On January 17, 1994, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake rocked Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley. Five months later, another earthquake shook the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, 25 miles east of the epicenter: Team USA won its first game at the World Cup, thanks to a goal from Earnie Stewart.

Home fans rejoiced. Team USA went through to the knockout stage, justifying all the hype and razzle-dazzle of a tournament some outsiders said it did not merit. It was snobbish and unfair — America was not a soccer nation before, but it sure was afterward. The competition broke attendance records, attracting 3.6 million spectators, and it became the most financially successful World Cup ever, generating some $100 million in profit.

Originally published on tvinsider.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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