1982 Media Guide/Fact Book

The Rowdies 1982 Media Guide/Fact Book cover, shows Refik Kozic, Mike Connell and Peter Roe.

Signed Cards - 1986/87 Rowdies Ruben Astigarraga

Ruben Astigarraga's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Tommy Smith and Stewart Scullion

Tommy Smith and Stewart Scullion, at a Rowdies Fan Day in 1976.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Signed Cards - 1975 Rowdies Nick Papadakis

Nick Papadakis' signed Rowdies card.

Gavin Maguire 1986

Gavin Terence Maguire was born November 24th, 1967 in Hammersmith, London. He joined non-league side Northwood FC's youth team, and made it to the senior side making only 2 appearances before joining Queens Park Rangers as an apprentice. Was a member on the QPR team that played under the Rowdies name in June 1986 during the "Coca-Cola Classic Internation Soccer Series" in Tampa.

He made his full debut for QPR on December 28th, 1986 against Oxford United, as an 18 year old. He would go onto make 40 appearances before being sold to Portsmouth for a fee of £175,000 in January 1989.

In 1992, he would make 3 loan appearances for Newcastle United, before returning to Portsmouth.

On March 25th, 1993 he joined Millwall for a fee of £115,ooo. Was sent to Scarborogh on loan on March 24th, 1994 where he played 2 games. Millwall released him from his contract in May 1994.

He returned to his first club Northwood FC for the 1994-95 season in the Isthmian League Division 3, playing in only 3 games. During his career he had been plagued by injuries. He appeared 7 times for the Welsh National team.
Gavin retired from soccer at the age of 26, he'd had bone grafts and skin grafts and knew it was going to be a long time before he was fully fit so he packed it all in.

After his retirement, he went travelling around America for a year and a half but came back and became a fitness trainer and did this for two years. Then one day a friend suggested he should go into hairdressing. At first Gavin thought his friend was being stupid but he attended a nine-month course and really enjoyed it. He now has his own hairdressing business in Somerset and it is a bit like soccer in as much as it doesn’t feel like work. One of the reasons he left London was because he was known as Gavin Maguire the soccer player where in Somerset, not many people know he was a player.

In 2003, he turned out for the Portsmouth Masters team, in an indoor tournament, but was sent off in the game against local rivals Southampton, for hauling down Matt Le Tissler by the neck, in what looked like a judo move.
He will always be remembered whilst playing for QPR, the "horror tackle" on Tottenham Hotspur's Danny Wilson, which finished the Spurs' player's playing career, which also resulted in a £130,000 compensation payout.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1977 Rowdies KICK Magazine

Volume 3, Number 1: This covers both Exhibition Games against Zenit Leningrad (USSR), played on March 5th, 1977 at Tampa Stadium, the Rowdies lose 0-1 in front of 41,611, and March 9th, 1977 at the Bayfront Center, the Rowdies lose 7-8 in front of 6,354.
Does anyone know the line-ups, for these games. If so could you please email me.

Mark Karpun 1983, 1984; 1983 (id), 1984 (id)

Mark Karpun was born June 12th, 1963 in Vancouver, Canada. He started playing soccer at the age of 5. His first real taste of glory was with the V.C. Travellers, winning the Province Championship at the age of 13. At 15, Mark travelled to Mexico with a team called the Warriers, and was a member of the first American or Canadian team to win the tournament in Mexico.

At the age of 17, Mark waived his last year of juvenile soccer to join the men's league and "improved his toughness." It must have helped, as he was spotted by pro scouts in his senior year, playing for the McNair High School team that made it to the Province Championship, and was drafted in the first round by the Calgary Boomers. He joined the team in June after high school graduation. He played on an amateur contract through the 1981 season.

When the Boomers folded at the end of the 1981 season, Mark went home to Vancouver and started working in a restaurant. From September 1981 to March 1982, he played little or no soccer.

Then, the Rowdies came calling. They invited him to a trialist camp in March, then extended a contract to play for the Rowdies II. He took it. So, he spent 1982 playing for the Rowdies II, in 12 games the lanky Canadian youngster scored 16 goals and assisted on 6 others for 38 points.

