February 7 (1949)

Future U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer Al Trost is born. He will become one of the greatest midfielders in St. Louis soccer history. He will win the Hermann Trophy twice as college soccer’s best player while at St. Louis University. The Billikens will win 37 games and lose only one, and win two NCAA championships during Trost’s three seasons at St. Louis U. He will help the United States qualify for the 1972 Olympics, and will play in the NASL, primarily with the St. Louis Stars, and with the U.S. National Team. He will score a memorable goal against Poland, then one of the world’s top teams, in a 1-0 upset during his first appearance for the United States in a friendly on Aug. 22, 1973, in New Britain, Conn .He will earn the nickname “Captain America” as captain of the U.S. National Team. He will coach professionally with the St. Louis Steamers and on the high school level.