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18 Aug 2022
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18 Aug 2022
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For a generation of US soccer players in the 1970s and early '80s, the international stars they saw in magazines would go on to become team-mates.
Robert "Bobby" Smith was one of those American players who formed the homegrown base around which the likes of Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, George Best, Johan Cruyff and Eusebio dazzled in the old North American Soccer League (NASL).
Smith was highly regarded as a defender, winning 18 caps and being elected into the US National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2007.
He was signed by Cosmos in 1976 as the newly arrived Pele began to be surrounded by team-mates capable of helping the New York franchise to dominate.
This week, Smith joined Newstalk's Team 33 to share his memories of playing with Pele, Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto and Giorgio Chinaglia at the New York Cosmos.
He also looked back on another interesting part of his career: His brief loan spell with current League of Ireland champions Dundalk in the 1974-75 season.
You can listen to the full interview below:
John O'Sullivan of Bohemians in action against Alfie Lewis of Dundalk. (Pic: Sportsfile)
Dr Anthony Soares, Director of the Centre for Cross Border Studies
Cllr Sean Kelly Leas Cathaoirleach Dundalk Municipal District and Moya Hodgers cutting the ribbon to open the Peace Park Garden with Ann Savage, Janette Reynolds and Sheona McGovern All Pics: Arthur
John Mulligan, from Happy Valley in Dundalk is undertaking the mammoth task
Israel Olatunde of Ireland after competing in the Men's 100m final during day 6 of the European Championships. (Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile)
Photographer: Arthur Kinahan
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