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2009-06-30 18:39:11

Leeds United were on the doorstep of English and European football glory back in 2001 and everyone thought that David O’Leary would guide the side to future glory but having failed to qualify for the 2002 UEFA Champions League the Irishman was sent packing on this day in football history.

June 26 – Paolo Maldino Born in Milan

2009-06-26 22:22:54

After a quarter of a century, Paolo Maldini retired from AC Milan and football after the 2008/09 campaign and it was on this day in football history in 1968 that the Italian defender was born in the Milan. The son of Cesare Maldini was to prove himself a chip off the old block.

June 25 – FIFA World Cup ‘Anschluss’ Match

2009-06-26 21:39:11

West Germany defeated Austria 1-0 in the infamous ‘Anschluss,’ arrangement, match on this day in soccer history at the 1982 FIFA World Cup in the worst example of sportsmanship in the history of the FIFA World Cup. The 1-0 scoreline insured that both West Germany and Austria advanced on the basis of goal differential to the knockout phase at the expense of Algeria.

June 24 – U.S. Earns Confederations Cup Berth

2009-06-24 19:02:15

With the U.S. set to face Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinal today it is fitting that it was on this day in soccer history in 2007 that the U.S. defeated border rival Mexico 2-1 to win the Gold Cup and earn their berth in this summer’s FIFA World Cup ‘dress rehearsal.’

June 23 – Norway Continues Brazil Dominance

2009-06-23 23:40:09

Norway is the one football team that can claim to have never lost to Brazil and it was on this day in soccer history in 1998 that they extended that streak with a surprising 2-1 win over the Samba Kings. With the win, Norway advanced to the elimination round in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France.

June 22 – USA 2 – Colombia 1

2009-06-22 23:20:36

The United States men’s national soccer team notched one of the most important wins in team history on this day in soccer history when they defeated Colombia 2-1 in the 1994 FIFA World Cup Group A action at the Rose Bowl in Pasedena, California. It was their first win in a FIFA World Cup match since they defeated England in 1950.

June 21 – Batistuta’s FIFA World Cup Hat Trick Double

2009-06-22 22:19:58

Gabriel Batistuta is the all time leading scorer for the Argentinean national soccer team and it was on this day in soccer history in 1998 that the striker notched a hat-trick against Jamaica in Paris to become the first player to score a hat-trick in two different FIFA World Cups.

June 20 – Arsenal Sign Dennis Bergkamp

2009-06-22 21:50:07

With all the summer international play taking place this time of year, it is easy to forget that domestic club football is alive and well in the backrooms of the club house. And so it was on this day in soccer history in 1995 that Arsenal signed Dennis Bergkamp from Internazionale for a then record fee of £7.5m.

June 19 – Pele Opens FIFA World Cup Account

2009-06-19 23:39:23

Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele, is the greatest footballer in the history of the sport and he is best known around the globe for his exploits in the FIFA World Cup and it was on this day in soccer history in 1958 that the Brazilian scored his first goal in the FIFA World Cup.

June 18 – Becks Becomes a Galactico

2009-06-19 23:12:09

With Florentino Perez back in charge and putting together another ‘galactico’ side it is only fitting to look back on this day in soccer history in 2003 when David Beckham signed with Real Madrid in a £25m deal to join an ever increasing list of marquee signings.

June 17 – U.S. Defeats Mexico at FIFA World Cup

2009-06-18 01:11:21

The United States men’s national soccer team has long played in the shadow of regional rival Mexico but the change in power became official on this day in soccer history when the Red, White and Blue defeated El Tri Colores in the Round of 16 at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

June 16 – Benitez Named Liverpool Manager

2009-06-17 00:34:48

After much speculation, Rafael Benitez was officially announced as the new football manager of Liverpool Football Club on this day in football history in 2004. He replaced Gerrard Houllier and was given a five year contract.

June 15 – Happy Birthday UEFA and The Soccer War

2009-06-16 23:40:59

Union des Associations Europeanne de Football better known by its acronym UEFA was formed on this day in soccer history in 1954.

June 14 – West Germany Defeat World Cup Holders

2009-06-16 23:06:06

West Germany finally got their FIFA World Cup revenge on England for the 1996 loss in the final when Die Mannschaft got the last laugh against the Three Lions in the 1970 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal on this day in soccer history.

June 13 – Marksman Maradona

2009-06-16 22:46:24

Diego Maradona is one of the greatest soccer players of all time. The Argentinean striker scored over 300 soccer goals for club and country but it was on this day in soccer history in 1998 that Maradona was sentenced for shooting an air rifle at a team paparazzi and journalists camped outside his Buenos Aires home.

