Heinz Wirtz (born 10 November 1953) is a German former professional footballer who played as a defender.[1] He played professionally in the Bundesliga, the North American Soccer League, the Major Indoor Soccer League and American Professional Soccer League. He also coached in the National Professional Soccer League. He is a member of the Triple Nine Society.[citation needed]

Heinz Wirtz
Wirtz circa 1984
Personal information
Date of birth (1953-11-10) 10 November 1953 (age 70)
Place of birth Ameln, North Rhine-Westphalia, West Germany
Height 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)[1]
Position(s) Defender
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1979–1981 Fortuna Düsseldorf 34 (1)
1981 Washington Diplomats 26 (4)
1982–1985 Baltimore Blast (indoor) 151 (82)
1985–1988 Chicago Sting (indoor) 128 (33)
1989 Chicago Schwaben
1990 Orlando Lions
Managerial career
1990 Illinois Thunder
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Career

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In 1981, Wirtz played for the Washington Diplomats of the North American Soccer League. In February 1982, he signed with the Baltimore Blast of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He would go on to play three seasons with the Blast and was inducted into the team's hall of fame in 2007. In November 1985, the Blast sold Wirtz' contract to the Chicago Sting for $5,000.[2] He retired in 1988. In 1989, he played for the amateur Chicago Schwaben.[3] In 1990, he signed with the Orlando Lions of the American Professional Soccer League.[4]

In the fall of 1990, he was hired to coach the Illinois Thunder of the National Professional Soccer League.

Honours

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Fortuna Düsseldorf

Individual

  • MISL All-Star Team: 1983, 1988
  • All MISL Team – First team selection: 1983

References

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  1. ^ a b Heinz Wirtz at WorldFootball.net
  2. ^ STING SET TO LAND BLAST`S WIRTZ Chicago Tribune – Thursday, 14 November 1985
  3. ^ Soccer teams seek spots in nationals Chicago Sun-Times – Friday, 2 June 1989
  4. ^ 1990 Orlando Lions
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