Mausser, Arnie

Arnold Mausser

One of the greatest goalkeepers in American history, Mausser registered 34 caps (international appearances) for the U.S. National team in the 1970s and 1980s. The possessor of an unorthodox technique -- he threw right-handed, but kicked with his left foot -- Mausser also played 10 seasons in the NASL (North American Soccer League) and was a league all-star in 1976.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. Feb. 28, 1954

Career Highlights:
Considered one of the best goalkeepers in the United States in the 1970s and 1980s, Mausser played with the Rhode Island Oceaners in 1974 and led them to the ASL (American Soccer League) championship. The following year, he signed with the Hartford Bicentennials of the NASL (North American Soccer League) and became a mainstay in America's top league.

In 1976, Mausser was selected to the NASL All-Star team and was named American Player of the Year of the league. That year, he was fourth in the league with a 1.17 goals against average, and had six shutouts. However, Mausser was released following the 1976 season in favor of an older, more "experienced" English goalkeeper, a practice that was all too commom to the NASL during its existence; American players were often released or consigned to the bench in favor of older players from England who were on the downturn of their careers.

In 1977, Mausser played for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and had a 1.66 goals against average and a career high eight shutouts. In 1981, while playing for the Jacksonville Tea Men, Mausser registered the best goals against average in the league (1.21) and had six shutouts. He remained in the NASL until 1984 and played for the Colorado Caribous, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, New England Tea Men, and Jacksonville Tea Men. During his NASL career, Mausser registered 35 shutouts while playing in a total of 224 regular-season league games and nine NASL playoff games.

During this time, Mausser was also the top goalie for the U.S. National team. Between 1975-1986, Mausser played in 34 international matches as the starting goalkeeper for the United States National team. Included in these games were 11 World Cup qualifiers in 1976, 1980 and 1985.

Origin:
unknown

Career Dates:
North American Soccer League:
Mausser played for the Hartford Bicentennials in 1975, the Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1976 and 1984, the Vancouver Whitecaps in 1977, the Colorado Caribous in 1978, the Ft. Lauderdale Strikers in 1979-80, and the Jacksonville Team Men in 1981-1982.

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