Tom Florie

Thomas Florie (September 6, 1897 – April 26, 1966) was an American soccer forward. He played in both the first and second iterations of the American Soccer League, winning two National Challenge Cup titles. Florie was also a member of the United States men's national soccer team and represented the U.S. at the 1930 and 1934 FIFA World Cup tournaments. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1986.

Early career Born in New Jersey to Italian immigrant parents, Florie played soccer as a youth, but his service in the Navy during World War I delayed the start of his professional career. In 1922, Florie signed with Harrison S.C. of the American Soccer League. However, he appeared in only three games before leaving Harrison to play for American A.A. in the West Hudson Amateur League.

American Soccer League In 1924, Florie returned to the ASL when he signed with Providence F.C. He quickly established himself as one of the top wing forwards in the league. In 1928, he began the season with Providence, now known as the Gold Bugs, before moving to New Bedford Whalers II. He later joined Fall River F.C., but the team lasted only the spring season before merging with the New York Yankees to become New Bedford Whalers III. In 1932, the Whalers defeated Stix, Baer and Fuller F.C., 8–5 on aggregate in the National Challenge Cup final, with Florie scoring one goal in each of the two games. Despite this victory, the Whalers collapsed that fall, followed soon after by the entire league. Florie then moved to the Pawtucket Rangers, which had joined the second American Soccer League. In 1934, Florie was on the losing side in the National Challenge Cup when the Rangers fell to Stix, Baer and Fuller in three games.

Florie was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1986.

International goals United States' goal tally first + # Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. November 6, 1926 Brooklyn, United States 2–0 6–2 Friendly 2. July 13, 1930 Estadio Gran Parque Central, Montevideo, Uruguay 2–0 3–0 1930 FIFA World Cup