April 11, 1934 – U.S. Soccer Squad of 18 is Selected

U.S. team selected for 1934 World Cup includes Eddie Czerkiewicz, Walter Dick, Tommy Florie, Joe Martinelli (Pawtucket Rangers); Billy Gonsalves, “Scotty” Nilsen (Stix, Baer & Fuller); T. Lynch (Brooklyn Celtics); A. Donelli (Curry FC, Pittsburgh). Also named were Willie McLean and B. Lehman (Stix, Baer & Fuller); George Moorhouse (New York Americans); goalkeeper J. Hjulian (Chicago Wieboldts); and F.J. “Hun” Ryan, W. Fielder and P. Pietras (Philadelphia German-Americans). Reserves were A. Harker and H. Rapp (German-Americans) and T. Amrhein (Baltimore Cantons).

Team will sail May 5 and first game “expected to be played May 24.”

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 interviewed Donelli before a Steelers v. New England Patriots game at Three Rivers Stadium in 1992. Donelli confirmed his greatest sporting thrill had been playing in the World Cup. He also said all of him memorabilia, souvenirs, etc., had been lost in a move. Donelli appeared to be going strong at the time, but died of a blood disorder at age 87, just before the 1994 World Cup.

April 11, 1925 – Boston Wonder Workers 3:1 St. Louis Ben Millers. Second game of American Professional Championship

April 11, 2005 – Revolution name Michael Burns director of soccer

April 11, 2011 – Revolution sign Rajko Lekic

NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY