The USISL, whose Long Island Roughriders have 1994 World Cup captain Tony Meola, landed another big fish.
Paul Caligiuri, veteran of two World Cups, has signed with the L.A. Salsa, one of the league’s 84 teams, and debuted in a 5-3 loss to the Valley Golden Eagles May 7.
“I talked to [U.S. interim head coach] Steve Sampson,” Caligiuri said, “and he said it would definitely be a good idea because it would give me a chance to get at least three competitive games in before the summer.
“I signed on Thursday [May 4], practiced on Friday and played on Sunday.”
Caligiuri is donating his pay to the victims of the Oklahoma City bombing.
“The Salsa is giving me an opportunity to play games,” he said, “and I thought I’d use the opportunity to help the victims.”
The 31-year-old is the longest-serving active national team member. He debuted in 1984 and has collected 93 caps. He played every minute in each of the United States’ seven World Cup games over the past two tournaments.
“It [USISL] looks like a good league to develop players for a higher level,” Caligiuri said.
The native Californian is looking forward to this upcoming national team action —
a friendly against Costa Rica May 28 before the U.S. Cup and the Copa America —
and would like to return to Europe afterward. He played with four German clubs between 1987 and 1992.
“I have talked with the MLS,” he said, “but at this point I own my rights and am keeping my options open.”
by Soccer America Senior Editor Mike Woitalla