O’Connell spent ten seasons in the American Soccer League (ASL), first as a defender before moving to the front line.
In 1946, O’Connell signed with the Brooklyn Wanderers before moving to the New York Americans in 1948.
O’Connell experienced his greatest personal success when he was named the league MVP in both 1948 and 1949.
After returning to the U.S., he rejoined the Americans which won the 1954 ASL and National Challenge Cup titles.
In that game, he had moved to the back line and contributed an own goal to Scotland's win.