'My soccer story': A fan decades before it became en vogue

USA lost to Wales last Monday. John Munro, 74, has been following soccer for almost seven decades. He is not a fan of USA. The World Cup has increased interest in soccer in the U.S. and the 32 countries represented. It is a popular youth sport in America, but it has always been relegated to the unwanted stepchild status at the highest levels.

Munro's grandfather was a life-long Burnley fan. He moved to the United States at 21 and settled in Lawrence. Munro and his grandfather used to sneak away from the family to read the sports pages of the Boston Globe. Burnly was in the third division in England. As a medical engineer, Munrro visited his uncle in Burnleys. He found the address on an envelope. The uncle was surprised to see him. It was quite an experience. he didn't understand anything he said. it was like trying to sell him something.

Munro was in Newcastle in 1983 and got to see Kevin Keegan play for Newcastle United. The atmosphere was crazy. There was a controversial goal in extra time. It was called off. A referee lives nearby. The announcer said it was Mr. Jones. Munro never had any interest in professional soccer in the USA. He was not a fan of the New England Tea Men. They played in a league that lasted three years. Their games were attended by 8,000 people. His friend who worked for the club sold tickets to him. In the end, the referee's car was lit on fire.

John IV started watching Liverpool when Boston Bruins and NHL were on lockout in 2004-05. John IV and his father, John, went to a Liverpool watch party in Cambridge. They also went on a trip to Charleston, S.C. and saw the USA play Scotland in an exhibition in Jacksonville, Florida. They were treated like royalty at the watch parties. The highlight was seeing the Tartan Army, fans of the Scotland national team. Some of them were staying at their hotel. It was a great experience. For more information, visit Liverpool.com. for more details. on the Liverpool Club watch-party in Boston.

Joey Watson is a big fan of soccer and Liverpool. He and his mother's son, who plays soccer, often visit his grandmother, Munro, to watch a Liverpool game. Munra used to look up scores with his grandfather.

You can email Bill Burt at [email protected].