Dale Russell (soccer)


Dale Russell is a U.S. retired soccer forward who played in the North American Soccer League and the Major Indoor Soccer League. He also earned one cap with the U.S. national team.

College

While born in Bermuda, Russell attended Philadelphia Textile where he played on the men's soccer team from 1973 to 1976. He was a four-time All American, second team as a freshman and first team each of his next three seasons. He is the school's career leader in points, goals and is second in career assists with 55. He also led the 1974 NCAA post-season tournament with six goals and one assist for thirteen points.

Professional

NASL

On January 12, 1977, the Portland Timbers of the North American Soccer League selected Russell with the first round of the NASL draft. He never played for Portland. The Tampa Bay Rowdies drafted him in a special re-entry draft in March 1977, but he never suited up for them either. In 1978 the expansion Houston Hurricanes signed Russell. He spent three seasons with the Hurricanes.

MISL

When the Houston Summit entered Indoor Soccer League in 1978, the team drew most of its roster from the NASL Hurricanes. The Summitt went to the MISL championship in the 1979-1980 season. They fell to the New York Arrows, 7-4, with one Houston goal coming from Russell. He finished the season with twenty-six goals. In 1980, he moved to the Philadelphia Fever for two seasons. In 1982, he signed with the St. Louis Steamers where he again spent two seasons. He also spent the 1983-1984 season with the Chicago Sting.

National team

Russell earned his one cap with the U.S. national team in a 1-0 loss to Portugal on September 20, 1978. He started, but came off for Al Trost.

Personal life

His father Earl is regarded as one of Bermuda's best ever players.