CHAPTER TEN:

PAUL CALIGIURI’S SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD

In 1988, FIFA awarded the United States hosting right for the 1994 World Cup. The decision was met with significant pushback because the US Men’s National Team was deemed by many to be unworthy of an automatic berth for the tournament. After all, they hadn’t qualified for or played in the World Cup since 1950 when they miraculously defeated England in the group stage. With that in the backdrop, the pressure was mounting for the USMNT to qualify for the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Their efforts got off to a tumultuous start, but ultimately, thanks to the left-footed strike of midfielder Paul Caligiuri during a must win game in Trinidad and Tobago in November of 1989, the team found a way to punch its ticket for their first World Cup in 40 years. 

(Photo credit: US Soccer)

CHAPTER TEN

PAUL CALIGIURI’S SHOT HEARD ROUND THE WORLD

Paul Caligiuri’s goal in the 1989 World Cup qualifiers has been dubbed “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” and recently been called “the billion dollar goal” in a CBS Sports/Paramount+ documentary. Regardless of what it’s called, one thing is for sure, the UCLA product gave US Soccer the boost it had been seeking for years to prop the sport up so a foundation could be built underneath. The USMNT went on to show well enough in the 1990 World Cup, and their qualification ensured FIFA would honor its decision and keep the 94 edition on US soil four years later. The success of that World Cup gave birth to MLS, and it could all be traced back to one unlikely goal. 

(Photo credit: Sports Illustrated)

Our GUEST

Many people have seen the goal. Many have also seen the extended highlight showing the initial pass from Tab Ramos to Paul Caligiuri. But few people remember that play starting on a throw-in by Brian Bliss — a story he recounts as part of the Founding Futbol interview. Now a coach with MLS team Sporting KC, Bliss was an important part of that ’89 qualifying team.

Over the course of his international career, Bliss accumulated 33 caps between 1984 and 1995. He played in both the 1988 Olympics and the 1990 World Cup.  

Bliss later played in the inaugural season of MLS playing for the Columbu Crew. He later played for both the NY/NJ MetroStars and Kansas City Wiz. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
To learn more about Anson Dorrance and his importance to the growth of the game in America, we recommend the following resources.

Books

Articles

    Our PERSPECTIVE

    So much coverage has been given to the Paul Caligiuri goal that it’s hard to generate a new angle. But, the Founding Futbol perspective is to provide critical context to the moment. What led up to it. How the qualifiers began. What the moment meant. And the players that were involved. It’s inarguable that the Shot Heard ‘Round the World was a cataclysmic event in the continued evolution of America towards becoming a soccer nation. 

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