NASL Dateline: On 17 April 1976, superstar George Best made his NASL debut with the Los Angeles Aztecs in a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes before 19,807 at Spartan Stadium. Over the next 6 seasons, Best would amass 54 goals and 54 assists to finish as the 23rd leading scorer in NASL history. This was his first exhibition game for the Aztecs at the Claremont Colleges
Peter Beardsley (below right tangling with Best) scored 3 goals for the Vancouver whitecaps against the San Jose Earthquakes. After the game George Best asked him what part of Canda he was from…. Beardsley then answered, “I’m from Newcastle”! After that Best set him up to tryout with Manchester United. That is a true story!
Manchester United winger George Best against Coventry City wing half David Clements, at Old Trafford 30th March 1970.
George Best's Windsor Park Testimonial (1988). Back Row - Emlyn Hughes, Paul Breitner, Dave Watson, Ruud Krol, Michael O'Neill. Front Row - Chris Hughton, Frank McAvennie, Pat Jennings, George Best, Liam Brady and Willie Henderson.
NASL Dateline: On 15 May 1981, George Best scored his 2nd game-winner of the season as the San Jose Earthquakes edged the California Surf, 2-1, before 25,230 at Anaheim Stadium
Soccer in the 1970s: Limited by injuries and egos, Fort Lauderdale Strikers teammates George Best and Gerd Müller enjoyed an uneasy alliance in the 19 games they overlapped during the 1979 NASL season.
Happy heavenly birthday maestro! Incomparable Thats my hero in the frame He always was and shall remain The greatest player since the war Including during and before. Pictures hanging on my wall Portray perfection on the ball And can produce a tearful eye In reminiscing days gone by. But rest assured I always smile For one brief moment just a while I'm standing at the Stretford End And George impossible to defend Cannot be mastered or be tamed Best indeed so aptly named.....
Τhe Northern Irish GEORGE BEST shone like a Golden God in world football. He was and will be the best player ever born!!!
NASL Memories: George Best's quiet homelife with his wife, Angie, and their son, Callum, in San Jose lasted just 2 NASL seasons (1980-81) and marked the end of his North American adventure.