Aug. 8 (1966)

St. Louis is one of nine cities announced as homes of franchises for the new National Professional Soccer League, which will begin play in 1967. St. Louisan Robert R. Hermann is acting president of the NPSL. Listed as “participants” in the St. Louis franchise are Hermann; former Monsanto chairman of the board Charles Thomas; football Cardinals vice president William V. Bidwill; and CBS vice president and KMOX general manager Robert F. Hyland. St. Louisan Charles Houghton heads a delegation from the St. Louis franchise going to Europe to sign players. The NPSL is not sanctioned by the U.S. Soccer Football Association and FIFA, meaning that NPSL players will risk suspension from those organizations. The NPSL will merge with the United Soccer Association in December 1967 to form the North American Soccer League.