Willy Roy has never made a big deal about his place in U.S. Men's National Team history.
The best illustration of the fact is his initial response when asked about becoming the first player to score for the USMNT at the famed Estadio Azteca against Mexico.
"I wish somebody else would have scored it and we would have won the game down there," Roy told ussoccer.com when reflecting on his goal in a 3-1 World Cup Qualifying defeat to El Trí on Sept. 3, 1972.
Wearing the USA uniform was so important to the National Soccer Hall of Famer.
"It was really, exciting for me. To put on the jersey that said ‘USA’ -- nothing could be better," said the 79-year-old, who set several scoring standards during the USMNT’s lean years, some of which stood for decades.
A MEXICO CITY DEBUT
Roy's first experience wearing the Red, White and Blue was a frustrating one, coming seven years earlier in another FIFA World Cup Qualifier at Mexico before 64,285 supporters at the Azteca’s predecessor, Estadio Olimpico, on March 12, 1965.
Just 22 at the time, Roy hadn’t yet played a professional match, but instead was identified thanks to his strong performances with Hansa in the National Soccer League of Chicago. He went on to make his professional debut for Chicago Spurs two years later, earning 1967 Rookie of the Year honors in the National Professional Soccer League, a precursor to the North American Soccer League.
So, there was much to take in that day.
