April 11, 1934 – U.S. Soccer Squad of 18 Selected – for World Cup

The U.S. team for 1934 World Cup had a strong New England influence, including Eddie Czerkiewicz, Walter Dick, Tommy Florie, Joe Martinelli (Pawtucket Rangers); Billy Gonsalves and Werner “Scotty” Nilsen (Stix, Baer & Fuller); Tom Lynch (Brooklyn Celtics). Also listed was A. Donelli (Curry FC, Pittsburgh).

Gonsalves successfully lobbied for Aldo “Buff” Donelli to be on the team, and Donelli went on to score all the U.S. goals in a 4-2 win over Mexico and 7-1 loss to Italy. Donelli then coached and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and coached the Boston University football team from 1947-56. After retiring, Donelli worked in public relations for Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Mass.

I had a good interview with Donelli before a Steelers v. New England Patriots game at Three Rivers Stadium in 1991. He still considered playing in the World Cup his greatest sporting experience, and he talked about Italy’s Luis Monti’s ability to “kick [opposing players, that is] like a mule.” Donelli appeared to be going strong at the time, but died of a blood disorder at age 87, just before the 1994 World Cup.

The U.S. could have had an even more dynamic attack, but for some reason Bert Patenaude had not been chosen. Patenaude had completed a hat trick in the 1930 World Cup at age 20, but four years later had been suspended by his club team, and the professional game had become disorganized with the demise of the American Soccer League.

It seemed the 1934 U.S. squad had been determined last-minute, but many things were planned in a vague way, apparently. The Boston Globe story noted the team would sail May 5 and the first game “expected to be played May 24.”

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY