Joe Speca

Infobox Football biography
playername= Joe Speca
fullname = Joseph Speca
nickname =


dateofbirth =
cityofbirth =
countryofbirth = United States
dateofdeath =
height =
position = Defender
youthyears =
youthclubs = College of Mount St. Joseph
years = 1967-1968
clubs = Baltimore Bays
caps(goals) = 20 (1)
nationalyears = 1977–1980
nationalteam = United States
nationalcaps(goals) = 03 (0)
pcupdate =
ntupdate =

Joseph “Joey” [ [http://www.oldtimerssoccer.net/halloffame.php Old Timers Soccer Association of Maryland] ] or “Joe” Speca (born Highlandtown, Baltimore, Maryland) is a former U.S. soccer player. Speca played a single season in both the National Professional Soccer League and the North American Soccer League. He also earned three caps with the United States.

Youth and college

Speca grew up in Baltimore, playing soccer first at Patterson Senior High School then the College of Mount St. Joseph.

Professional career

In 1967, Speca signed with the Baltimore Bays of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). He was one of only three native-born U.S. players in the league. [ [http://www.sover.net/~spectrum/year/1967.html The Year in American Soccer - 1967] ] In 1968, the NPSL merged with the United Soccer Association to form the North American Soccer League (NASL). Speca then spent the 1968 season with the Bays in the NASL. [ [http://nasljerseys.com/Players/S/Speca.Joe.htm NASL stats] ]

National team

In 1959, Speca was selected for the U.S. roster at the 1959 Pan American Games. In 1960, he earned his first of three caps with the United States in a 3-3 tie with Mexico in a World Cup qualifier. He did not play again for the national team until September 15, 1968 when he came on for Eddie Clear in a 3-3 tie with Israel. His last game came ten days later in a 4-0 loss to Israel. In this game, he came on for Helmut Kofler. [ [http://www.rsssf.com/tablesu/usa-intres-det69.html USA - Details of International Matches 1885-1969] ]

In 1995, Speca was inducted into the Old Timers Soccer hall of Fame. [ [http://www.oldtimerssoccer.net/halloffame.php Old Timers Soccer Association of Maryland] ]

In May 2007, inducted into the Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame. [ [http://www.examiner.com/a-720027~Inducted_and_hoping_for_more.html?cid=rss-Baltimore Speca inducted, and hoping for more - Examiner.com] ]

References