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Jimmy DouglasAmerican football player, goalkeeper
Date of Birth: 12.01.1898
Country:  USA |
Content:
Jimmy Douglas: A Legendary American Goalkeeper
Early Career and Club ExperienceJimmy Douglas, born in Newark, New Jersey, began his football career in the youth team of Central Juniors. He spent 14 years playing for amateur clubs before making his professional debut in 1922 with Harrison FC in the American Soccer League. Douglas moved to Newark Skeeters in 1923 and played there for two seasons before joining New York Giants.
Throughout his career, Douglas frequently switched clubs, never staying with one for more than two seasons. He played for Fall River Marksmen, Philadelphia Field Club, Brooklyn Wanderers, New York Nationals, and New York Americans, accumulating around 200 appearances.
International Career
From 1924 to 1930, Jimmy Douglas represented the United States national football team in 9 games. He made his debut on May 25, 1924, in a 1-0 victory over Estonia at the Summer Olympics, earning the title of Most Valuable Player. The US team was eliminated from the Olympics after losing to Uruguay 3-0 four days later.
In 1924, Douglas played two more friendlies for the US, against Poland and Ireland. He returned to international play in 1929 to participate in the inaugural FIFA World Cup. Douglas kept clean sheets in two group stage matches against Belgium and Paraguay, leading his team to the semi-finals. The US lost 6-1 to Argentina in the semi-finals but was awarded third place on a technicality.
Douglas's final match for the US was a friendly against Brazil in Rio de Janeiro a month after the World Cup. He finished his international career with 9 appearances and 19 goals conceded, along with 4 wins and 5 defeats.
Legacy
Jimmy Douglas was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1953. His exceptional athleticism, agility, and shot-stopping abilities made him one of the most respected goalkeepers of his era. Douglas's contributions to American soccer and his leadership on and off the field continue to inspire generations of players.
