“Higher Calling” by Ion Michael Furjanic

In the 1994 World Cup an under-skilled, but inspired United States Men’s Soccer team narrowly defeated an outstanding Colombian side that many analysts felt was the most talented team in the tournament. If not for death threats to midfielder Gabriel Gomez and head coach Francisco Maturana, and an own goal by Andrés Escobar, the US wouldn’t have stood a chance. 

10 days after that game, Andrés Escobar was murdered in his hometown of Medelin for his role in the defeat, just five months before he was to be wed. 16 years later, writer Nick Sprague and directors Jeff and Mike Zimbalist produced The Two Escobars, a documentary on the role the illegal drug trade played in the rise of Colombian soccer, the Colombian Conflict, and the lives of Pablo and Andrés Escobar. 

Ion Michael Furjan’s wonderful music was featured throughout the film and this song (edited from its original 6 minute length) perfectly captures the joy and sorrow Colombians felt while following one of the greatest generations of players to ever take the pitch. If you have not seen this documentary, it is powerful and outstanding.


The Two Escobars:
http://www.the2escobars.com/
If you would like to hear more from Ion Michael Furjan: https://lavajumperstudios.bandcamp.com/album/music-inspired-by-andr-s-and-pablo-escobar