At the end of the 1982 season, the Rowdies sent him to Sao Paulo, Brazil with four other players. He trained there from mid-October to mid-December, then went home for Christmas. He signed his first pro contract, just weeks before the 1983-83 indoor season.

He scored his first indoor soccer goal at Reunion Arena, during a January 1983 exhibition against the Tulsa Roughnecks. He scored 11 goals in 11 indoor games and notched the game winner that made the Rowdies the Grand Prix Champions in Montreal. Made his first NASL outdoor start on July 13th, 1983 versus Team America, and scored the first goal in the Rowdies' 2-1 overtime victory. Started the next seven games, putting away 5 goals in 8 starts. Ended the season as the team's fifth leading scorer with 5 goals, 3 assists in 10 starts.
Appeared in 27 games during the 1983-84 indoor season, scoring 12 goals, 9 assists for 21 points. In the Rowdies final NASL season, Mark would appear in 14 games, scoring just 1 goal with 4 assists.

After the NASL folded, Mark signed as a Free Agent with the Dallas Sidekicks of the MISL, on October 3rd, 1984. He scored the first ever goal in Sidekicks history which was scored on October 19th, 1984 during an exhibition match with the Tacoma Stars at the Budweiser Classic in Wichita, Kansas. He scored the Sidekicks first Game Winning Goal on December 8th, 1984 against the New York Cosmos. Appeared in 46 games during the 1984-85 season, scoring 35 goals with 20 assists for 55 points.

He would remain with the Sidekicks until the 1989-90 season, in a Sidekicks career total of 248 games, he scored 146 goals and had 76 assists with a grand total of 222 points. He spent the 1989 outdoor season with the Vancouver '86ers.

Mark left the Sidekicks on September 4th, 1990. After coming to terms with the Sidekicks, he changed his mind and signed with the Tacoma Stars due a reduction in the salary cap for the 1990-91 season to be closer to his family. He played two seasons for the Stars (who folded in 1992).

Mark Karpun is said to be currently a firefighter in Delta, British Columbia.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Osvaldo Ardiles 1982-83 FKS Publishers Card

1985 Guest Player Ossie Ardiles' 1982-83 FKS Publishers card, whilst he was at Tottenham Hotspur.

Signed Cards - 1975 Rowdies Stewart Jump

Stewart Jump's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Press Photos - Farrukh Quraishi, John Bluem, Alex Pringle and JoeyFink

This was used for the Exchange Bank advertisement in 1976, showing Farrukh Quraishi, John Bluem, Alex Pringle and Joey Fink.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rowdies Bench

This one shows the view from the Rowdies bench at Tampa Stadium.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Sam Allardyce Poster

 A poster from the UK comic 'Roy of The Rovers' of

Sam Allardyce, during his time at Bolton Wanderers.

Manny Rojas 1983, 1988; 1984 (id)

Manuel Antonio “Manny” Rojas was born June 13th, 1954 in Santiago, Chile. He began his professional club with Chilean First Division club Palestino (former Rowdie Oscar Fabbiani's team. The two played together for four seasons). He then moved to Mexican Club América for the 1975 season. At some point, he signed with Universidad Católica of Chile and was on their roster for the 1981-1982 season.

In 1983, he moved to the United States where he signed with the Rowdies. He scored eight goals in twenty-nine games that season to lead the team in scoring. During the off season, the Rowdies traded Manny to the Golden Bay Earthquakes. However, on July 10th, 1984, the Earthquakes sent him and Hayden Knight to the Chicago Sting in exhcnage for Ricardo Alonso and Charlie Fajkus.

Manny found himself with a team on the rise as the Sting won the 1984 NASL championship. While he scored only one goal during the regular season, he added two more in the post-season, including one in a 2-1 victory over the Toronto Blizzard in the first game of the championship series.

When the NASL folded at the end of the 1984 season, the Sting moved to the Major Indoor Soccer League. He remained with the Sting until it folded at the end of the 1987-1988 MISL season.

That summer, he played for the Rowdies, now of the American Soccer League. He then signed with the expansion Chicago Power of the AISA. He remained with the Power through the 1990-1991 season, scoring seven goals in twenty-one games, as the Power won the AISA championship.

