Bio
A native St. Louisan, Steve Pecher, was a winner on almost every level of soccer he played. He won the 1974 Missouri State Championship with his Normandy High School team and then attended Florissant Valley and played for legendary NJCAA Hall of Fame coach, Pete Sorber. Pecher was twice named an NJCAA All-American in 1975 and 1976. The Norsemen captured the 1975 NJCAA National Championship while Pecher played for one of the program’s ten NJCAA titles.
After his two years in the NJCAA, Pecher played professionally for the NASL Dallas Tornados (1976-80), and on three indoor MISL teams: St. Louis Steamers (1979-1984; 1985-87)), Kansas City Comets (1984-85), Los Angeles Lazers (1987-88).
He was named the NASL’s Rookie of the Year in 1976 with the Dallas Tornado and was a member of the U.S. Men’s National team where he made 17 appearances and was also named captain of the team.
In his prime, Pecher was known for being the captain of the St. Louis Steamers in the 1980’s. He was a rock solid defender that came to play a physical brand of soccer that many St. Louis defenders were known for throughout the country. He was just moments away in the 1981 MISL title game of collecting a professional title as the New York Arrows scored with :31 seconds left to win 6-5 over the Steamers.
In addition to his successful playing career, Pecher also has had a long coaching career. He coached for over 20 years at Busch Soccer Club and St. Louis Scott Gallagher.