I still remember Earnie Stewart’s goal against Colombia in the 1994 World Cup. It was the legitimate goal of the biggest win the U.S. men had earned in over 40 years, and it turbocharged the Americans’ fascination with soccer. When the men play in the biggest international games today my dreams must subconsciously use that moment as it’s target - the moment I’m hoping they can regain and I can revisit.
Earnie epitomized the American Soccer player on the pitch but also bridged the international divide that is so discussed today. He grew up in the Netherlands and played almost all of his club soccer there as well.