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The U.S. Soccer community lost a legend Tuesday, as Harry Keough, a national team captain during the memorable 1950 World Cup and a member of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, died at age 84.
Keough was one of the last surviving members of the 1950 team that beat England, 1-0, in what is considered to be one of the greatest upsets in all of soccer. He started each of the United States' three games during that World Cup, captaining the Americans in their opener against Spain.
Keough died at his home in St. Louis. The defender was a soccer icon in that city, coaching St. Louis University to five national championships between 1967 and 1973 following a standout local club career. His international career spanned from 1949 to 1957 and included appearances at the 1952 and 1956 Olympics in addition to the unforgettable 1950 World Cup. He had 19 caps for the United States and scored one goal, doing so against Canada in a World Cup qualifier in 1957.
"We are all saddened by the loss of such an important man in the history of U.S. Soccer," U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said in a statement. "Harry was a true pioneer, representing the finest of a generation of men and women who built the foundations for soccer in the United States on which we stand today."
Keough is survived by his wife, Alma; his son Ty, who also played for the U.S. national team; and daughters Colleen and Peggy.