Ed Blaney

Ed Blaney, Class of 1969

From Lehigh Avenue near “B” Street in Kensington, Eddie Blaney attended Visitation BVM parish before entering North Catholic. Blaney was an All-Catholic and All-Scholastic Soccer selection at North during both his junior and senior seasons. Eddie played sweeper & midfield. As a junior Blaney was a vital member of the 1967 PCL champions who defeated Monsignor Bonner High by a score of 3-0 in the title game.

Blaney went on to become a 4-year starter at midfield and sweeper for St. Joseph’s University under Coach Jack Dunn during the 1969 thru 1972 seasons. In both his junior and senior college seasons Blaney was an honorable mention All-American selection and 3 times he was named All-Region (1970,71,72). During his time at SJU the hawks went 38-11-6 and lost only one home game out of 25 at Finnessey Field. Eddie was also voted a two-time Mid-Atlantic Conference MVP. While on Hawk Hill, SJU soccer teams recorded a school record 26 shutouts while Eddie led the defensive back line. He was team captain in 1971 & 72 and helped the team reach two NCAA tournaments. He also tallied 8 goals during his time at SJU. After graduating with a degree in Accounting in 1973 he became an assistant coach with the Hawks from 1974 to 1983.

Eddie Blaney also played professional soccer for the Philadelphia Spartans and the New Jersey Americans in the 1970s. He also played pro indoor soccer (MISL) for the Philadelphia Fever for one season in 1978-79.

Ed Blaney is a member of the St. Joseph’s U. Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2000. He was also elected into the SE Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame in 1992. He also coached youth soccer with the Lighthouse Soccer Club in NE Philadelphia. He is also a founding member & active committee member for the North Catholic Soccer Hall of Fame. Blaney is a CPA and a Restaurant & Bar owner. He lives with his wife and children in Port Richmond.