Chapter Ten: Paul Caligiuri's Shot Heard 'Round the World

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America. Subscribe to the Founding Football Feed to get episodes twice weekly!

Paul Caligiuri's iconic 1989 goal that sent the USMNT back to its first World Cup since 1950 is one of the most celebrated moments in the history of American soccer. It's been dubbed the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" and became the central plot point of the CBS sports / Paramount + documentary, "The Billion Dollar Goal." It's impossible to tell the story of soccer's rise in this country without exploring that storied event.

As part of our study of the Caligiuri goal, we explore the context of the USMNT leading up to the World Cup qualifiers, and the team's subsequent performance in the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Brian Bliss joins us to talk about his involvement in the goal -- it began on his throw-in -- and his journey as part of the program.

Visit our website for more information: ⁠⁠FoundingFutbol.com

Host: Kent Malmros

Guest: Brian Bliss (Former USMNT player)

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