UPSL Ambassador & US Soccer Legend Paul Caligiuri Inducted into California Sports Hall of Fame

The United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) congratulates UPSL Ambassador and U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame inductee Paul Caligiuri on his upcoming induction into the California Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The announcement was made earlier this month, with Caligiuri joining a distinguished group of fellow honorees including boxing icon “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans, NFL great Jesse Sapolu, and track legend Ron Brown. The induction ceremony is set to take place on June 29, 2025, in Ontario, California. 

A pioneer of American soccer, Caligiuri is best known for his historic goal against Trinidad and Tobago in 1989—famously dubbed the “Shot heard round the world”—which sent the U.S. Men’s National Team to its first FIFA World Cup in 40 years. Over his illustrious playing career, he earned 110 caps with the national team, appeared in two World Cups (1990 and 1994), and became the first American to play in the Bundesliga. Caligiuri’s legacy continues off the field as a dedicated coach, mentor, and passionate advocate for the sport’s growth at the semi-pro and grassroots levels. 

In 2022, he led Orange County FC to victory in the UPSL National Finals as head coach. Today, he remains active in coaching while also working to expand pro soccer opportunities for local talent across California. 

“As we look towards a World Cup next year in the US, I’m deeply committed to continue giving back to the sport that’s given me so much—both as a UPSL ambassador and a coach in the UPSL.” 

“Soccer is growing rapidly in this country, and I believe California remains at the heart of that growth,” he added. 

“I’m incredibly grateful for this California Sports Hall of Fame recognition,” Caligiuri concluded. “It represents not just a personal honor, but a moment to celebrate how far soccer has come in our state and across the nation.” 

To learn more about the United Premier Soccer League, visit www.upsl.com. To register a team to join this upcoming Fall season, please visit www.upslregistration.com/application/team. 

About the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL)

Founded in 2011, the United Premier Soccer League (UPSL) serves as the unofficial fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. With over 800 teams competing across its Premier, Division 1, A-League, Academy, and Women’s divisions, the UPSL is the largest Semi-Pro Pro League in North America. A National Affiliate member of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF), the UPSL is made up of independently owned and operated clubs. Through its USSF affiliation, UPSL teams are eligible to compete in the U.S. Open Cup Qualifying Rounds.

For more information, visit www.upsl.com or follow @upslsoccer on Facebook, Instagram, and X. General Inquiries: [email protected] – Media Inquiries: [email protected]