June 12 – Svensson Sends Argentina Packing

2009-06-12 22:22:32

Argentina was one of the favorites heading into the 2002 FIFA World Cup but Sweden’s Ander’s Svensson ended those dreams on this day in soccer history with his curling free kick in Sweden’s 1-1 draw over the South American nation.

June 11 – U.S. Wins U.S. Cup Over Mexico

2009-06-11 22:10:36

The United States men’s national team took their first major step towards erasing memories of a last place finish at the 1998 FIFA World Cup by defeating Mexico 3-0 on this day in soccer history in 2000 to win the U.S. Cup.

June 10 – U.S.’ Return to the FIFA World Cup

2009-06-10 17:55:58

After a 40 year absence, the United States men’s national soccer team returned to the FIFA World Cup on this day in soccer history in 1990 when the Red, White and Blue kicked off against Czechoslovakia in Italia 1990 at Stadio Comunale in Florence.

June 9 – Germany Kicks Off 2006 FIFA World Cup

2009-06-09 18:42:04

After being awarded the 2006 FIFA World Cup way back in July of 2000, Germany kicked off the 18th quadrennial tournament on this day in soccer history by beating Costa Rica 4-2 in the highest scoring opening match in FIFA World Cup history.

June 8 – Donovan Earns 100th Cap

2009-06-09 00:10:24

Since earning his first cap with the United States men’s national soccer team, Landon Donovan has become a regular in the line-up and it was on this day in soccer history in 2008 that the midfielder/forward earned his 100th cap when the U.S. faced Argentina at Giants Stadium.

June 7 – Beckham Quiets World Cup Ghosts

2009-06-08 23:14:18

After being sent off in the 1998 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals against Argentina, David Beckham was back as the center of attention when the two teams met on this day in soccer history at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder stepped up to score the game’s lone goal from the penalty spot.

June 6 – This Buds For You MLS

2009-06-08 22:57:37

Budweiser has a long association with soccer in the United States and it was on this day in soccer history in 1995 that the ‘King of Beers’ signed on as MLS’ first official sponsor. The announcement was made as the domestic soccer league worked toward their 1996 kickoff.

June 5 – The Toss of a Coin

2009-06-05 19:33:48

Soccer fans have long had a love/hate relationship with the penalty shootout to determine a winner. But maybe it is not so bad when you consider on this day in soccer history in 1968 Italy advanced to the European Championship semifinals on the call of ‘heads or tails.’

June 4 – Tartan Pitch Invasion

2009-06-04 23:37:12

The 1976/77 Home Nations Championship came down to the final match between Scotland and England with Scotland prevailing 2-1 to win the silver and launch a celebration that turned into an all out pitch invasion with fans from the Tartan Army snapping one crossbar, tearing up souvenir pieces of turf and causing mayhem and it all happened on this day in soccer history.

June 3 – Sven’s Goes Sub Wild

2009-06-03 22:31:02

Sven-Goran Eriksson came under criticism while in charge of the England national football team for making a farce out of friendlies by his frequent substitution practice and it was on this day in soccer history in 2003 that the manager made ten changes and had 4 captains in England’s 2-1 win over Serbia & Montenegro.

June 2 – Battle of Santiago

2009-06-03 19:20:53

In one of the most hotly contest FIFA World Cup matches ever to be played, Italy lost to Chile 2-0 but it was the cheap fouls and retaliations by players that made this match so shocking and it all happened on this day in soccer history in 1962.

June 1 – Verwer Make MLS History

2009-06-03 19:08:29

Falke Verwer made Major League Soccer history when he became the new league’s 1 millionth fan on this day in soccer history in 1996 in the 47th match.

May 31 – English Teams Banned From Europe

2009-06-02 21:51:47

In the aftermath of the Heysel Stadium tragedy, the Football Association imposed a ban for English clubs to play in European competitions on this day in soccer history in 1985.

May 30 – Nottingham Forest Win European Cup

2009-06-02 21:38:21

Nottingham Forest climbed to the heights of European football when they defeated Malmo 1-0 at the Olympiastadion in Munich to win the European Cup on this day in soccer history in 1979.

May 29 – Man U’s First European Cup, The Heysel Stadium Disaster

2009-05-30 00:14:30

This day in soccer history was a high point and low point in the European Cup as Manchester United won their first European Cup in 1968 but it was also on this day that 39 Juventus supporters lost their lives in the Heysel Stadium disaster in 1985.

May 28 – Nottingham Forest European Cup Double

2009-05-29 23:10:19

The UEFA Champions League is one of the most difficult competitions to win back-to-back and Nottingham Forest completed the defense of their 1979 European Cup title on this day in soccer history in 1980 when they defeated Hamburg 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid.