His career with Chilean national team spanned from 1976 to 1982. That year, he capped his national team career when he was selected to the Chilean team which competed in the 1982 FIFA World Cup in Spain. Chilean National Sportsmanship Award 1978 and 1981.

Manny Rojas has extensive coaching experience, most of it at the youth level. However, he did act as an assistant coach while with the Chicago Power. He was the assistant coach to the Vernon Hills High School girls soccer team. He now coaches at the Trevian Soccer Club, more details can be found at: http://www.treviansoccerclub.com

Rowdies Memorabilia - Billy Ronson 1989-90 MISL Trading Card

Billy Ronson's  1989-90 MISL card, produced by Pacific Trading Cards, whilst he was at the Baltimore Blast.

Signed Cards - 1977 Rowdies Kevin Eagan

Kevin Eagan's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Press Photos - Rodney Marsh

Rodney Marsh in action against the Detroit Express at Tampa Stadium in 1979.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Winston DuBose

Winston DuBose., upon his return from the 1978 Soccer Bowl defeat, at Tampa International Airport.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Tony Towers 1976 Topps Card

 Tony Towers' 1976 Topps card, whilst he was at Sunderland.

Signed Cards - 1977 Rowdies Wes McLeod

Wes McLeod's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1979 Ticket Stub

This ticket is from the game against the Detroit Express, July 28th, 1979, the Rowdies would win 5-2, in front of 35,599 fans.
Thanks to Pete McNulty.

Signed Cards - 1975 Rowdies Alex Pringle

Alex Pringle's signed Rowdies card.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Rodney Marsh 1975 Topps Card

Rodney Marsh's 1975 Topps card, whilst he was at Manchester City.

Michael Brady 1993

Michael Brady was born in Coventry, England. In 1981, he travelled from Coventry to Jacksonville, Florida for a trial with the Jacksonville Tea Men. On the advice of the coaching staff, he elected to attend college in the United States instead. After some thought, he chose American University, a private college located in Washington, D.C..

Michael spent four seasons with the AU Eagles as both a midfielder and forward. In 1985, the Eagles went to the championship match only to fall to UCLA in eight overtimes. He was a first team All American as a midfielder in 1983 and as a forward in 1985 and finished his career as the 1985. He was a second team All American in 1984, but his greatest honor came when he was named the 1985 SoccerAmerica college Player of the Year. He finished his collegiate career with 65 goals and 29 assists. He holds the season goal scoring record with 24 goals as a senior. In 1986, AU retired Michael's jersey number, 14. While he had not yet completed his degree requirements, like many athletes, he left school to pursue a professional career. However, he would return and earn a bachelor’s degree in communications in 1992.

When he entered the professional ranks, he began in itinerant journey through U.S. soccer. The 1980s and 1990s were characterized by players jumping from one failing indoor and outdoor club in an attempt to play the game they loved. Michael began his journey with the Baltimore Blast of the MISL. In 1985, he spent a season with the Los Angeles Heat of the Western Soccer Alliance where he scored five goals, tied for eight on the alliance’s goals list. In 1988 and 1989, he played with the Washington Diplomats of the American Soccer League, earning All Star status in 1989. In 1990, the ASL and WSA merged to form the American Professional Soccer League.

In 1993, he played three games with the Rowdies in the APSL.

In 1983, he was a member of the U.S. soccer team at the 1983 World University games. He then earned three caps with the U.S. national team while still in college. His first cap came when he replace Jeff Hooker in a November 30th, 1984 scoreless tie with Ecuador. A week later, he came on for Amr Aly in another tie with Ecuador. His last cap came, again as a substitute, this time for Dan Canter on June 16th, 1985.

While with the Maryland Bays in 1991, Michael also served as the head coach for the American University women’s soccer team. In 1993, he became the head coach of the boy’s soccer team at the The Potomac School in McLean, Virginia. He served in that capacity for four years before moving to Premier Soccer Associates which runs soccer camps and clinics. In 2000, he returned to American University where he became the coach of the women’s team again. In 2008, he resigned his position at American to join Duke as the top assistant.

