"From the Sandlots to the World Cup" is an up close and personal account of the growth and development of soccer in America over the past seven decades. "Dr. Joe" Machnik first saw the game played in his Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY neighborhood McCarren Park in the mid 1950's. He compared the game played by local ethnic clubs to the ice hockey games he watched on TV and attended at the old Madison Sq. Garden. So many similarities: goalposts, goalies, offside and three officials.

The author's passion for hockey and his infatuation with soccer led to his trying out for his Brooklyn Technical H S team which led to playing college soccer at Long Island University and being named as All-American in 1962. During that time he also played youth, ameture and semi-pro soccer for the NY Ukrainians which won the US Open Cup in 1965-66.

Machnik learned to officiate most sports as a physical education major and was named head coach at his Alma Mater in 1966, a season that saw his team play in the NCAA Championship Game.

In 1969, Machnik moved on to the now University of New Haven and coached soccer and ice-hockey. His 1976 team played in the NCAA Division 2 National Championship. When Machnik was named Referee for the 1988 NCAA Final, he became the only person to play in the NCAA Tournament (LIU 1963), coach in 2 NCAA Finals and Referee a Final.

In 1970, Machnik attended the first US Soccer Coaching School and in 1973 he achieved his "A" Coaching License from Walter Chyzowych who later named Machnik as Referee-in-Chief of the Major Indoor Soccer League based on his unique knowledge of hockey/soccer and officiating!

In 1989 Machnik assisted John Kowalski with coaching the FIFA Bronze Medal Five-a-Side team which led to his appointment as assistant coach to the 1990 US World Cup team.

Machnik rejoined the faculty at the University of New Haven in 1991 and started the women's soccer program while teaching in the Management of Sports Industries Department.

The book also chronicles Machnik six year career driving in NASCAR grass roots divisions and his starting of the No.1 Goalkeeper's Camp which as No.1 Soccer Camps celebrates its 50th consecutive year in 2026.

"From the Sandlots to the World Cup" contains more than 100 photos and 900 plus names of individuals who helped shape the game of soccer in America.

Machnik's unique perspective on his various levels of participation in the game, from his role as a player, coach, referee, league administrator and World Cup TV broadcaster makes for an interesting read. Machnik has been recognized for his contributions to the game by being named to nine soccer Halls of Fame including the National Soccer Hall of Fame!