Geoff Aunger

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Geoff Aunger (born February 4, 1968 in Red Deer, Alberta) is a former Major League Soccer player and Canadian national soccer team member.

A striker/midfielder later converted into a defender as well, Aunger began his professional career in 1987 in the Canadian Soccer League and played all six years of the league's existence and with five different teams. He started with the Vancouver 86ers and went on to play with the Winnipeg Fury, Victoria Vistas, Hamilton Steelers, London Lasers, and once more with the 86ers. He was the league's 7th leading scorer in 1988 with the Fury 1991, 4th in 1991 with the Steelers and named a league All-Star in 1992, the final year of the league. He continued with the 86ers as they joined the APSL for the 1993 season.

Aunger tried his luck in England and successfully tried-out for and signed with Luton Town for the 1993-94 season. Aunger had the best imagineable start, scoring two minutes into his debut match. He played but 6 times however for the Hatters first-team, having been dropped to the reserves after playing only 3 games. He was not resigned at the end of the season.

A brief stint with Third Division Chester City did not meet with any success either for Aunger. He rejoined the 86ers of the A-League and also played for the Milwaukee Wave of the indoor National Professional Soccer League. Aunger had 7 goals in 18 games with the 86ers in 1995.

The 5'11 or 6'0, 160-170 lbs. Aunger played in the MLS for the New England Revolution in 1996, when he led the team in games and minutes played, while scoring 3 goals, all on penalties. He tried his luck once more in England, this time with Stockport County but made but one appearance, as a substitute the day after signing. He then joined the the A-League's Seattle Sounders.

A second chance in MLS in 1998 with D.C. United, as Aunger won in training camp the right-back position. After 6 matches he lost his starting position and spent rest the season in and out of the line-up. 1999 saw him however start 24 games for the team however as a midfielder. In 2000, Geoff made 26 appearances for United. He was traded to the Colorado Rapids in 2001, and appeared in one game. In total, Aunger played 104 regular season MLS games and 9 Cup play-off contests. He is eligible for induction into the American National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2011.

For Canada, Aunger played in 44 'A' internationals between 1992 and 1997. As primarily an attacking midfielder, Aunger scored 4 times.

[edit] Sources

• A page summarizing Aunger's career by a New England Revolution fan
• www.lutonfc.com's Where are they now? page on Aunger