May 27 – Welcome to the World Gazza

2009-05-29 22:44:50

Legend has it that as a young boy Paul Gascoigne was caught by his teacher practicing his autograph because he was going to be a ‘famous footballer.’ The teacher laughed at him saying only ‘one in a million become a professional footballer’ but it was Gazza who had the last laugh. And it was on this day in soccer history in 1967 that the famous footballer was born.

May 26 – Bayern’s British Woes

2009-05-29 00:18:02

May 26 will forever be a day to forget for Bayern Munich as it was on this day in soccer history in 1982 and 1999 that the German giants lost out to Aston Villa and Manchester United, respectively, in UEFA Champions League heartbreak.

May 25 – Celtic Win European Cup

2009-05-28 23:43:43

Celtic became the first British team to win the European Cup when they defeated favored Internazionale 2-1 Lisbon’s Estádio Nacional on this day in soccer history in 1967.

May 24 – Keane’s Ireland Farewell

2009-05-28 23:36:21

In the summer of 2002, Roy Keane was captaining Ireland at the FIFA World Cup in Japan and Korea with international retirement waiting with the final whistle. But Keane was sent to retirement early on this day in soccer history in 2002 when team manager Mick McCarthy sent the midfielder home for his attitude.

May 23 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-05-28 22:58:10

The Soccer Birthdays from May 23.

May 22 - AC Milan Win Their First European Cup

2009-05-22 22:23:44

AC Milan became the first Italian team to hoist the European Cup after defeating Benfica 2-1 at Wembley Stadium on this day in soccer history in 1963.

May 21 – Porto Wins UEFA Cup

2009-05-21 18:42:20

Under the watchful eye of Jose Mourinho, F.C. Porto won their first UEFA Cup title defeating Celtic 3-2 in extra time in Seville on this day in soccer history in 2003. The win was just the start as Porto went on to win the UEFA Champions League the following year.

May 20 – Barcelona Win Their First European Cup

2009-05-20 23:33:13

After finishing as runners-up in the 1961 and 1986 European Cups, Barcelona finally broke through for their first European Cup championship with a 1-0 extra time win over Sampdoria on this day in soccer history in 1992.

May 19 – The Dell’s Last Stand

2009-05-20 23:15:45

The English football ground has many times been compared to a place of worship for the avid fans and on this day in soccer history in 2001 fans of Southampton had mixed feelings of celebration and mourning as The Dell, the team’s home ground since 1898, hosted its last competitive match.

May 18 – Real Madrid Wins Fifth European Cup

2009-05-20 22:14:26

Real Madrid continued their European dominance on this day in soccer history in 1960 when they defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 to win their fifth European Cup title in front of a crowd of 135,000 people at Glasgow's Hampden Park.

May 17 – Fergie Opens Silver Account

2009-05-20 22:04:18

Sir Alex Ferguson is arguable the best manager in Manchester United Football Club history and it was on this day in football history in 1990 that the Scotsman won his first silver in charge of the club after the Red Devils defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in the FA Cup final replay.

May 16 – Hamm Set Record

2009-05-18 22:25:04

Mia Hamm is one of the best soccer players, men or women, of all time and it was on this day in soccer history in 1999 that the U.S. forward broke the all-time international scoring record with her 108th goal in a match against Brazil in Orlando Florida.

May 15 - Crew Stadium Opens

2009-05-15 16:02:57

Happy Birthday Crew Stadium! The Columbus Crew became the first team in Major League Soccer to open a soccer specific stadium on this day in soccer history in 1999.

May 14 – Everton Win FA Cup – Cavanagh Run

2009-05-14 23:54:59

After going down 2-0, Everton came back to win the 1966 FA Cup on this day in soccer history but the game was just as memorable for the ‘Cavanagh Run’ during the match.

May 13 - Johan Cruyff Hangs Up Boots

2009-05-14 01:41:20

One of the all time great footballers, Johan Cruyff hung up his boots on this day in soccer history in 1984. Cruyff’s Feyenoord side defeated PEC Zwolle 2-1.

May 12 – Sounders Home NASL Debut

2009-05-12 15:49:16

The Seattle Sounders made the home debut at Memorial Stadium a successful one when they defeated the Denver Dynamo 4-0 in North American Soccer League action on this day in soccer history in 1974.

May 11 – Puskas Signs With Real Madrid

2009-05-11 23:49:51

An integral part of the Hungarian Magical Magyars, Fernec Puskas was one of the most lethal strikers of his day. Despite a two year layoff and a few extra pounds, the forward signed with Real Madrid on this day in soccer history in 1958. And on this day, tragedy struck at the Valley Parade ground.

