Desmond Armstrong – USMNT

A defender, Des Armstrong had a storied eight-year run with the USMNT. After starring at the University of Maryland, he established himself with the USMNT after his performances in the MISL and in the 1988 Summer Olympics. He played at every level of American soccer and is now using his diverse talents to assist inner-city soccer and develop young players.  Most recently, Armstrong was one of the 50 players selected to the ACC’s 50th Anniversary men’s soccer team.  He was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.

USMNT Experience

1994: Played and started 11 times for the USMNT.
1993: Was second on team in matches played (27) and minutes played (2,128).
1992: Started all nine games he played with the USMNT.
1991: First American named to participate in UNICEF All-Star Gala in Munich On October 8.
1990: Started all three games in 1990 World Cup.
1989: Played in just one game while recovering from a broken leg.
1988: Member of U.S. Olympic team at Seoul Summer Olympics.
1987: Started and played 90 minutes in first cap against Egypt.

Professional Experience

1991: Led Maryland Bays to APSL Semifinals.
1988-89: Signed one-year deal with the indoor Baltimore Blast before breaking leg on January 14, 1989.
1987-88: Scored 11 goals 20 assists in 50 games with Cleveland and named to Eastern Conference All-Star team.
1986-87: Played in 44 games in his rookie season with Cleveland Force (MISL) scoring three goals and five assists.

Youth and college:  A three-time All-ACC Selection at the University of Maryland after scoring two goals and seven assists in his senior year. In four years, Armstrong scored 24 goals and 18 assists in 78 games. Won US National Amateur Cup with Fairfax Spartans in 1987.