Joe Morrone, Jr.

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Joseph "Joe" Morrone, Jr. is a former U.S. soccer midfielder.

Morrone, son of legendary UConn soccer coach, Joe Morrone, Sr., attended the University of Connecticut from 1977 to 1980 where he starred on his father's team. In 1980, he capped his four years at the school with first team All American honors and the Hermann Trophy as the best college players that year. He finished his career at UConn with 158 points on 61 goals and 36 assists, career records which stand today.

In 1980, Morrone joined the U.S. Olympic team as it began qualification for the 1980 Summer Olympics. Morrone scored two major goals for the U.S. team, the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Suriname and another winning goal in a 1-0 victory over Costa Rica. The U.S. finished tops in qualification, but did not get to play as President Carter boycotted the Soviet games after that nation invaded Afghanistan.

He was drafted by the Tulsa Roughnecks of the North American Soccer League. He garnered Rookie of the Year honors in 1981. He played the 1981 and 1982 seasons with Tulsa. In May 1982 the Roughnecks traded Morrone to the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for Tadd Saklana and two draft choices. Morrone played the 1983 season with the Earthquakes.