May 10 – Liverpool Win FA Cup

2009-05-11 22:33:36

Liverpool doubled up the silver in fine style when they defeated cross town rival Everton 3-1 in the 1986 FA Cup final on this day in soccer history.

May 9 – Ghana Soccer Tragedy

2009-05-11 17:05:29

The African continent and the global soccer community was in shock after reports that a stampede at a match in Ghana resulted in 126 fans being killed on this day in soccer history in 2001. It is the deadliest soccer disaster in Africa.

May 8 – Carlisle’s Great Escape

2009-05-08 21:31:06

Passion runs deep in English football! It does not matter whether it is top flight or one of the lower divisions and one of the greatest endings in football history happened on this day in soccer history in 1999 when on loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass scored late into injury time to help Carlisle United avoid the drop to conference football.

May 7 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-05-08 21:25:59

The soccer birthdays from May 7.

May 6 – Leeds United Win FA Cup

2009-05-08 21:20:23

Leeds United were the unfortunate bridesmaid for much of the 1960’s but it was on this day in football history in 1972 that the club became the bride in winning their first and only FA Cup silverware.

May 5 – German Tour of United States

2009-05-05 22:35:08

With memories still fresh from World War II, German club Hamburg SV arrived on this day in soccer history in 1950 to tour the United States after accepting an invitation from German-American Football Association.

May 4 – Grande Torino Air Tragedy

2009-05-05 22:24:13

In the 1940’s Torino was one of Italy’s top football clubs and it was on this day in soccer history in 1949 that one of the greatest football tragedies occurred when the team plane crashed while returning from a friendly in Portugal killing all 18 players and two coaches as well as the eleven other people on the plane.

May 3 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-05-05 22:12:59

The soccer birthdays from May 3.

May 2 – The Matthews’ Final

2009-05-05 22:00:40

The Matthews’ Final, the 1953 FA Cup Final, was one of the best in football history with Stan Matthews winning his first piece of silver, Stan Mortensen picking up the first and only hat-trick in a Wembley FA Cup final history, and Queen Elizabeth II taking in the FA Cup Final action for the first time as Queen of England. And it all happened on this day in soccer history in 1953.

May 1 – Messi Opens Barca Account

2009-05-01 23:05:57

Barcelona has a knack for finding and developing the best football players and after taking a chance on Lionel Messi the club has been rewarded. The Argentinean made his first stride to becoming a Barca favorite on this day in soccer history in 2005 when he opened his account for the Catalan giants.

April 30 – England’s Ramsey Sacked

2009-05-01 22:46:04

Sir Alf Ramsey lead the England national football team to their greatest glory, the 1966 FIFA World Cup title, but it was on this day in soccer history in 1974 that the Football Association gave Sir Alf his walking papers.

April 29 – Player Jersey Numbers Introduced

2009-05-01 21:41:58

The idea of jerseys without numbers is unheard of these days but this was not always the case. While having player numbers was discussed in the 1920’s it was not until this day in soccer history in 1933 that the players wore numbers of their jerseys.

April 28 – Italian Fan Killed

2009-05-01 21:25:29

In one of the earliest examples of football violence, Gaetano Plaitano was killed when violence broke out between rival fans at the end of an Italian third division match on this day in soccer history in 1962.

April 27 – First Female NASL Official

2009-04-29 00:33:04

Betty Ellis, a California teacher, became the first female official in the North American Soccer League on this day in soccer history in 1981.

April 26 – Manchester United is Born

2009-04-29 00:23:16

Manchester United Football Club is one of the most recognized football clubs in the world but history would have been much different for the Manchester club if not for J.H. Davis who made widespread changes after taking control of the football team most notably changing the name from Newton Heath to Manchester United on this day in soccer history in 1902.

April 25 – Johan Cruyff is Born

2009-04-29 00:13:39

One of the masters of the game, Johan Cruyff, was born on this day in soccer history in 1947. The Dutchman was named the European Player of the Century in 1999 and came in second to Pele for the World Player of the Year.

April 24 – Father and Son Tag Team

2009-04-24 17:03:58

Iceland is certainly no football powerhouse but on this day in soccer history in 1996 the team made history when 17 year old Eidur Gudjohnsen entered as a substitute for his 34 year old father Arnór against Estonia in Tallinn. This marked the first time that a father and son played in the same international match.

