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Former U.S. forward Souza, 91, dies

Souza (ISIphotos)

Photo by ISIphotos.com

John "Clarkie" Souza, a starting forward for the 1950 U.S. men's national team that defeated England in the World Cup, passed away on Sunday. He was 91.

Souza, a Fall River, Mass., native, member of the successful Ponta Delgada club and a World War II veteran, was a 1976 inductee into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. His nickname, Clarkie, according a quote from his daughter in the obituary in his hometown newspaper, emanated from his looks when he was younger, when "People would tell him ‘You’re better looking than Clark Gable.'"

According to U.S. Soccer records, Souza had 16 caps and scored two goals during his time with the national team between 1947 and 1952, scoring both goals in consecutive games against Mexico and Cuba. 

Souza is the second member of that 1950 team to pass away this year, after defender Harry Keough died last month. Walter Bahr and Frank Borghi are the last remaining members from that U.S. World Cup team.

Comments

  1. Defeating England at the World Cup in Brazil.

    If I could experience one event in the history of sports, it would be the 1950 USA World Cup Victory. Thank you, Mr. Souza. Between your service to our country in World War II and your contributions to American Soccer, your life was one all of us look at with respect and admiration.

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  2. RIP Clarkie. Thank you for your service and for wearing the colors. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

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