Can anyone help me with a photo of Michael in a Rowdies jersey? - if so please email me.

Rowdies Video - NASL Soccer Bowl '75: Tampa Bay Rowdies vs. Portland Timbers

Many thanks to Kenn Tomasch.

Signed Cards - 1986/87 Rowdies Tim Borer

Tim Borer's signed Rowdies card.

1993 Rowdies Card Set

#13 David Vaudreuil.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Stewart Scullion

Stewart Scullion, poses with fans, at a Rowdies Fan Day in 1976.

Many thanks to Dan Perez.

Mark Longwell 1983; 1984 (id)

Mark Longwell was born June 14th, 1960 in Hartford, Connecticut. His high school soccer honors included All-State selection in his last two years, when he was the team's leading scorer. Mark moved back to midfield at Fairfield University in Connecticut.

He was named All New England and the Tri-State Conference MVP in junior and senior years. He played with Slough Town FC in Slough, England in 1978, trained with Liverpool in the summer of 1980, trained with Chelsea summer of 1982. He played with the US Olympic team on their 1984 Malaysian tour.

Mark made the journey south to try out with 200 other open trialists for a spot on the Rowdies roster. He was signed to an amateur contract and he joined the club as a member of Rowdies II.

Made his professional debut on August 5th, 1983 against the Chicago Sting, in a 4-3 win. and played a total of five games for the first team. He probably would have played more if he wasn't a fullback competing for the starting postition with Rookie of the Year - Gregg Thompson.

Mark appeared in 2 indoor games during the 1983-84 season, that would be the last time in a Rowdies jersey.

He then played for the Ft. Lauderdale Sun, of the USL in 1984. He played semi-pro soccer in the local Portuguese leagues (heavy Portuguese influence in Eastern Massachusetts) from 1985-1991- then Mark hung up his boots for good- turning to running, triathlons and cycling.

Then a strange thing happened, he lost all interest in playing in 1991 and took up running, which led to marathons which led to short tris, which led to Ironmans, which led to 100 mile races (running), which led to ultra cycling, which led to RAAM, which led to where he is today:) A long strange trip for sure- but what a great ride. 56 marathons and ultras, 3 Ironmans, over 65,000 miles on the bike, two heavy crashes , countless stories from around the world (ran marathons in nine countries) he can't complain- been a fun athletic career overall- more than he ever imagined- and he ain't done yet- stay tuned for 2009. More can be found at his website: http://web.mac.com/marklongwell

Thanks to Mark for the photo. Can anyone help me with a photo of Mark in a Rowdies jersey? - If so, please email me.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1979 Ticket Stub

This ticket is from the game against the Rochester Lancers, July 4th, 1979, The Rowdies won 4-0, in front of 45,888 fans.

Thanks to Pete McNulty.

Signed Cards - 1975 Rowdies Paul Hammond

Paul Hammond's signed Rowdies card.

Mark Abboud 1992, 1993

Mark Abboud was born November 19th, 1970 in Rochester, Minnesota. He attended Mayo High School before entering Macalester College, both in Rochester, Minnesota.

He played for the Macalester Fighting Scots soccer team from 1988 to 1991, finishing his career as the school’s all time leading scorer. He graduated in 1992 with a bachelors degree in mathematics and music. That spring, the Rowdies, then of the American Professional Soccer League drafted Mark and he spent the 1992 season in Florida. He would appear in 4 games.

In the fall of 1992, he moved to France where he played for Grenoble Foot 38, at the time playing in the Championnat National.

He returned to the Rowdies for the summer 1993 season, he only appeared in 1 game, then moved to Dubai Club UAE League and Belgian First Division club K.F.C. Lommel S.K.

In 1994, he returned to Minnesota and signed with the Minnesota Thunder which played in USISL. He would remain with the Thunder until retiring in 2000.

In 1997, the Thunder moved to the USL A-League, at the time the highest level of outdoor soccer in the United States. Mark also spent one season playing indoor soccer with the Milwaukee Wave. He spent the 1994-1995 season with the Wave in the National Professional Soccer League.

