ONEONTA, N.Y. (May 10, 2007) – Hall of Famer Gino Pariani, a defender on the the 1950 U.S. World Cup team that defeated England, passed away on Thursday, May 9. Pariani, who was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y., in 1976, played a key role in that USA World Cup upset over England that shocked the world.

Pariani was born February 21, 1928, and began his soccer career at the age of 13. By age 15 he was playing in the top division, winning a league championship that year with Schumackers. He won two Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup championships with the Simpkins-Ford team in 1948 and 1950. His career highlights included selection to the St. Louis Municipal League All-Star team every year from 1947 until 1953.

“Gino was probably more appreciated by his teammates than the fans,”
World Cup teammate and fellow Hall of Famer Walter Bahr said. “Always reliable, always gave a good game – you could depend upon him to do his job well.”

A wake for Pariani will be held on Monday, May 15 from 3 to 9 p.m. at the Kutis Funeral Home in St. Louis. A Funeral Mass will also be held at Seven Holy Founders Church, Afton MO, on Tuesday, May 16 at 10 a.m.

For more information on Pariani's career, visit:
http://www.soccerhall.org/famers/gino_pariani.htm