Soccer writer and author David Wangerin died last night after a short illness.

Wangerin was born in Chicago and raised in Wisconsin. The American-born author was an Aston Villa supporter, and moved to England in 1987. He also lived in Scotland, where he became a fan of Raith Rovers. Wangerin was the author of several books including Distant Corners, Fussball Book (about the Bundesliga) and his most famous work Soccer In A Football World.

SEE MORE: Listen to our interview with author David Wangerin from 2006

It was when Soccer In A Football World was released that I interviewed Wangerin in 2006. He was staying at his family’s farm in Wisconsin, and I remember him being very polite, kind and intelligent on the phone. With his book, he opened my eyes, and many other people’s eyes, to the beautiful history of American soccer and the wonderful stories of how the sport progressed in the early-to-mid 1900’s — well before the NASL even existed.

David’s dedication to chronicling the history of American soccer will not be forgotten.

My condolences to the friends and family of David Wangerin. He will be missed.