By Mary Cunningham
Philly native Walter Bahr, the last living member of the U.S. soccer team that upset England at the 1950 World Cup, has died at age 91.
Bahr assisted on Joe Gaetjens’ goal in the 1-0 win over England, a triumph portrayed in the 2005 movie “The Game of Their Lives.”
Known for many years as the father of two NFL placekickers, Bahr regained prominence in his own right when the Americans returned to soccer’s showcase in 1990 after a 40-year-absence.
Bahr was a Temple grad and part of the 1948 U.S. Olympic team. He won American Soccer League titles with the Philadelphia Nationals in 1950, ‘51, ‘53 and ‘55 and with Uhrik Truckers in ‘56.
He coached the Philadelphia Spartans from 1958-63 and the Philadelphia Ukrainians from 1964-69, then became Temple’s coach from 1970-73. He coached Penn State to 12 NCAA tournament appearances from 1974-88, leading the Nittany Lions to the semifinals in 1979, when he was United Soccer Coaches College Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame with the entire 1950 team in 1976.
He is survived by his wife 71 years, the former Davies Uhler; daughter Davies Ann Desiderio, and sons Matt, Chris, and Casey. All three sons played in the North American Soccer League, and Chris played in 1976 Olympic qualifiers. Matt and Chris each won two Super Bowls after kicking for Penn State. A memorial service is scheduled for June 29 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in State College, Pennsylvania.
