America Changed World Cup Rules

Soccer was never the same after 1994. This week, we look back at how our home World Cup implemented things that altered the very fabric of the beautiful game. Plus, we revisit J.Lo’s crucial assist to the 99ers, explore a Better Call Saul cameo, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 💃 J.Lo Assists the 99ers

• 👨‍⚖️ Better Call Saul

• 📜 America Changed World Cup Rules

• 🥷 Storming the Castle

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
J.Lo Assists the 99ers

It had been a grueling path to the 1999 World Cup final for the USWNT. And on that fateful July 10th afternoon, they met an unexpected hurdle: Jennifer Lopez. Or maybe it was a blessing?

Both the third-place match and the grand final were to be played on the same day at the Rose Bowl, plus J.Lo was set to perform and record a music video in between both matches. Since the third-place match went to penalties, J.Lo’s performance and the final were sandwiched back to back. A true scheduling dilemma.

The USWNT had to warm up in the tunnel while “Let’s Get Loud” blasted around the Rose Bowl. Not ideal at all.

Still, we’d like to think Jenny’s short concert also helped stall the Chinese offense, who’d scored 19 goals en route to the final. Whether it was the lack of warmup or just the brilliant defending from the whole American squad, the USWNT swiftly shut out China the entire game. Then, Brandi Chastain dared to shoot the winning penalty with her weak foot. The rest is history. Ain’t it funny.

SOCCER LAW
Better Call Saul

…or even better, Patrick Fabian. The critically acclaimed actor who played Howard Hamlin in BCS is apparently a big fan of New Mexico United.

Patrick made it out to NMU’s Open Cup tie against LAFC in California last week. A true soccer sicko who’s been to multiple games of this beloved USL club over the years.

Speaking of lawyers, though, New Mexico United could really use the services of Howard Hamlin or Saul Goodman lately. Their proposal to build a stadium just got caught in another appeal hearing — again.

COVER STORY
America Changed World Cup Rules

Tomorrow is the 30th anniversary of the 1994 World Cup Final, so there’s no better time to look back at the groundbreaking rules and “firsts” that were introduced during this tournament. It’s crazy to imagine a world without some of these.

First, and possibly most shockingly, the USA World Cup was the first one to incorporate the “three points for a win” system. Prior to this instance, teams were awarded two points.

A few leagues around the globe had started to incorporate this point system in the years leading to our World Cup, but after its resounding success in 1994, FIFA formally adopted it, and it soon became the norm worldwide.

The story goes that this was a US-sponsored rule change ahead of the World Cup and that many officials wanted to see it implemented to foster more attacking play. Surely, it’s what you’d want if trying to capture an American audience.

Still, this wasn’t the only innovation at the tournament. From no deliberate back-passes, to now including names on the back of jerseys, our World Cup changed the game forever. Here are eleven "firsts” from that fateful cup.

SOCIETY
Storming the Castle

It’s the biggest story from the weekend. People crashed through gates, climbed walls, and snuck into air vents just to catch this much-anticipated Copa America Final. Thousands of supporters without tickets managed to get in, while thousands of fans with actual tickets were left outside.

On Monday morning, there was plenty of blame to go around. Here’s the background on who was supposed to handle what. You can make up your mind from there.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know why you think so — we’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Smile Because It Happened: It’s heartbreaking to think Copa is over. It meant a lot to get to cover it from the sidelines this month, and it was a privilege to bring you closer to such a pivotal tournament on home soil. Look back at it here with us.

Second Leg: Thankfully, the summer isn’t over. We’ve got plenty of international club friendlies coming up on our shores. Check out the dates for the Soccer Champions Tour and the FC Series.

Lobos vs Toucans: This game in USL League Two had nine red cards. Yes, NINE. If you have any info on how this happened, please shoot us a message. We’re dying to know.

Farewell: The USWNT play against Costa Rica tonight in DC. The final match before the Paris Olympics. Cannot wait.

MLS Archive Collection: This set of 40 pieces is supposed to drop today. Take a look here.

CLUBELEVEN
Icarus Cup Champions

Unbelievable. For the second year in a row, we’re Icarus Cup champions. Started out shaky in the group stage but tightened things up when it mattered. Once again, it’s a relief knowing we creators can still get things done on the pitch.

A huge thank you to everyone in the squad for coming from all over the country and for putting on an incredible performance. You’ll go down in history. Also, thank you to all those who came out to support us in Philly or stopped by to say hello! Going for the three-peat next year.

JOBS
A USL Coach for the USMNT?

Now that’d be quite a sight. The USL ran a poll last week asking fans to select who their favorite USL coach would be to fill in the Gregg vacancy.

It’s doubtful that the USSF would ever look in that direction now, of course, but it’s a good excuse to get familiar with some exciting up-and-coming coaches in our neck of the woods. It’ll be interesting to see where they are in a few years.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you who you thought would win Copa America from among the four finalists. Here are some of your answers:

• “I wish Canada made it to the final but I doubt it. Argentina will surely win.” - Benito

• “Mami prende la radio y enciende la tele.” - I

• “…I trust in Bielsa.” - D

In the poll, “Colombia” won with 47% of the vote. Up next was “Argentina” with 31% of the vote. Although I’m happy for Messi, a big part of me still wishes Colombia had been able to pull off the win. So close to a perfect story.

UP NEXT
Come See Us Wednesday

We’ll be back in New York this week. This time around we’ll have a hundred of the world’s greatest kits in one room. Game-worn, signed, and some even banned.

Stop by our pop-up event alongside Worldie FC and Norwegian collector Even Nesset to see, and buy, some of the rarest jerseys in the world.

No RSVP required, just come to 35 Meadow Street, Brooklyn, NY, on Wednesday. We’ll be there between 5-10 PM.

Enjoying This?

Make sure to forward this email to a friend and help us spread the soccer gospel far and wide! We’ll see you next week with even more untold stories of soccer.

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo