This was taken from the Fall 1993 copy of Eurosport. Can’t believe Desmond Armstrong didn’t want to get involved in that Lapper/Lalas manhug.

The US National Team’s Alexi Lalas is congratulated by Mike Lapper after scoring America’s second goal against England during US Cup ‘93 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Despite some late chances England, the US held on to win the match 2-0. A key element in the win was the superb goalkeeping of Tony Meola who frustrated England’s star striker Ian Wright twice in the waning minutes of the second half.

As the final hours of St. Patrick’s Day continue to tick away I’m sitting here, staring at the cover of the Fall 1994 World Cup Edition of Eurosport. Two things intrigue me about this cover: a) this is the World Cup Edition of the Soccer catalog…how did Ireland manage to sneak their way onto this badass? Could they have thrown Lothar Mattheaus, Grinsy Klinnsy or maybe even Maradona on here? and 2) what the hell kind of defending is going on here? I know it’s a still photo but let’s state the facts…two dudes are colliding with each other, one guy’s looking for a leprechaun in Alabama and the ball is hiding out behind them.

“You guys don’t have the skill like these boys.”

My high school, Springfield Catholic Central, were the Fighting Irish. We “borrowed” some design elements from the Football Association of Ireland. One of the t-shirts the team had printed had a design that was very similar to a mark that the FAI was using. I remember playing indoor with a goalie named Jonathan. Jonathan played for another high school, Dayton Christian. Jonathan showed up to an indoor game wearing this:

I mentioned to him that I liked his shirt and then explained how we were borrowing the FAI crest for our team t-shirts. “Yeah, but you guys don’t have the skill like these boys” was his reply. “No shit” was my initial thought…they’re a National team and we have Greenon next Saturday.

A hat big enough for Conan.

I owned these first two hats. Like I said…we wore alot of Irish apparel in high school. I got the green Ireland Cap when I was in the 8th grade. I have a huge head…it was one of the few hats that ever fit me.

…and some jerseys

Here’s what the team looked like in their team photo.

I like how the Adidas Etrusco Unicos form the Adidas Equipment logo…fancy.

And here’s what the team looks like when they were kicking it…laid back style.

Alright, let’s ID the team.

A little help?

I’m not 100% on 9, 11, 13 or 15.

Joe-Max Moore seems to make sense for #9…he scored a few goals in the 92 Olympics…he would be the baby of the team…which would explain why the veterans would have made him wear that lone US Soccer shinnie.

#11? I know Chris Henderson was the youngest from the 1990 World Cup team…I know, they were all young. I’m not totally sold that this is him though.

#13…I’m going with Troy Dayak solely based off the moustache…although this guy looks a little latino…but then again, Troy Dayak looked a little latino. I got nothing for you #13.

#15? Don’t ask me why but everytime I look at this guy I think he’s one of the Beach Boys. I think I’m basing this solely off the episode of Full House where the Beach Boys guest star…one of the Boys has a huge, goofy baseball hat on. Yeah, I watched Full House…it’s awesome, I know.

Anyone want to take a shot at these unknowns? Did I incorrectly ID someone? Leave a comment and let me know.