Telmo Pires
Encyclopedia
Telmo Pires is a retired Portuguese-American soccer player professionally in the North American Soccer League
, American Soccer League
and Major Indoor Soccer League. He earned one cap with the United States men's national soccer team
in 1975.
where he attended East Side High School
. He was a three sport varsity letterman in soccer, baseball and basketball. When he was still in high school, he also played for the Newark Benfica. When he was seventeen, he scored three goals in Benfica’s 5-1 victory over the New York Ukrainians in an indoor tournament held at the Elizabeth Armory.
of the American Soccer League
. He played two seasons in Rhode Island. In 1976, Pires played a single season in the North American Soccer League
(NASL) with the Hartford Bicentennials. In 1977, he was with the New Jersey Americans
in the ASL. That season, he scored nine goals in twenty-two games as the Americans took the ASL title with a win over the Sacramento Spirits
in the championship game. Pires scored a goal in the 3-0 victory. Pires then spent two seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League. In 1978-1979, he played for the Cincinnati Kids
and in 1979-1980 for the Hartford Hellions
.
on June 24, 1975. He also appeared with the U.S. Olympic soccer team as it attempted, but failed, to qualify for the 1976 Summer Olympics
. However, Pires did score in a 4-2 loss to Mexico in the last qualification game on August 28, 1975.
of the American Soccer League
.
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
, American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
and Major Indoor Soccer League. He earned one cap with the United States men's national soccer team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
in 1975.
Youth
Pires grew up in Newark, New JerseyNewark, New Jersey
Newark is the largest city in the American state of New Jersey, and the seat of Essex County. As of the 2010 United States Census, Newark had a population of 277,140, maintaining its status as the largest municipality in New Jersey. It is the 68th largest city in the U.S...
where he attended East Side High School
East Side High School (Newark, New Jersey)
East Side High School is a four-year public high school in Newark, New Jersey, United States, operating as part of the Newark Public Schools. The school serves the Ironbound community...
. He was a three sport varsity letterman in soccer, baseball and basketball. When he was still in high school, he also played for the Newark Benfica. When he was seventeen, he scored three goals in Benfica’s 5-1 victory over the New York Ukrainians in an indoor tournament held at the Elizabeth Armory.
Professional
In 1974, Pires began his professional career with the Rhode Island OceaneersRhode Island Oceaneers
The Rhode Island Oceaneers was an American soccer club based in Pawtucket, Rhode Island that was a member of the American Soccer League.-History:...
of the American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
. He played two seasons in Rhode Island. In 1976, Pires played a single season in the North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League
North American Soccer League was a professional soccer league with teams in the United States and Canada that operated from 1968 to 1984.-History:...
(NASL) with the Hartford Bicentennials. In 1977, he was with the New Jersey Americans
New Jersey Americans (soccer)
The New Jersey Americans was an American soccer club based in New Brunswick, New Jersey that was a member of the American Soccer League. The team won the ASL championship in 1977, in only its second year of existence....
in the ASL. That season, he scored nine goals in twenty-two games as the Americans took the ASL title with a win over the Sacramento Spirits
Sacramento Gold
The Sacramento Gold was an American soccer club based in Sacramento, California that was a member of the American Soccer League.Prior to the 1977 season the team was known as the Sacramento Spirits....
in the championship game. Pires scored a goal in the 3-0 victory. Pires then spent two seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League. In 1978-1979, he played for the Cincinnati Kids
Cincinnati Kids
The Cincinnati Kids were a soccer team based out of Cincinnati that played in the original Major Indoor Soccer League. They played only in the 1978-79 MISL season and were partially owned by Pete Rose. Their home arena was Riverfront Coliseum....
and in 1979-1980 for the Hartford Hellions
Hartford Hellions
The Hartford Hellions were a soccer team based out of Hartford, Connecticut that played in the Major Indoor Soccer League. They played from 1979 to 1981. The Hellions played their first season in the New Haven Coliseum before moving to the remodelled Hartford Civic Center.In May 1981, Athletes in...
.
National team
Pires earned one cap with the U.S. national team in a 4-0 loss to PolandPoland national football team
The Poland national football team represents Poland in association football and is controlled by the Polish Football Association, the governing body for football in Poland...
on June 24, 1975. He also appeared with the U.S. Olympic soccer team as it attempted, but failed, to qualify for the 1976 Summer Olympics
1976 Summer Olympics
The 1976 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXI Olympiad, was an international multi-sport event celebrated in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1976. Montreal was awarded the rights to the 1976 Games on May 12, 1970, at the 69th IOC Session in Amsterdam, over the bids of Moscow and...
. However, Pires did score in a 4-2 loss to Mexico in the last qualification game on August 28, 1975.
Coach
In March 1981, Pires was hired as the head coach of the New England SharksNew England Sharks
The New England Sharks was an American soccer club based in Providence, Rhode Island that was a member of the American Soccer League.-1981 Roster: Mark Bryant Len Mercurio -Year-by-year:...
of the American Soccer League
American Soccer League
The American Soccer League has been a name used by three different professional soccer leagues in the United States. The first American Soccer League was established in 1921 by the merger of teams from the National Association Football League and the Southern New England Soccer League. For...
.