Images(2)

Chain, Key

Object number2008.142.13

Date1976

MediumPewter(?)

Credit LineGift of Diane Rafle

DescriptionCircular metal keychain attached to twisted loop. Obverse: embossed, outer circle is event information. Embossed, inner circle is organizational name. In center engraved image of Liberty Bell. Near bottom, engraved image of soccer ball. Reverse has text with image of soccer ball.Dimensions3.25 x 2.375 in., 0.125 in. (8.3 x 6 cm, 0.3 cm)
InscriptionsObverse:
Embossed, outer circle, "U.S.S.E. / CONVENTION" "JULY 4 1976".
Embossed, inner circle, "EASTERN PENNSYLVANIA" "SOCCER ASSOCIATION".

Reverse: "VALLEY [image of soccer ball] FORGE,PA." "E.R.Y.S.A."
Historical NotesEastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association/USSE Convention key chain, possibly owned by Nicholas DiOrio. Nicholas DiOrio grew up in Morgan, Pennsylvania, a coal mining town near Bridgeville in southern Allegheny County. He played basketball at South Fayette High School, from where he graduated in 1939, and supposedly scored 50 points in a game. After high school he worked as a laborer at factories in Bridgeville. Later he worked for the county road maintenance department. But for 22 years, he devoted his spare time to soccer. He played for the 1939 Avella Juniors that won the national junior championship, and with a series of clubs, like Morgan Strasser, Harmarville Soccer Club, and Beadling. In the late 1940s, he played for the Pittsburgh Indians and Chicago Vikings in the short-lived North American Professional Soccer League. As member of the U.S. soccer team, he competed in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil when he was 29 years old. The U.S. team was matched against England in an early round and won in one of the biggest upsets in international soccer. He retired as a player in 1959 but continued as a player-manager, a manager, and president of the West Penn Soccer Association. Mr. DiOrio was named to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Oneonta, New York, in 1974, and to state and regional halls of fame. He died in 2003 at the age of 82.

Previous ownerPossibly Nicholas DiOrio (died 2003)

Related institution Pittsburgh Indians

Related institution South Fayette High School

Related institution Avella Juniors

Related institution Morgan F.C.

Related institution Harmarville Hurricanes Soccer Club

Related institution Beadling Soccer Club

Related institution Chicago Vikings

Related institution North American Professional Soccer League

Related institution National Soccer Hall of Fame

Related institution West Penn Soccer Association

Related institution United States Soccer Education