Slobo Ilijevski, St. Louis Soccer Great, Dies at 58

STLtoday.com has reported that St. Louis soccer favorite Slobo Ilijevski, late of the St. Louis Steamers, has died at age 53 from a ruptured aorta.

The blood vessel problem occurred while Ilijevski was playing in the "Kutis Men's Over 55" in Seattle. STLToday.com went on to report that Ilijevski, 58, was playing in The National Championship Soccer representing St. Louis when he went up for a "high save" and then complained of "stomach pain and dizziness". A CT scan verified that he had a ruptured wall of his aorta but 13 hours of surgery couldn't save him.

STLToday.com reports that Ilijevski started his pro career in St. Louis in the 1970's playing for three teams; the Steamers; the Storm and the Ambush. Ilijevski always played goalie. It was his play and the existence of these three indoor soccer teams that ultimately were credited with keeping soccer alive and well in St. Louis. He retired as an active professional in 1993.

As reported by The St. Louis Steamers "St. Louis Indoor Soccer History," the Steamers often had a troubled club both with coaching and certainly with finances, however, one bright spot was Slobo Ilijevski.

Iliveski went on in his storied career to win the Goalkeeper of the Year in the MISL Finals during the 1981-82 season with the Steamers as well as winning Goalkeeper of the Year again in the 1983-84 season; again in the MISL.

In addition to other kudos as the article reports, Slobo Ilijevski was named to numerous All-Star Teams because of his great and consistent play. As was reported earlier he was one of the players who kept soccer alive in St. Louis.

Ultimately, at the end of career, as the "St. Louis Indoor Soccer History" publication goes on to report, Slobo Ilijevski was paid the ultimate compliment by The St. Louis Steamers; they retired his number. His number was 30 and it is on display.

A fan favorite, the fans would often chant "Slobo, Slobo, Slobo".

So Slobo Ilijevski has died at age 58. It is certainly a tragedy, but he died, essentially going "high for a save". I guess if he had to die there was no more of a fitting way.

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