EDMUND MORAES
Born in Newark and raised in Portugal, Eddie Moraes has spent much of his life working devotedly to promote the sport of soccer at many levels in the Garden State.
As a player, coach, referee and league administrator, Eddie has been a tireless worker in spreading the soccer gospel everywhere he has gone.
Born in Newark in 1935, his family returned to Portugal after his birth. When they finally decided to return to the U.S., Eddie was 13 years old and ready to embark on a successful soccer life.
Soon after returning to Newark, his passion for soccer started to manifest itself. He played junior soccer for the Newark Portuguese and in 1949 was named to the all-star team.
He left the Portuguese club and for the next two seasons played for Iberia FC in Newark where he again made the all-star team twice and played in the annual New Jersey vs New York all-star game on New Year’s Eve.
Eddie played with Newark Portuguese in the American Soccer League, and in 1955 while with the Portuguese was selected to play against Manchester United of England, Rapid Vienna of Austria and Pai Sandro of Brazil in international matches. He was also a member of the U.S. select team that played Tel Aviv of Israel on the 10th anniversary of the State of Israel’s independence. He played against Benfica of Portugal in 1957.
In 1958 he was drafted into the U.S. Army and was stationed in Seattle, Wash. for 2 years
Where he was able to continue his soccer career with a local team.
After his discharge from the military, Eddie returned to the East Coast and resumed his soccer career with Newark Portuguese and New York Hakoah, which we coached at the time by Kurt Lamm and Julius Alonzo.
In 1967 Eddie embarked on a career in the administrative end of the sport when he helped form the Sport Newark Benfica team, where he remained for 10 years. He still remains in that group’s membership roster as member No. 1.
Soon after Eddie Moraes went on to form one of the most powerful soccer leagues in New Jersey – the Newark based Luso International Sports Association, also known as L.I.S.A.
For the past 25 year he has held a variety of positions at the state, regional and national levels in the soccer community. He headed the Region One National Cup program for four year (1990-94). He is currently a member of the Membership Development Committee, Grade 6 referee and referee assignor.
He coached high school soccer in Newark at East Side High School and Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.
From 1987-89 he organized and promoted 10 international matches featuring Newark clubs and all –star teams against touring European and South American pro squads.
A life member of the N.J. State Soccer Referee Association, Eddie has served as the group’s State Director of Assessments.