In addition to playing for the Thunder, Mark was the team’s Director of Player Development from 1996 to 1999. Beginning in 2000, he entered the ranks of youth soccer with the Woodbury Soccer Club and then Bangu Tsunami FC. Another 4 years and a club merger later, Mark is currently the Technical Director of the newly formed Minnesota Thunder Academy. You can gain more insight to his work through his website, www.roadtoregionals.com

Can anyone help me with a photo of Mark in a Rowdies jersey - if so please email me.

Rowdies Snap Shots - Martin Hill

A recent photo of Martin Hill, who played with the Rowdies between 1989 to 1991.

Many thanks to Brittany Lauren Stalter.

Gregg Thompson 1983, 1984; 1983 (id), 1984 (id)

Gregg Thmpson was born August 4th, 1960 in San Jose, California. He spent his youth in California, playing spring soccer and fall American Football. At the age of 15, his family moved to Stillwater, Minnesota where he was a star athlete at Stillwater High School. The school did not have a soccer team, so Gregg played football and ran track while playing soccer with local youth clubs. He was an outstanding running back, averaging 8.9 yards per carry over his high school career. He earned All State honors and received football athletic scholarship offers from the University of Colorado, University of Minnesota and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was also went to the state finals in track his senior year. While he was an excellent football player, he preferred soccer and chose to attend the University of Indiana when that school offered him an athletic scholarship to play soccer. He was the Minnesota High School Athlete of the Year when he graduated from Stillwater in 1978.

He joined the Hoosiers in 1978. He did not play in 1979, but became a regular through the 1980-1982 seasons. In 1982, he captained Indiana as it ran to the NCAA championship game. In that game, Indiana went up against Duke University and its top defenseman Joe Ulrich. Gregg scored the first goal, but Duke replied and the game ended tied at one all. The game was in its eighth overtime when Ulrich fouled Gregg just outside the box. He replied with a swerving free kick which found the net, giving Indiana its first national title. He would come in second in the balloting for the Hermann Trophy that year, losing to Ulrich.

Gregg was drafted be the Rowdies in 1982, as the number 1 draft choice in the NASL, out of NCAA Champion Indiana University, only days after the Hoosiers beat Duke 2-1. During the 1982 season with the Hoosiers, the fullback notched a total of 16 points (6 goals - 4 assists). 1982 honors included All-American status, selection to the 1982 Senior Bowl and the second consecutive National Sports Festival. The accomplished athlete also found time for studies, winning the IU varsity Club Academic Achievement Award (3.52 grade point average out of a possible 4.0 in finance) for the second consecutive years. Drafted as the first pick in December by both the MISL LA Lazers and the NASL Rowdies, Gregg decided on the Rowdies almost immediately and joined them in mid-January 1983. Gregg's arrival in Tampa was delayed by his January marriage to college sweetheart Nelle.

Appeared in 4 games during the 1982-83 Grand Prix Of Indoor Soccer, made his outdoor debut against the Tulsa Roughnecks on April 22nd at Tampa Stadium in a 4-3 win. He would appear in all 30 games. Winning him the NASL Rookie of the Year, Honorable Mention All-Star status and double team honors. The only player other than Rodney Marsh to be named both MVP and Most Popular Rowdie.

In 1984, Gregg was in fine form as he played in the first 10 games, before an injury caused him to miss the next 7. He returned on August 12th, against the San Diego Sockers in a 1-5 loss. Would continue at fullback for the rest of the last NASL season.

After the collapse of the NASL, the Rowdies traded him to the Minnesota Strikers of Major Indoor Soccer League. He remained with the Strikers through the 1987-1988 MISL season before retiring.

At the end of the 1983 NASL season, He joined the U.S. Olympic team as it prepared for the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Gregg played all three games for the U.S. at the Olympics, including scoring the U.S. goal in its 1-1 tie with Egypt. The U.S. finished the first round at 1-1-1 and failed to qualify for the second round.
Even before the Olympic games, he had earned his first cap with the U.S. national team in a May 20th, 1984 scoreless tie with Italy. He would go on to play a total of 12 times for the full national team between 1984 and 1985, including several qualification matches for the 1986 FIFA World Cup. His last national team game came in the May 31st, 1985 debacle in Torrance, California when the U.S. lost to Costa Rica. That loss in the last qualification game, cost the U.S. a spot in the finals.

