1970s Soccer USA Did You Know? Sertbian-American sports tycoon Milan Mandaric was a close friend of George Best and signed the troubled forward in 1980 over the objections of his scouts and staff for the San Jose Earthquakes. (Best responded with an eight-goal, 11-assist season in 26 games and a team-high 2,662 minutes.) Meanwhile, Best named his son born in 1981, Calum Milan Best, after Mandaric. (Photo courtesy Darren Rafferty)
Calum Milan Best was born on Friday, February 6, 1981 in San Jose, California. George's wife Angie told me he was born at Good Samaritan Hospital.
Northern Ireland winger George Best shooting at the USSR goal in the World Cup Qualifier, at Windsor Park 10th September 1969.
Soccer in the 1970s: George Best (Manchester United) and Charlie Cooke (Chelsea, Crystal Palace) faced each other for 8 English League seasons (1966-74), then teamed up with the Los Angeles Aztecs from 1976-78.
Soccer in the 1970s: Bestie's Bar and Restaurant in Hermosa Beach was founded in 1977, but proved a popular watering hole for decades.
Soccer in the 1970s: Los Angeles Aztecs forward George Best and goalkeeper Bill Mishalow await kick-off at Memorial Coliseum.