The First Amateur Team to Lift The Open Cup

A group of workers, a shifty lawyer, and an unforgettable championship. This week, we take a look at the story behind the first-ever amateur team to win the US Open Cup. Plus, we dive into the ultimate hack to get into the 2026 World Cup, that one time the MetroStars took over a Spanish villa, and a special spotlight on one of today’s most talented soccer creators.

This week’s stories:

• 💼 Volunteer at the World Cup

• 🏰 MetroStars Conquer Spanish Villa

• 👷🏼‍♂️ The First Amateur Team to Lift the Open Cup

• 🍿 Join Us at Kicking + Screening

• 🗳️ Poll & Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

2026 WORLD CUP
Volunteer at the World Cup

Volunteer opportunities to work at the World Cup just opened up, and it’s one of the most underrated ways to attend for free. With ticket prices skyrocketing for sporting events, it might be smart to keep this option in your back pocket – just in case you want to be at even more games. 

There are 16 different roles to choose from, ranging from team and guest services, to antidoping, sustainability, and match operations. If you’re smart, some roles may get you into games or at the very least give you a story to tell your grandchildren. 

You can access this special FIFA portal to apply and learn more about each role.

OUR HISTORY
MetroStars Conquer Spanish Villa

Twenty years ago today, the NY MetroStars made history by winning La Manga Cup in Spain. It was the first time an MLS club won an international trophy outside American soil.

This tournament was held at an exclusive sports villa in Murcia, and it invited up-and-coming teams from Europe and North America. The MetroStars came in as underdogs and defeated teams from Spain, Norway, and Ukraine to earn the title. 

The tournament was said to carry good luck as Rubin Kazan and Shaktar Donestk went on to win their first Russian Championships and UEFA Cups, respectively, after lifting La Manga Cup. Unfortunately for the MetroStars, their luck was not the same in MLS.

COVER STORY
The First Amateur Team to Lift The Open Cup

In 1936, the Uhrik Truckers – at the time known as the Philadelphia German Americans – became the first amateur team to win the US Open Cup. To this day, it remains one of the most incredible victories in the trophy’s centuries-long history. 

The team was founded in 1924 among German friends and rifling aficionados from Philadelphia. At the helm was Elmer Schroeder, a lawyer by trade and avid soccer fan. Under his tutelage, this squad of amateurs was able to go on a championship run for the ages. 

Schroeder served as USFA president in the early ‘30s and even managed the US team at the 1934 World Cup, paving the way for him and his pupils back in Philly to claim the 1936 Open Cup. They defeated countless opponents on their road to the title, but none bigger than the three-time defending champions St. Louis Shamrocks in the grand final. 

In a time when the Open Cup is in danger, this amateur team’s remarkable run in 1936 reminds us why the legacy of our national cup competition must be preserved. The dream of being a national champion has fueled generations of players to strive for glory, uplifting the sport in the process. 

CINEMA
Join Us at Kicking + Screening 

North America’s biggest soccer film festival is back this month, and we’ve been invited to speak as part of their additional programming. 

On March 14th, we’ll have the honor to participate in the festival’s “Soccer & the Creative Mind” Panel, where we’ll explore the intersection of soccer and creativity through the lens of fashion, film, and photography alongside other guest speakers. 

The festival will be showcasing some fantastic films and shorts across March 14 - 16 at Football Cafe in New York, and it’s the perfect stage for soccer and film enthusiasts to celebrate the beautiful game. It’ll be the festival’s 14th year running, and we can’t wait to see you there!

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

You can check out the results from last week’s poll at the bottom of this email.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

You can check out the results from last week’s poll at the bottom of this email.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Battle of Hoth: A lowly band of rebels fighting the empire in the snow? It wasn’t the plot of Star Wars Ep. 5, but rather the RSL v LAFC match we saw this weekend. Aaron Baker captured it perfectly.

Whistleblowers: FootyHeadlines never fails with the leaks, and they showed a sneak peek of the USMNT Copa America jerseys for this summer. They’re at least better than the World Cup ones.

Sad Tea Party: It was a shot heard ‘round the world. The NE Revs tried a new tradition on Sunday, inspired by the Boston Tea Party. They ended up getting mocked for how underwhelming it was.

Gressel on the Mic: American content creator Zealand and Inter Miami midfielder Julian Gressel dropped the first episode of their new podcast, and they had a big revelation. Messi actually speaks English.

Black and Yellow: Another European club is ready to make its stamp on the US. Borussia Dortmund unveiled its NYC office last week, signaling the club’s intent to work on further initiatives in the Americas.

WOMEN’S SOCCER
Record-Breaking Prodigy

Last week, McKenna Whitham became the youngest player ever to score for an NWSL team, netting a goal in a Gotham pre-season friendly.  

This came just one week after she signed a name, image, and likeness deal with Nike, making her the youngest women's soccer player and youngest athlete in any sport to sign this type of deal. 

All of this at just 13 years old. Most of us were just trying to pass 8th-grade algebra at that age. 

INTERVIEW
Justin Amatucci Feature

Through his engrossing mixed media clips, @frgm.tv has become one of the most notable video creators in the soccer space over the past year. 

This month, we traveled down to Orlando to catch up with Justin and learn more about his creative process. From stepping away from the pitch, to discovering his true passion in college, Justin’s story is a reminder that you don’t need extensive experience to create something special in the North American soccer space. 

See how he did it. 

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you to choose a kit manufacturer for your own hypothetical club. Here are some of your best answers:

• “Macron! What they’ve done with the CPL is very impressive!” – Keveren

• “Kappa!” – Jack, Joseph, and Matt

• “Charly. They have unique designs and good quality and don’t charge exorbitant prices.” – Eric

• “New Balance or Umbro.” – Mick

• “Olive & York.” – John and Phil

• “Calle as the manufacturer and CLUBELEVEN as the jersey sponsor.” – Travis

In the poll, Adidas and the “Other” option tied with 28% of the vote each. These results show that there’s a wide variance when it comes to everyone’s favorite kit manufacturers. Notably, there was a lot of love for smaller brands. 

We really enjoyed reading your takes from last Tuesday, so drop us a line on this week’s poll to be featured up next.

Let’s Keep Going

What a start to the season it’s been. We’ll see you again next week with even more untold stories of soccer. 

Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo