American Troops Rebuilt European Soccer

This week, in honor of Memorial Day, we look at the story of the Inter-Allied Games of 1919 and how the US Military helped rebuild the beautiful game in Europe. Plus, we go far out to North Dakota, revisit the long-forgotten Bicentennial Cup of 1976, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🏆 The Bicentennial Cup

• 🌽 Field of Dreams

• 🪖 American Troops Rebuilt European Soccer

• 👖 Forever in Blue Jeans

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The Bicentennial Cup

This week is the anniversary of the American Bicentennial Soccer Cup. It’s an event that’s been long forgotten, but it was crucial in helping grow the sport here in the ‘70s.

To celebrate America’s 200th birthday, the US decided to host a tournament worthy of that milestone, inviting Brazil, Italy, and England to a round-robin competition in May of 1976.

Stars like Zico, Giorgio Chinaglia, Pele, Bobby Moore, and others were all present, and they gave American audiences a window into the beauty of global soccer. In total, the tournament drew an overall attendance of over 180,000 spectators across six games. It was an impressive feat at the time, and it helped grow the momentum that the NASL had started a few years prior.

EXPANSION
Field of Dreams

America becomes Europe. Baseball becomes soccer. That’s how international media is describing Brooklyn FC’s story. They’ve captured everyone’s attention since their launch earlier this year, and the countdown to 2025 is on.

With huge buzz around this new USL Championship club, CEO and creative Maximilian Mansfield opened up about his grand vision for the team and all it took to get it off the ground. It’s a great read.

COVER STORY
American Troops Rebuilt European Soccer

With a torn Europe still recovering from the wounds of WWI — and military demobilization efforts still unsteady after the 11/11 Armistice — there was much need for something to unite the Allied troops and boost morale among the scarred countries.

That’s how the Inter-Allied Games of 1919 came to be. It was an event of epic proportions, and at the heart, was soccer.

In early 1919, thanks to an American YMCA official, Allied countries agreed to host this set of games at a brand-new stadium to be built in Paris. The YMCA provided $100,000 to fund the project, US troops built the 20,000-seat stadium in a few months, and U.S. General John J. Pershing handed it over to French authorities as a memorial in the summer of 1919.

Although there were other sporting competitions that took place throughout these games, none were more popular than soccer.

Eight nations competed in the soccer tournament, including the US and Canada. Despite having most of their best players already discharged and back on US soil, the American squad put on a valiant performance, given that they were also facing some of the top European talent at the time.

Notably, this was the first soccer tournament of that scale following the end of WWI, and Pershing Stadium would eventually go on to host the final of the Coupe de France on four occasions between 1920-1923.

Aside from the moral impact these games had on Europe, America’s experience in this competition — and in WWI as a whole — helped usher in our ‘Golden Age’ of soccer in the 1920s.

FASHION
Forever in Blue Jeans

The (in)famous 1994 Denim Kits are a staple in US soccer lore. For a while, their unconventional brilliance was only admired by soccer supporters, but it seems their popularity has started to spill over elsewhere.

To mark the 30th anniversary of the ‘94 World Cup, MLB is releasing a new set of baseball caps that draw inspiration from those beloved USMNT jerseys. Somehow, it’s not some sort of twisted joke. You have to see it to believe it.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know which one is your favorite and why. Careful when Googling these, though. You might just drop an obscene amount to get one on the vintage market. We’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Super Debut: The new Division 1 pro women’s league has almost arrived. Opening weekend is right around the corner and you won’t want to miss it.

Guardian Angel: Speaking of this new league, DC Power FC got an unexpected basketball owner in its ranks.

Slice of Spirit: Brilliant piece of marketing from the Washington Spirit. Get these special pizza boxes at 70 different locations in the DMV.

Holiday: It’s very fitting that the NWSL Impact Award just got named after this legend of the game.

10/10 Costume: If you grew up in a Latino household, chances are you know the beloved ‘Chapulin Colorado.’ This fan gave us childhood flashbacks with his costume at the Open Cup. Incredible.

CREATIVE
Far Out

Being far away from the usual hubs of soccer culture hasn’t deterred them.

Far Out FC was born in North Dakota with the goal of inspiring, motivating, and fostering community with soccer creatives around the world. Above all, their mission has been to help others break out of boxes they are put in based on their location or background when it comes to accomplishing their soccer and creative dreams.

Later today, Far Out FC are releasing their debut short film “Creativity Can Come From Anywhere,” and you can watch it and learn more about their journey right here. It’s an inspiring story of how soccer creativity can flourish in every single corner of our country.

COMMUNITY
UCL Final With Gossamr

I’m sure we’re all trying to finalize our plans for the UCL final this weekend. If you’re in LA, though, look no further.

Gossamr is hosting a fútbol party for the Champions League Final at Arroz and Fun. You can expect great coffee, food, & wine while everyone watches Dortmund v Real Madrid.

They never miss with anything they host.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you where you thought NWSL should expand to next? Here are some of your best answers:

• “Denver. There is a strong soccer community and stadiums that could fit a team.” - Jon

• “Minnesota or Denver will do. Preference, Minnesota. The West needs more soccer clubs. Florida is too crowded with teams (and I love it). Cleveland, well I think there are enough teams in that area.” - Dario

• “Minnesota. If Aurora FC finds a way to put a bid together it would be really special. They’re community-owned, which makes them different.” - L

In the poll, “Denver” easily won with 50% of the overall vote. Tampa Bay and Cleveland were tied in second place with 22% of the vote each. It would be really cool to see a team in Denver. We need an NWSL snow game.

UP NEXT
Summer of Soccer 🧀

Cheesy but true. The next few months will be huge for the sport in our country. The start of June will bring TST and a million-dollar prize, so keep your eyes peeled for what that first big tournament of the summer delivers! Last year’s was unforgettable.

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