http://www.ussoccer.com/articles/viewArticle.jsp_281615.html "Vanole played in the formative years of the USL First Division for the Los Angeles Heat, San Jose Earthquakes and San Francisco Bay Blackhawks from 1986-1991 in the Western Soccer League/American Professional Soccer League. He won an APSL title with San Francisco Bay in 1991."
This is very sad and a little scary. The people on the Revs board say that it was heart disease. RIP.
Very scary. I'm only one year younger. In fact, I was thinking of him when I went running last night. Coming from that era, I look at anyone who has participated in those years as setting the foundation for soccer in this country. He helped keep the lights on and the dream alive for those of us who wanted to play professionally.
Exactly. He was the bridge between the NASL and the MLS. Ho most likely would have been a starter in the NASL had the league not folded. I remember him starting in a 4-2 loss to Russia in the 88 Olympic games in South Korea and he committed a pk I believe. He also tripped up a forward in WCQ match in the last seconds resulting in a pk. He saved the ensuing kick by "reading the forwards eyes". He later admitted he was at fault for the pk. I can't recall but I think had the other central American team (I forget who)scored on that kick the USA would have been eliminated from WC competition. He saved it and the USA were on its way.