Background
Speca grew up in Baltimore, playing soccer first at Patterson Senior High School then the College of Mount Saint Joseph.
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Joe Speca
Edit ProfileCareer
Speca played a single season in both the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) and the North American Soccer League (NASL). He also earned three caps with the United States. Speca began his professional career with Baltimore Pompei.
He then played for Baltimore Saint Gerards, American Soccer League champions of 1966-1967.
In 1967, Speca signed with the Baltimore Bays of the National Professional Soccer League. He was one of only three native-born United States. players in the league.
In 1968, the NPSL merged with the United Soccer Association to form the North American Soccer League. Speca then spent the 1968 season with the Bays in the NASL.
In 1959, Speca was selected for the United States. roster at the 1959 Pan American Games.
In 1960, he earned his first of three caps with the United States. national team in a 3-3 tie with Mexico in a World Cup qualifier.
He did not play again for the national team until September 15, 1968 when he came on for Eddie Clear in a 3-3 tie with Israel. His last game came ten days later in a 4-0 loss to Israel. In this game, he came on for Helmut Kofler.
In 1995, Speca was inducted into the Old Timers Soccer hall of Fame.
In May 2007, inducted into the Maryland Athletic Hall of Fame.