April 23 – Cardiff Wins FA Cup

2009-04-23 16:35:15

The FA Cup is the oldest association football competition in the world first played in 1871/72 and for all those years it was won by an English side. But that all changed when Cardiff City won the cup on this day in football history in 1927 and took the silver home to Wales.

April 22 – Ronaldo Wins Rare Double

2009-04-22 18:24:34

Cristiano Ronaldo won a rare double racking up both the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA) award for both the senior player category and young player category in 2007 on this day in soccer history.

April 21 – Manchester United Champions League March

2009-04-21 18:54:32

Manchester United’s late two goal surge against Bayern Munich in the 1999 UEFA Champions League final is legend for all football fans but few realized they pulled off a similar escape against Juventus in the semifinal second leg on this day in soccer history.

April 20 – Fastest Goal in FA Cup Final History

2009-04-20 23:52:55

The FA Cup is the oldest association football competition in the world having first been played in 1871/72 and it was on this day in soccer history in 1895 that the fastest goal was scored.

April 19 – Trevor Francis Born

2009-04-20 23:28:15

Trevor Francis is a former English football player and manager and it was on this day in soccer history in 1954 that Francis was born.

April 18 – Harkes Scores in League Cup Final

2009-04-20 23:00:53

John Harkes inked his name in the record books on this day in soccer history in 1993 when he became the first American to score in a League Cup final, then known as the Coca Cola Cup. The record was ultimately a disappointment as his side Sheffield Wednesday lost to Arsenal 2-1.

April 17 – N.Y Cosmos Play First Match

2009-04-17 23:10:40

The best known name from the defunct North American Soccer League, the New York Cosmos got played their first match on this day in soccer history in 1971.

April 16 – Ljungberg Born

2009-04-17 22:47:11

With anticipation high for the launch of Seattle’s Major League Soccer inaugural season, the Sounders raised the stakes when they announced on October 28, 2008 that Freddie Ljungberg had signed on as the team’s Designated Player and it was on this day in soccer history in 1971 that the Swedish international was born.

April 15 – Hillsborough Tragedy

2009-04-15 16:04:28

One of the saddest days in English football occurred in 1989 on this day in soccer history when 96 fans were crushed to death at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield during the FA Cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

April 14 – Santos Football Club Formed

2009-04-14 15:48:57

Santos Football Club is known around the globe as one of the best and it was in 1912 on this day in soccer history that Santos was formed by three sports enthusiasts from the Brazilian town.

April 13 – United’s Grey Day

2009-04-13 22:37:35

Manchester United, the Red, Devils, have become known around the globe for their first rate product on the pitch and their red jerseys but on this day in soccer history in 1996 neither was on display when Sir Alex Ferguson’s side took on Southampton at the Dell.

April 12 – Bobby Moore is Born

2009-04-13 22:26:52

An England and West Ham United legend, Bobby Moore was born on this day in soccer history in 1941.

April 11 – Riise Free Kick vs Manchester United

2009-04-13 22:02:52

John Arne Riise knocked in one of the best free kicks in English Premier League history when he knocked one in against Manchester United on this day in soccer history in 2001.

April 10 – First Manager in Italy

2009-04-13 21:28:15

Italian football is one of the top football playing countries in the world but the first football manager in Italian football was an Englishman, James Richardson Spensley, and it was on this day in soccer history in 1897 that he held the first football training session was held.

April 9 - Major League Soccer Expands

2009-04-09 23:26:34

After a successful start, Major League Soccer announced in 1997 on this day in soccer history that Miami and Chicago would be awarded expansion teams for the following season. The move increased the number of teams in MLS from 10 to 12.

April 8 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-04-09 00:07:15

The soccer birthdays from April 8

April 7 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-04-08 23:58:15

The soccer birthdays for April 7.

April 6 – Major League Soccer Kicks Off

2009-04-08 22:58:45

The return of top flight soccer in the United States launched when Major League Soccer kicked off the inaugural season on this day in soccer history in 1996.

April 5 – Tragedy Strikes British Home Championship Final

2009-04-08 22:51:19

In the final of the 1902 British Home Championship between England and Scotland, tragedy struck when the wooden West Tribune Stand at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland collapsed killing 25 and injuring hundreds more fans on this day in soccer history.

April 4 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-04-08 22:44:24

The soccer birthdays for April 4

April 3 – Liverpool Defeat Newcastle 4-3

2009-04-08 21:42:15

Newcastle was having a fine season with their sights on FA Carling Premiership FA Carling Premiership glory only to stumble against Liverpool 4-3 in one of the game’s classic matches at Anfield on this day in soccer history in 1996.

