Alex Ely

Alex began his career in 1958 in the amateur Philadelphia United Soccer League, and played with the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals of the American Soccer League from 1959-1965.

In the ASL off-season, had stints with New York Americans of the International Soccer League in 1960, and Toronto Roma (1961-62) and Toronto City (1964-65) in the Eastern Canada League. While with the Ukrainians, won US Open Cup championships in 1960 and 1963 and finished on the losing side after a replay in 1964. Played four World Cup qualifying round games for the United States all against Mexico, two in 1960 and two in 1965. He also played twice for the Olympic team in 1959, also against Mexico, and four games for the bronze medal winning Pan American games team in 1959. Played in Brazil from 1965-1972, first for Metropolitan, then for Santos. Returned to the American Soccer League in 1972, as player-coach for the Philadelphia Spartans for four seasons. Retired in 1976 after a season with Delaware Wings, but played in the International United German Hungarian Old Timers tournaments from 1976-1985. His coaching career extended for 37 years, beginning as assistant coach at University of Maryland 1960-1965, later heading Monsignor Bonner 1972-76, Archbishop Carroll from 1981-1994 and serving as Women’s Head Coach at Swarthmore College 1996 Founded America Kolping S.C. in 1975 and served as head coach for twenty years.

U.S. National Team Statistics