February 20 (1987)

The Steamers trade two of their all-time leading players, Don Ebert and Steve Pecher, to the Los Angeles Lazers for Poli Garcia, the Lazers’ all-time leading scorer, and rookie defender Jim Kavanaugh (pictured while at St. Louis University). Ebert had scored 239 goals in 260 appearances over seven seasons with the Steamers. Pecher, an original Steamer and former captain of the U.S. National Team, had played 210 games in two stints with the Steamers, sandwiched around 54 games with the Kansas City Comets. Pecher and Ebert will retire after the 1987-88 season. Garcia will score 69 goals in 78 appearances with the Steamers, then will play for the San Diego Sockers in 1988-89 before finishing his career with the Lazers in 1989. Kavanaugh, a St. Louis native, will retire after the 1987-88 season with 54 appearances and five goals for the Steamers. He will have far greater influence in the business world, helping to start World Wide Technology and becoming the company’s chief executive officer. He will impact the sport of soccer as president of St. Louis Scott Gallagher Soccer Club, will bring professional soccer back to St. Louis with St. Louis FC in 2014, and, along with the Taylor family, spearhead the city’s successful bid for an MLS franchise in 2019.