April 2 – Aston Villa Win Their First FA Cup

2009-04-08 00:38:04

After forming in 1874, Aston Villa reached the football pinnacle of the day when they won the FA Cup for the first time on this day in soccer history in 1887.

April 1 – Madonna Has Maradona Child!

2009-04-01 15:49:20

In the late 1980’s two of the biggest stars of pop culture and their respective professions were soccer legend Diego Maradona and pop rocker Madonna and it was in 1989 on this day in soccer history that the world learned from a local Naples news station that the two were expecting a child together.

March 31 – Eddie Johnson Born

2009-03-31 22:53:27

After making an immediate impact with the United States men’s national soccer team, Eddie Johnson has worked to find a regular position in the lineup and it was in 1984 on this day in soccer history that the forward was born.

March 30 – Arsenal Beat Manchester United For First Time

2009-03-30 23:45:26

One of the Barclay Premier League’s fiercest rivalries got its start back in 1895 on this day in soccer history when Woolwich Arsenal faced off against Newton Heath, later Manchester United, for the first time.

March 29 - James Makes England Debut

2009-03-30 23:02:18

David James has established himself as the England Number 1 and it was in 1997 on this day in soccer history that James made his international debut for the England national football team.

March 28 – Hillsborough Disaster Verdict

2009-03-30 22:25:50

It was in 1991 on this day in soccer history that the final chapter in the Hillsborough disaster at Sheffield Wednesday's ground on 15 April 1989, where Liverpool were playing Nottingham Forest in an FA Cup semi-final in which 96 football fans died and a 170 were injured was played out when a jury came back with an accidental death verdict.

March 27 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-30 22:13:22

The soccer birthdays for March 27.

March 26 – U.S. Wins Back to Back in Europe

2009-03-30 22:02:52

The United States men’s national soccer team won back to back matches on European soil on this day in soccer history in 2008 when they defeated Poland 3-0 in Warsaw. The match also set a record run of 3 consecutive wins on the road.

March 25 – They Think it is All Over…It is Now!

2009-03-25 23:22:45

The immortal words of Kenneth Wolstenholme spoken as England won the World Cup in 1966 are known by every fan of English football and legendary in the sport. And it was on this day in soccer history in 2002, the Wolstenholme passed away.

March 24 – West Bromwich Albion Wins First Silver

2009-03-25 00:36:30

West Bromwich Albion won their first F.A. Cup in 1888 on this day in soccer history by upsetting heavily favored Preston North End 2-1 in the Cup final at the Kennington Oval.

March 23 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-25 00:30:07

The soccer birthdays for March 23.

March 22 – Liverpool’s McKenna Dies

2009-03-25 00:24:55

Liverpool Football Club is one of England and Europe’s top football clubs but the success story would have never been written without the work of ‘Honest’ John McKenna and it was on this day in soccer history in 1936 that ‘honest’ John passed away.

March 21 – Ronaldinho Born

2009-03-24 23:34:36

Ronaldinho has been making waves in the soccer world since he was filmed as small boy playing pick up soccer and it was in 1980 on this day in soccer history that the talented Brazilian was born.

March 20 – World Cup Trophy Stolen!

2009-03-20 15:44:39

The goal of every football player is to captain his national team to a world championship and hoist the FIFA World Cup trophy but on this day in soccer history in 1966 a thief completed a successful heist for the Jules Rimet trophy, the original trophy for the World Cup winner.

March 19 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-20 00:11:42

The soccer birthdays for March 19

March 18 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-19 23:59:27

The soccer birthdays from March 18.

March 17 – Maradona Tests Positive for Cocaine

2009-03-18 20:35:01

It all came crashing down for Diego Maradona in 1991 on this day in soccer history when the Napoli forward tested positive for cocaine which ultimately led to a 15 month ban and the beginning of a slow and painful slide to retirement.

March 16 – Walcott Born

2009-03-18 20:18:51

Since a young age Theo Walcott has been on a fast track to the professional soccer ranks and it was in 1989 on this day in soccer history that the Arsenal player was born.

March 15 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-18 20:05:58

Soccer Birthdays for March 15.

March 14 – Arsenal Defeats Manchester United

2009-03-17 23:08:45

The 1997/98 English Premier League title appeared to belong to Manchester United heading into the spring but the quest for another piece of silver began to crumble when Arsenal defeated the Red Devils at Old Trafford in 1998 on this day in soccer history.

March 13 – Colombia’s Escobar Born

2009-03-17 22:52:57

One of the most familiar Colombian soccer players but unfortunately for all the wrong reasons, Andres Escobar was born in 1967 on this day in soccer history.

March 12 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-17 22:33:06

The soccer birthdays from March 12.

