Bob Iarusci - 1976 Toronto Metros-Croatia

Welcome to the first episode of Open Wide for Some Soccer. On this episode we’re joined by former North American Soccer League (NASL) player Bob Larusci. Bob had an incredible career and was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame in 2000. Bob discusses the history of soccer in Canada, how and why he got involved in soccer, and some of the most memorable moments of his early career.

On this episode:
● How Bob first got started with soccer.
● How and when the National Soccer League was started.
● What was happening in soccer when Bob was with Toronto Italia.
● Why Bob chose to get involved in soccer.
● Why he never would have dreamed of being a professional soccer player.
● The role that the Croatian community had in supporting the NASL.
● The incredible players Bob worked alongside throughout his career.
● Why Bob says he knew playing with Metros-Croatia was going to be amazing.
● Where the epicenter of soccer was during Bob’s career.
● How you keep great, strong players on the team.
● How some cross-team player rivalries played out in real time.
● Why Bob says Eusébio was a special player.
● Bob’s experience of the finals in 1976 and why he says he wasn’t nervous.
● How they celebrated after winning the game.
● How Bob felt when he got traded to the New York Cosmos.
● What happened when it came time to sign his contract.
● How the Metros-Croatia team is still being recognized today.
● The two memories Bob has of Eusébio that stick out the most.
● The characteristics of players that are worth investing in.