Today, Gregg Thompson is a partner in a real estate group and coaches youth soccer, more info can be found at: http://www.gtsoccer.com

Rowdies Press Photos - John Gorman

John Gorman in action during an indoor game against the New England Tea Men.

Rowdies Memorabilia - Steve Kinsey 1987-88 MISL Trading Card

Steve Kinsey's 1987-88 MISL card, produced by Pacific Trading Cards, whilst at the Minnesota Strikers.

Rowdies Press Photos - Arnie Mausser

This one shows Arnie Mausser coaching the kids at Camp Kickinthagrass 1984.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1979 Ticket Stub

This ticket is from the game against the New York Cosmos, May 12th, 1979, the Rowdies would win 3-2, in front of 40,701 fans.

Thanks to Pete McNulty.

Al Miller Coach 1983

Al Miller was born December 17th, 1936 in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. He attended East Stroudsburg State College where he played on both the soccer and basketball teams. He was a midfielder who earned second team All American recognition in 1958 and 1959. While he starred as a soccer and basketball player, his first job was as the Albright College golf coach. He gained his first soccer coaching position with New Paltz State. He spent five years with the East Paltz, winning three New York Conference Championships.

In 1967, Hartwick College hired him. In his six seasons at Hartwick, he took the team to a 64-12-3 record and a 1970 Final Four appearance. Several events led to him moving from the collegiate to the professional coaching ranks. Tom McCloskey, a wealthy Philadelphia businessman was interested in owning a professional sports team. While attending the 1973 Super Bowl, Lamar Hunt broached the subject of McCloskey starting a North American Soccer League franchise in Philly. The NASL awarded McCloskey a team to begin play in the 1973 season. With very little time to prepare, McCloskey, and his general manager Bob Ehlinger, hired Al who was both a successful collegiate soccer coach and from the Philadelphia area, as the Philadelphia Atoms first coach.

He decided to build the Atoms around a core of native U.S. players. This was significant in that most NASL teams used U.S. players as goalkeepers or bench warmers. He took Bob Rigby with the first pick in the 1973 NASL college draft. Rigby went on to become one of the best goalkeepers in the NASL. In the second round, Al selected Bobby Smith who was selected as a second team All Star his rookie year. He then took his team to England to train. While there noticed several English players who he thought could help his team. He negotiated an on loan arrangement for Andy Provan, Jim Fryatt and Chris Dunleavy. The selection of Al Miller proved to be a significant advantage for the Atoms. His decision to use U.S. players made the team immediately popular in Philadelphia. He was also personable became media darling. Besides creating a team popular with the fans, he also created a talented team which ran to a 9-2-8 record and a spot in the playoffs. In the semifinals, the Atoms crushed the Toronto Metros 3-0, then easily handled the Dallas Tornado 2-0, to take the 1973 NASL title.

Al continued his contributions to U.S. soccer when he brought Francisco Marcos into the Atoms. Marcos had played at Hartwick when Al coached there and he now gave Marcos his first taste in soccer management, a skill he would develop over years in the NASL, then as the founder of the United Soccer Leagues. In 1974, McCloskey promoted Al to general manager, a position he held in addition to his coaching duties. In 1975, Al was named head coach of the U.S. national team. He was 0-2-0 in his two games with the team.

In 1975, he drafted Chris Bahr who became the 1975 NASL Rookie of the Year and later became a standout National Football League placekicker.

Al was unable to replicate his 1974 success and the team slowly became a drain on McCloskey’s finances. In 1975, he sold the team to a Mexican group. With the change in ownership, Al elected to move to the Dallas Tornado. He spent the 1976 through 1980 season with the Tornado, gaining the playoff semifinals in 1980. After Dallas lost that semifinal match with the New York Cosmos, he announced his resignation as coach in the locker room. While with Dallas, he had a hand in giving another significant individual his start when he drafted Glenn Myernick with the first pick of the 1976 College Draft.

