1934 Word Cup soccer player dies

Some sad news today as Albert Harker (pictured), last surviving member of the 1934 US World Cup team, has died at age 95.

Harker played with the 1934 team that beat Mexico but lost to the eventual champion Italy. "As a left back for the Philadelphia German-Americans, Harker won the 1933 and 1934 U.S. Amateur Cup titles and the 1936 U.S. Open Cup. He also won four American Soccer League titles with Philadelphia and was chosen for the 1936 U.S. Olympic team, but couldn't afford to take eight weeks off to compete."

More information on Harker from the Soccer Hall of Fame:

During his time with the German-Americans the club won the American Soccer League title in 1935, and later, as the Philadelphia Americans, won league titles in 1942, 1944 and 1947, and the Lewis Cup in 1941 and 1943. Played fullback for the ASL All-Stars in a major international match against the Scottish touring team at the Polo Grounds in New York in 1939 and for the Eastern U.S. against the same touring team in the same year.

His career began at Girard College where he played varsity from 1926-1929. Joined the Philadelphia National League in 1929, playing for Corinthians in 1929, Upper Darby 1930-31, and Kensington Blue Bells 1931-32 winners of the Allied Cup and Pennsylvania League runners-up. Won Penn State League championships in 1932-33 and 1933-34, and state open and amateur championships from 1932-1935. Three time Pennsylvania League all-star.

Harker will be missed.