Soccer player. He is best known for his role on the 1950 US World Cup team that defeated England 1-0 in what is considered by many to be the biggest upset of all time. Like five of his teammates, he was a native of The Hill district of St Louis, where he played semiprofessionally for the Simpkins-Ford team, winning US Open Cups with them in 1948 and 1950. He was known by teammates and foes alike as a tough defender. His nickname came from his habit of wearing boxing training gloves while playing. He represented the United States 11 times between 1948 and 1952. In the 1950 game vs England, he saved the game by fouling star England player Stanley Mortensen late in the second half with what was described as a rugby tackle, as US goaltender Frank Borghi was able to save the ensuing free kick. The next day, in his hotel room, he was offered a contract with a Brazilian team that he turned down. After his playing days, he went on to coach the St. Louis Ambrose side. In the 2005 Hollywood movie "The Game of Their Lives" (aka "Miracle Match"), documenting the 1950 victory, he was played by Costas Mandylor.
Soccer player. He is best known for his role on the 1950 US World Cup team that defeated England 1-0 in what is considered by many to be the biggest upset of all time. Like five of his teammates, he was a native of The Hill district of St Louis, where he played semiprofessionally for the Simpkins-Ford team, winning US Open Cups with them in 1948 and 1950. He was known by teammates and foes alike as a tough defender. His nickname came from his habit of wearing boxing training gloves while playing. He represented the United States 11 times between 1948 and 1952. In the 1950 game vs England, he saved the game by fouling star England player Stanley Mortensen late in the second half with what was described as a rugby tackle, as US goaltender Frank Borghi was able to save the ensuing free kick. The next day, in his hotel room, he was offered a contract with a Brazilian team that he turned down. After his playing days, he went on to coach the St. Louis Ambrose side. In the 2005 Hollywood movie "The Game of Their Lives" (aka "Miracle Match"), documenting the 1950 victory, he was played by Costas Mandylor.
Bio by: Kenneth Gilbert
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