Soccer Made in St. Louis by Dave Lange, A Book You Need to Own Even if You’re Not From St. Louis

I first met Dave Lange in the spring of 2010 while reporting on the financial issues of Jeff Cooper and AC St. Louis. At the time Lange had been reporting for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat covering soccer. He knew all the shakers and movers in St. Louis as it related to the game and was a great resource. I knew he was extremely knowledgeable about soccer in St. Louis and was a heck of a nice guy. What I didn’t know then was Lange had been working as a soccer reporter since 1972 and that he has written stories that have appeared in The Sporting News, Soccer America, World Class Coaching and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Soon after our introduction I learned that the Globe-Democrat writer had been working on a book that would chronicle the history of St. Louis, one of the premier cities in America in regard to soccer. In fact Lange even sent me a few pdf versions of his book for me to critique as he was working on it. But nothing could have prepared me for what I received in the mail a number of weeks ago.

Opening up the brown shipping package and revealing the book took me by surprise. Although I knew the quality of Dave Lange’s writing I was not prepared for the quality of this book published by Reedy Press.  Soccer Made in St. Louis, A History of the Game in America’s First Soccer Capital is a beautiful hard bound book that is more than coffee table quality. The book is colorful, not just on the outside but on the inside as well. It’s loaded with nicely laid out pages and plenty of photos depicting the history of soccer in St. Louis which Lange calls, “the capital of soccer of this country.” In fact Lange says that is exactly the reason he has worked so hard on this project. “The truth is that the roots of soccer in this country lead right back to what St. Louis has been doing for the last 135 years.”

Lange has been working on the book since 2009 but the catalyst came from Reedy Press. They started the project in 2006 with numerous writers working on each chapter but that fell through and Lange took over. In the process he has collected over 90 interviews that were digitally recorded and saved, hoping they can be a resource to others in the future.

Dan Flynn, CEO & Secretary General of US Soccer, had this to say about the book.

Dave Lange provides a comprehensive and compelling look into the history of soccer in St. Louis. With a collection of remarkable pictures, in-depth coverage of specific matches and events, and insight into some of the most influential individuals in the sport, Soccer Made in St. Louis takes soccer fans on a fantastic journey that educates and also entertains.

Not only is this 200-page book loaded with facts and photos about St. Louis soccer history but it also reveals history that affected the growth of the game in America. In the book you’ll learn that 5 St. Louisans have served as captains of the U.S. National Team: Harry Keough (1950), Bobby Kehoe (1965), Al Trost (1974-75), Steve Pecher (1976-77), and Lori Chalupny (2009)

You will also learn that St. Louisan Bob Guelker coached 7 men’s college teams to NCAA soccer titles: five at St. Louis University and two at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Another interesting tidbit in this fact-filled book is Kutis of St. Louis was the last soccer team to win the U.S. Open Cup and the U.S. Amateur Cup in the same season. That was back in 1957.

He even points out that Scullin Steel of St. Louis was the first team – ever – to have worn numbers on its jerseys, which was in the 1923 National Open Cup final. Other instances of numbers world-wide, including England, did not show up until 1928.

Lange also chronicles the stories of not only the amateur teams in St. Louis but the professional teams as well, including the old NASL, St. Louis Stars, the MISL Steamers, the WPS St. Louis Athletica and USSF D2 Pro League’s AC St. Louis.

And what would a good soccer history of St. Louis be if it didn’t contain some wonderful stories of great soccer legends of more recent years who have come from the Gateway to the West? Players like Pat McBride, Al Trost, Ty Keough, Steve Pecher, Mike Sorber, Taylor Twellman, Steve Ralston, Brad Davis and Lori Chalupny.

Soccer Made in St. Louis, A History of the Game in America’s First Soccer Capital, is a wonderful book that I would recommend to anyone, even if you’re not from St. Louis.

Soccer Made in St. Louis has a special website that includes statistical information from the book, bonus material, upcoming events, and links to soccer sites. You can also find links to order the book  through Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Lange and Reedy Press will be holding a special panel discussion on soccer in St. Louis and the U.S.on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum. Guests will include Dan Flynn, chief executive officer and secretary general of U.S. Soccer; Bill McDermott, soccer broadcaster; Lori Chalupny, Atlanta Beat, 2009 U.S. Women’s National Team captain and 2008 Olympic gold medalist; Tony Glavin, head coach, St. Louis Lions in the USL Premier Development League; Pat McBride, U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer; and Al Trost, U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer. The event is free and open to the public. Doors open at 6 p.m.