March 11 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-17 22:20:39

The soccer birthdays from March 11.

March 10 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-17 22:05:49

The soccer birthdays from March 10.

March 9 – U.S.’ Clint Dempsey is Born

2009-03-17 21:55:51

With an on field flair and scoring prowess, Clint Dempsey has established himself as one of the top U.S. players and it was in 1983 on this day in soccer history that the Nacogdoches, Texas product was born.

March 8 – England’s First Football Win

2009-03-17 21:47:37

England is the birthplace of the game of soccer and it was in 1873 on this day in soccer history that the England national football team won their first match by defeating Scotland 4-2 at the Kennington Oval in London.

March 7 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-17 21:41:37

The soccer birthdays from March 7.

March 6 – Real Madrid Was Founded

2009-03-17 21:35:14

Real Madrid is arguably the top football club in Europe with a record nine European Cups (UEFA Champions League titles) and it was in 1902 on this day in soccer history that the storied club was founded. In 2000, FIFA, selected Real Madrid the best football team of the 20th century.

March 5 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-03-17 19:01:20

The soccer birthdays from March 5.

March 4 – Arsenal Oust Holders Milan

2009-03-04 19:25:13

The second leg matches of the 2007/08 Champions League kicked off on March 4, with Arsenal earning a famous 2-0 victory at AC Milan to bounce the holders out in the round of 16.

March 3 - Rinus Michels Dies, Brazil Edges U.S. in L.A.

2009-03-03 23:54:11

Ajax coaching legend Rinus Michels, inventor and perfecter of Total Football, passed away at the age of 77 on March 3, 2005.

March 2 - USMNT Tunes Up, Hail Lord Dennis

2009-03-03 23:18:16

One month before the 2002 World Cup roster would be named, the U.S. Men's National Team continued tune-up efforts by blasting Honduras 4-0 at Safeco Field in Seattle on March 2, 2002. Also on that same day, Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp scored his famous wonder goal against Newcastle.

March 1 - Jules Rimet, FIFA President

2009-03-03 22:36:01

Frenchman Jules Rimet doesn't have his name on the World Cup trophy for nothing, and on March 1, 1921, he was named FIFA president.

February 29 – Boro End 128 Year Silver Drought

2009-02-28 20:15:26

Middlesbrough ended a 128-year wait for their first major trophy when they beat Bolton Wanderers 2-1 to lift the League Cup (Carling Cup) at the Millennium Stadium on this day in soccer history in 2004.

February 28 – MLS Expands, La Guerra Fría

2009-02-28 20:02:51

Major League Soccer announced on this day in soccer history in 2008, that Philadelphia would be awarded a franchise and start playing in the 2010 MLS season and in 2001 the U.S. men's national team defeated Mexico in the La Guerra Fría match.

February 27 – Heinrichs Born

2009-02-27 23:41:57

The first woman soccer captain to receive the FIFA Women’s World Cup trophy, April Heinrichs was born in 1964 on this day in soccer history.

February 26 – Ole Gunnar Solskjær Born

2009-02-27 23:20:23

A fan favorite at Manchester United Football Club, Ole Gunnar Solskjær was born in 1973 on this day in soccer history.

February 25 – Better Days For Eduardo

2009-02-27 22:31:17

February 25 was a great day for Eduardo da Silva back in 1983 as it was on this day in soccer history that the Brazilian born Croatian football player was born.

February 24 – England Great Moore Dies

2009-02-24 23:29:59

One of the most loved England national team players and the only England captain to ever receive the Jules Rimet trophy as world champions, Bobby Moore died after battling bowel cancer in 1993 on this day in soccer history.

February 23 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-02-24 23:17:17

The soccer birthdays and soccer deaths from February 23.

February 22 – Manchester United Returns

2009-02-24 23:05:13

Two weeks after the tragic Munich Disaster, Manchester United returned to the pitch for the first time in 1958 on this day in soccer history. The slogan in the team program summed up the team attitude, ‘United Will Go On.’

February 21 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-02-24 22:58:19

The soccer birthdays and soccer deaths from February 21.

February 20 – Goal Scorer Greaves is Born

2009-02-20 21:59:55

Jimmy Greaves is perhaps the greatest goal scorer in England football history and it was on this day in soccer history in 1940 that the ace was born.

February 19 – Brazilian Duo Born

2009-02-20 19:32:03

A day of great pride in Brazil as on this day in soccer history two of their countries top players, Socrates and Marta, 1954 and 1986, respectively, are born.

February 18 – This Day in Soccer History

2009-02-20 19:05:20

Known as Il Divin Codino, The Divine Ponytail, Roberto Baggio was born on this day in soccer history in 1967.

