prison.
- 1989: The Shot Heard Around the World
The modern history of the US team at the World Cup began with Paul Caligiuri's 30-yard left-foot volley in Port of Spain in November 1989. This goal secured a 1-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago and booked the US's place at Italia 90. Qualification was seen as an essential part of preparation for hosting the tournament in 1994. The US team lost all three games in Italy but has been at every World Cup since, except for 2018.
These moments in US World Cup history are a reminder of the sport's evolution and the challenges faced by the players. From injuries to political turmoil, these stories showcase the human side of the beautiful game.
