McBride, Soccer Legend, Former STLCC Coach Dies

McBride spent decades with the College with stints as head coach at both the Meramec (1976-79) and Forest Park (1988-2007) campuses when the three legacy campuses each had their own athletic programs. He led his teams to at least the quarterfinals of the NJCAA tournament three times, including the 1976 championship. It was the second title for STLCC-Meramec and came in McBride’s first year.

He was later inducted in the NJCAA Soccer Hall of Fame. McBride is also a member of the St. Louis University, St. Louis Soccer, St. Louis Sports and U.S. Soccer Halls of Fame.

He was a standout player at St. Louis University High School before matriculating to Saint Louis University where he helped the Billikens win national titles in 1963 and 1965. He was twice named an All-American.

McBride was a cornerstone of the now-defunct St. Louis Stars, spending 10 seasons with the professional outdoor team. He also made five appearances with the U.S. national team from 1969-1975, including serving as the team’s captain during the 1972 World Cup qualifying. (The squad only played 25 times in that span.)

He began coaching at Southern Illinois University before he retired from playing in 1976 when he transitioned to coaching fulltime. He helmed teams at St. Louis Community College and two professional indoor squads.