February 17 – Egyptian Stadium Tragedy

2009-02-20 18:37:31

Egypt is one of the top soccer playing nations in Africa but experienced a low point in 1974 when 49 fans died in a stampede before a match between Zamalek against Dukla Prague on this day in soccer history.

February 16 – Egypt Wins African Cup of Nations

2009-02-20 18:28:45

Egypt became the first champions of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) when they won the inaugural Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the African Nations Cup, in 1957 on this day in soccer history.

February 15 – This Day in Soccer History

2009-02-14 00:13:06

The soccer birthdays for February 15.

February 14 – Keegan Born

2009-02-13 23:54:19

One of the great footballers of his time, Kevin Keegan was born in 1951 on this day in soccer history.

February 13 – Collina Runs Onto Pitch

2009-02-13 22:28:15

With his instantly recognizable bald head, Pierluigi Collina is considered one of the best soccer referees of all time and it was in 1960 on this day in soccer history that the Italian official was born.

February 12 – Jimmy Conrad Born

2009-02-12 23:55:48

After being passed over by Major League Soccer after graduating from college, Jimmy Conrad did not give up on his dream and after a stint in the A-League worked his way up to MLS and the United States men’s national soccer team. And it was in 1977 that the talented defender was born on this day in soccer history.

February 11 – Ian Porterfield Born

2009-02-11 23:27:53

Sunderland shocked the football world in 1973 when they defeated Leeds United, one of Europe’s top clubs at the time, 1-0 to win the FA Cup but it would not have been possible if goalscorer Ian Porterfield had not been born in 1946 on this day in soccer history.

February 10 – La Liga Kicks Off

2009-02-11 00:59:59

La Liga is one of the top domestic football leagues in Europe and it was in 1929 on this day in soccer history that the Spanish top flight first played matches.

February 9 – £1m Transfer Fee Landmark

2009-02-10 00:09:10

With the astronomical transfer fees associated with player moves in the modern game it is hardly noteworthy when a player makes a move for a mere £1m but that was the case in 1979 on this day in soccer history when England forward Trevor Francis transferred from Birmingham City to Nottingham Forest for £1,180, 000 marking the first time a player made a move for over one million pounds.

February 8 – ‘Mad Bulgarian’ Born

2009-02-09 23:43:55

With a fiery temper and a deadly shot, Hristo Stoichkov was born in 1966 on this day in soccer history. The ‘Mad Bulgarian’ was one of the top footballers in the 1990’s with club success following from CSKA Sofia to Barcelona to Major League Soccer’s Chicago Fire and for his national team.

February 7 – This Day in Soccer History

2009-02-09 23:29:09

Soccer birthdays from February 7.

February 6 – Busby Babes Remembered

2009-02-06 18:16:13

The daily lives of every citizen of Manchester and England came to a screeching halt in 1958 when news of the Munich Disaster came across the wire on this day in soccer history. In that tragedy eight players from Manchester United's Busby Babes’ team lost their lives while returning from a European Cup match in Belgrade.

February 5 – Keegan Returns to Newcastle United

2009-02-05 16:57:42

Kevin Keegan was a cult hero for Newcastle United Football Club after helping the team win promotion to the English top flight in 1984 as a player and so the club fan base was excited when King Kev returned to take the helm as manager in 1992 on this day in soccer history.

February 4 – Man City’s Amazing Comeback

2009-02-05 00:56:46

The FA Cup has always had its share of great matches but few can compare to the incredible comeback by Manchester City over Tottenham in 2004 on this day in soccer history.

February 3 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-02-05 00:50:23

The soccer birthdays from February 3.

February 2 – Soccer Birthdays

2009-02-05 00:11:14

The soccer birthdays from February 2.

February 1 – Busby Babes Final Match in England

2009-02-03 01:26:17

After a slow start to the campaign, Manchester United started to re-discover the magic of attacking football after Christmas in 1957. And it was with a brilliant and beautiful display that Manchester United defeated Arsenal 5-4 at Highbury in 1958 on this day in soccer history.

January 31 – England’s First Manager Born

2009-02-03 01:21:06

England was the birthplace of football, soccer as it is called in the United States, and as such hold the honor of being the first at many events in the game’s history but not so with appointing a team manager which first happened in 1947 when Walter Winterbottom was named England manager.

January 30 – The ‘Robot’ is Born

2009-01-30 18:56:41

With a tall and lanky frame and an unusual goal celebration, Peter Crouch is one of the more recognizable footballers and the 6’7” forward was born in 1981 on this day in soccer history.