Robert Iarusci
Encyclopedia
Robert "Bob" Iarusci is a former star NASL
player and member of the Canadian national soccer team
.
A right back
, Iarusci began his NASL career with his hometown Toronto Metros-Croatia, playing the 1976 and part of 1977. He played every game as the Toronto won the league championship in '76. Iarusci played nearly the entire 1977 season in Toronto, but was traded at the end of the season to the New York Cosmos
where he saw time in one game in 1977. He also played the 1978 season in New York, as they won consecutive Soccer Bowl
s. He was traded in the Spring of '79 to the Washington Diplomats
and played there two seasons. Iarusci returned to the Cosmos to played 1981 through '83, and finished with the San Diego Sockers as the league folded following its 1984 season.
Iarusci played 26 times for Canada from 1976 through 1983 and captained the team for a number of games. He scored twice, both in qualification for the 1982 World Cup and playing as sweeper. The first goal on November 1, 1980, in a 2-1 win over the U.S.
in Vancouver and the second in Canada's last match of the CONCACAF
finals tournament against Cuba
. The game finished 2-2 and Canada, along with Mexico
, failed to qualify, finishing a point shy of second place qualifier El Salvador
.
Iarusci was an inaugural member of Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame
, inducted in 2000. He is currently chairman of the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club and vice president of the North York Hearts Soccer Club. He is a soccer analyst on The Fan 590's "The Soccer Show" and also a colour commentator for Toronto FC
home games broadcasts/webcasts on the station.
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
player and member of the Canadian national soccer team
Canada men's national soccer team
The Canada men's national soccer team represents Canada in international soccer competitions at the senior men's level. They are overseen by the Canadian Soccer Association and compete in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football .Their most significant...
.
A right back
Defender (football)
Within the sport of association football, a defender is an outfield player whose primary role is to prevent the opposition from attacking....
, Iarusci began his NASL career with his hometown Toronto Metros-Croatia, playing the 1976 and part of 1977. He played every game as the Toronto won the league championship in '76. Iarusci played nearly the entire 1977 season in Toronto, but was traded at the end of the season to the New York Cosmos
New York Cosmos
The New York Cosmos were an American soccer club based in New York City, New York and its suburbs. The team played home games in three stadiums around New York before moving in 1977 to Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey, where it remained for the rest of its history...
where he saw time in one game in 1977. He also played the 1978 season in New York, as they won consecutive Soccer Bowl
Soccer Bowl
The Soccer Bowl was the championship game of the North American Soccer League from 1975 to 1983. The event was created by NASL Commissioner Phil Woosnam who was trying to build a neutral-site championship event in the mold of the NFL's Super Bowl....
s. He was traded in the Spring of '79 to the Washington Diplomats
Washington Diplomats
The Washington Diplomats were an American soccer club based in Washington, D.C.. Throughout their existence, the club played their home games at Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium...
and played there two seasons. Iarusci returned to the Cosmos to played 1981 through '83, and finished with the San Diego Sockers as the league folded following its 1984 season.
Iarusci played 26 times for Canada from 1976 through 1983 and captained the team for a number of games. He scored twice, both in qualification for the 1982 World Cup and playing as sweeper. The first goal on November 1, 1980, in a 2-1 win over the U.S.
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
in Vancouver and the second in Canada's last match of the CONCACAF
CONCACAF
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football is the continental governing body for association football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean...
finals tournament against Cuba
Cuba national football team
The Cuba national football team is the national team of Cuba and is controlled by the Asociación de Fútbol de Cuba. They are affiliated to the Caribbean Football Union of CONCACAF....
. The game finished 2-2 and Canada, along with Mexico
Mexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
, failed to qualify, finishing a point shy of second place qualifier El Salvador
El Salvador national football team
El Salvador's national football team represents El Salvador in international football and is sanctioned by the Federación Salvadoreña de Fútbol . In 1899, Santa Ana and San Salvador met for the first hosted football game in El Salvador...
.
Iarusci was an inaugural member of Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame
Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame
The Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in Vaughan, Ontario, was founded in 1997. It was incorporated by the Ontario Soccer Association. The Hall aims to celebrate and highlight the achievements of top Canadian Footballers and Builders who have played and developed the game in Canada...
, inducted in 2000. He is currently chairman of the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club and vice president of the North York Hearts Soccer Club. He is a soccer analyst on The Fan 590's "The Soccer Show" and also a colour commentator for Toronto FC
Toronto FC
Toronto FC is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer , the top professional soccer league in the United States and Canada....
home games broadcasts/webcasts on the station.