He then moved to the Calgary Boomers, taking them into the playoffs in 1981. The Boomers folded at the end of the season and he found himself without a team until hired by the Rowdies. He took the team to a 7-23 record then resigned on October 5th, 1983 after disagreements with the team’s management.
After leaving the Rowdies, Al never again coached a professional team. Instead he entered team management with the Cleveland Force of the MISL. He oversaw the Force from 1984 until it folded at the end of the 1987-1988 season.

He then moved on to become the general manager of the United States Soccer Federation for a year. However, on February 22nd, 1989, Cleveland was awarded a new MISL franchise, the Cleveland Crunch. The Crunch hired Al as its general manager, a position he held for the next ten years. In July 1992, the MISL folded and the Crunch moved to the National Professional Soccer League. However, he continued with the Crunch until replaced by Paul Garofolo on February 22nd, 1999. In his ten years, the Crunch won three championships and lost another three title games.

ESPN later signed Al as a color commentator on ESPN's Mundial Sports. He also has narrated a series of films on soccer and wrote a chapter in the book Winning Soccer.

East Stroudsburg State College inducted Al Miller into its Athletic Hall of Fame in 1987. Hartwick college inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1995. That same year, he was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Rowdies Memorabilia - 1982 Mike Connell Signed Media Guide

A 1982 Rowdies Media Guide signed by Mike Connell.

Many thanks to Andy Northern.

Flemming Lund 1983; 1984 (id)

Flemming Lund was born October 6th, 1952 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He started his career in Denmark with B 1903 Kopenhagen in July 1971.He would move to Belgium with Royal Antwerp in the July of 1972, and would remain there until 1976. He then again moved countries, this time it was West Germany, signing for Rot-Weiss Essen, he would play there for one season, before a transfer to Fortuna Dusseldorf in 1977. Whilst at Dusseldorf he appeared in a European Cup Winners' Cup Final in 1979, losing to Barcelona.
In late May of 1979, he joined the Dallas Tornado, and played in the remaining 21 regular season contests and two playoff games, totalling 1927 minutes of action overall. Didn't score a goal but made a big difference in the Tornado's midfield with his non-stop running. Also played in post-season playoff encounters against the Vancouver Whitecaps with his total of 116 successful passes, the highest total on the club over that two game series.
Spent the 1979-80 winter months on loan to the Detroit Lightning of the MISL, where he was named in the All-MISL Team, and led the club in total regular season assists with 32, in 32 games. During the 1980 outdoor season with the Tornado, he played every minute of every game, his 12 assists tied him with Zequinha for the club lead. Scored goals against the Houston Hurricane (a great diving header in overtime for the winner), as well as earlier vs. the Minnesota Kicks. He also, scored a great goal in the playoffs against the New York Cosmos in a 3-0 Giants shutout. He also showed versatility when he played sweeper in mid-season game against the Detroit Express. Was voted Dallas Player of the Week for early win over the Kicks.

The Tornado participated in the 1980-81 NASL indoor season, so Flemming stayed home. He appeared in 18 games, scoring 7 goals with 26 assists. The 1981 season, he would appear in all 32 games for the Tornado. He then signed for the Buffalo Stallions of the MISL for the 1981-82 season, he returned to Denmark to play first division soccer, before returning to the Stallions for the 1982-83 indoor season.
1983 saw Flemming sign for the Vancouver Whitecaps, but only saw action in 7 games, his last was away to the San Diego Sockers, on June 22nd. Would sign for the Rowdies just days after, he made his debut against the Whitecaps on June 26th. Would go onto make a total of 17 appearances, notching up four assists.
Flemming would appear in all 32 games during the 1983-84 indoor season with the Rowdies, scoring 2 goals with 21 assists. This would be the last time he wore the Rowdies jersey. In 1984-85, he appeared in 5 games, scoring 1 goal with 3 assists, with the New York Cosmos in the MISL, which was to be their last year of existence. After the team fold he moved to the Wichita Wings, and would make 9 appearances.
Flemming was also a Danish International.
Flemming Lund, now breeds horses back in Denmark, along with his wife May Britt, and his two daughters Charlotte and Tina, who are now famous horse riders.