Trittschuh, Steve 2020

How did Steve Trittschuh become the first US Soccer Player to play in the European Championship?  It started at Granite City H.S. North with Bob Kehoe (HOF 1983)(NHOF 1989) as his coach, along with Gene Baker (HOF 1997) and Ruben Mendoza (HOF 1984) watching every move Steve made.  A Parade All-American, along with the 1984 U-19 McGuire Cup Championship with Scott Gallagher led by Dan Gaffney, SIU E was Steve’s choice of colleges and was awarded 2^nd Team All-Region in 84, 85 he was 1^st Team All-Region and 3^rd Team All-American, and final year 1^st Team All-Region and 1^st Team All-American.  Steve’s first professional team was the St. Louis Steamers during their final season and playing outdoor for the Busch Soccer Club preparing himself for the United States Olympic and National Teams.  Having a chance to turn professional outdoor, Steve signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies.  Then the unexpected, playing for the USMNT in a lopsided loss against Czechoslavakia, the coach was so impressed with Steve’s style of play and with a renegotiated contract, Steve joined Sparta Prague.  Only one season, but he was an integral part of the team’s League Championship and the opportunity to play in the European Cup.  Parting their ways, Steve came back to the US and played 2 years with the Rowdies and then back to Europe with the Dutch Team SVV Dordrecht for the season of 92.  Once again, coming back to the Rowdies and then Fort Lauderdale Strikers in 94.  Moves continue to fast and furious for his talents.  Back to St. Louis for the Ambush 95 NPSL Championship Title.  The Montreal Impact, Tampa Bay Terror, and Colorado Rapids losing the MLS Cup in 97.  Two more years with the Rapids before being traded to the Tampa Bay Mutiny where he would retire from active playing.  During his playing career, Steve was a 5-time All-Star recipient.  Coaching was inevitable, early on in 1989, Steve was the assistant coach at SIU E.  2001 his move to old team the Colorado Rapids assistant coach for the Reserves that won the MLS Reserve Cup.  Then it was on to be assistant with the Rapids and then on to be the Head Coach of the Colorado Springs Switchbacks taking in 2015 and having time to be assistant volunteer coach at Regis University.   Recently parting ways with the Switchbacks, it was fate that called Steve back to St. Louis to take over the St. Louis F.C program as head coach.  These accomplishments are a tribute to Steve playing career, not to mention the 37 Caps for the USMNT.