Defender
Desmond Armstrong
6' 0"
Biography of retired USMNT player and National Soccer Hall of Famer Desmond Armstrong who played in the 1990 World Cup.
Caps: 81
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
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.
