Kowalski's Interim Success

On This Day in 1991, Murray Scored Late in a Draw With Mexico in the First Match Under Kowalski

The phone lines between Los Angeles and some of soccer's biggest available coaching names were buzzing in early 1991. Alan Rothenberg, the newly appointed president of the U.S. Soccer Federation, was on a mission. "We don't have a specific date for naming a new coach... I'm hoping we could announce something in the next few weeks, but we're not working with any specific timetable," he told reporters. Bob Gansler, who had led the United States to its first World Cup in 40 years, had just stepped down after five consecutive games without a goal.

With Franz Beckenbauer and Kenny Dalglish ruled out, Bora Milutinovic was the prize. The Yugoslav coach who had worked miracles with Mexico in 1986 and Costa Rica in 1990 was clearly the leading candidate. "I foresee the possibility to work with the American team," Milutinovic said in a telephone interview from Mexico City. "I expect an offer to be made. I'd like to work with the American team. I think it is a big challenge."

In the meantime, the federation turned to John Kowalski, a Polish-born coach from Pittsburgh with an unlikely path to the national team. As the coach of the U.S. national five-a-side team and Robert Morris College, Kowalski was the ultimate interim solution. "I'm just glad to help out," he said, which helped the players relax. "Psychologically and mentally, I am preparing myself today as if I would be the coach, but whatever happens happens."

The March 12 match against Mexico to start the 1991 North American Nations Cup came in the middle of this coaching transition saga. At the Los Angeles Coliseum, with 6,261 fans – most supporting Mexico – the U.S. Men's National Team took the field under Kowalski's interim leadership. The match against Mexico, a team that had lost to the U.S. only twice in 23 previous encounters, seemed destined to follow a familiar script of disappointment.

Dante Washington, a 20-year-old Radford University student making his first US appearance, broke the tension, scoring a point-blank goal just before halftime. But Mexico's Alberto Garcia Aspe and Misael Espinosa turned the match around, pushing the U.S. toward another inevitable defeat.

Then came Bruce Murray's moment of magic.

In the 89th minute, with Mexico attempting to run out the clock, Murray stepped up to a free kick from 35 yards out. "I was hitting them from there in practice yesterday," Kowalski would later say. The ball rocketed over a wall of defenders, finding the top left corner of the net just seconds before the final whistle.

"It was the shot of a lifetime," Murray said. "I'm not sure the keeper ever saw it."

Goalkeeper Tony Meola captured the team's newfound spirit perfectly. "It's no secret John Kowalski has recharged this team," he said. "I definitely would like to see him get more time. Look how we came back tonight in what was basically a road game."

Two days later, the U.S. defeated Canada 2-0, finishing second in the tournament. Though they didn't win the cup on goal difference, something had changed. The team scored again, played with renewed spirit, and generated excitement.

On March 27, Milutinovic was officially introduced as the new head coach. His ambitions were audacious. "I'll be most happy when I win the World Cup championship in 1994," he declared. When questioned about the seemingly impossible goal, he was unequivocal. "All I said is achievable," he insisted. "If you don't dream, you can't get there."

Rothenberg echoed this sentiment, quoting poet Robert Browning: "Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp or what's a heaven for." The U.S. would be hosting the 1994 World Cup, and they were dreaming big.

Despite support to stay on as a coach, Kowalski returned to Robert Morris College, where his interim role was complete. But the momentum he had started would not be forgotten. The late goal against Mexico was more than just a moment of athletic drama—it was a symbolic turning point for a national team on the brink of reinvention.