Robert Iarusci

Bob Iarusci
Personal information
Full name Robert Iarusci
Date of birth (1954-11-08) November 8, 1954
Place of birth Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Playing position Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1976–1977 Toronto Metros-Croatia 45 (3)
1977–1978 New York Cosmos 19 (2)
1979–1980 Washington Diplomats 59 (4)
1981–1983 New York Cosmos 72 (3)
1981–1982 New York Cosmos (indoor) 16 (2)
1984 San Diego Sockers 22 (0)
National team
1976–1983 Canada 26 (2)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only.

Robert "Bob" Iarusci (born November 8, 1954) is a former star NASL player and member of the Canadian national soccer team.[1] In 2012 as part of the Canadian Soccer Association's centennial celebration, he was named to the all-time Canada XI men's team.[2]

Life

A right back, Iarusci began his NASL career with his hometown Toronto Metros-Croatia, playing the 1976 and part of 1977. He played every game as the Toronto won the league championship in '76. Iarusci played nearly the entire 1977 season in Toronto, but was traded at the end of the season to the New York Cosmos where he saw time in one game in 1977. He also played the 1978 season in New York, as they won consecutive Soccer Bowls. He was traded in the Spring of '79 to the Washington Diplomats and played there two seasons. Iarusci returned to the Cosmos to play 1981 through '83, and finished with the San Diego Sockers as the league folded following its 1984 season. Overall Iarusci won four Soccer Bowl titles, three of them in a row.

Iarusci played 26 times for Canada from 1976 through 1983 and captained the team for a number of games. He scored twice, both in qualification for the 1982 World Cup and playing as sweeper. The first goal on November 1, 1980, in a 2-1 win over the U.S. in Vancouver and the second in Canada's last match of the CONCACAF finals tournament against Cuba. The game finished 2-2 and Canada, along with Mexico, failed to qualify, finishing a point shy of second place qualifier El Salvador.

Iarusci was an inaugural member of Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame, inducted in 2000. He is currently chairman of the Toronto Azzurri Soccer Club and vice president of the North York Hearts Soccer Club. He is a co-host on Sportsnet 590's "The Soccer Show" and also a colour commentator for Toronto FC home games broadcasts/webcasts on the station.

References

  1. ↑ RedNation Online (2011-12-05). "The First 90: Bobby Iarusci". Retrieved 2012-04-16.
  2. ↑ Association announces All Time Canada Men's XI Canadasoccer.com
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