The Miracle in Paysandu

In 1995, the USMNT shocked the world at Copa America. So much so that Diego Simeone threatened to kill US star Eric Wynalda. This week, we look back at our country’s most important international performance to date. Hopefully, we top it this year. Plus, we highlight a pivotal soccer day in Vermont, revisit the best goal in US history, round out our first week of Copa America coverage, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🎉 Party in the USA

• 🌲 96 Hours in Vermont

• 🙌 The Miracle in Paysandu

• 🏟️ Pitchside at Copa America

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
Party in the USA

We all remember where we were on June 23rd, 2010. No matter his questionable hairdos or infamous commercials for Mexico, no one can erase Landon’s glorious moment at the South Africa World Cup. 14 years later, it still triggers chills.

The story was almost out of a cliché Hollywood film. Win or go home, time expiring, and a patriotic player ready to leave it all on the line. The rest is history, but I’ll let Landon, Pulisic, and Tyler Adams describe it. 

GROWING THE GAME
96 Hours in Vermont

With Sam Mewis as coach, Vermont Green FC Women played their first-ever game at Virtue Field in Burlington. It was a momentous occasion for one of America’s most exciting clubs. As usual, the talented Spenser Powell was there to immortalize the scenes.

In his latest photo essay, Spenser chronicles the team’s journey from initial introductions and tentative first practices to the electrifying moments on the field where bonds were forged and legends were born.

Over those four days, the players defied expectations and overcame heavy challenges, displaying not just athletic prowess but also the resilience and camaraderie that define true teamwork. These photos celebrate their spirit, determination, and the indelible mark they left on Vermont.

COVER STORY
The Miracle in Paysandu

It was 1995, and no one expected anything out of the USMNT. They’d just been invited to Copa America for the second time ever, and they were looking to better their finish from a few years prior. It wouldn’t be a hard task considering they’d only managed to earn one point in their previous rodeo.

But that’s what makes this tale so endearing. The US arrived at this Copa America edition in Uruguay as the absolute underdogs — the pity guests.

The team settled in the small city of Paysandu to play all of their Group Stage matches. They soon became crowd favorites of the locals due to their heart and tenacity.

A gritty victory over Chile in the opening match, and a narrow loss against Bolivia in the second game, set the stage for a pivotal duel against the defending champions Argentina. A Knockout Round ticket hung in the balance.

In a shocking turn of events, the USMNT defeated Argentina 3-0. To date, it’s one of the most incredible results in US soccer history. But that’s not all. Fate would have it that their Quarterfinal match would be against Mexico — also to be played in Paysandu. It was the USMNT’s lucky city at this point, and you can probably guess what happened next.

Looking back at this unparalleled Copa America run by the USMNT, it shows us that we have what it takes to slay giants. Why not have a little faith this summer? We’ve pulled off miracles before.

CLUBELEVEN
Pitchside at Copa America

It feels like we’ve been waiting forever for this one. Opening week of Copa America was a special one, and we were right there to capture all the action.

Up first, we saw Messi and Co. take on Canada, who put on a valiant performance and seem to be surprise candidates to go through in Group A.

Over in Dallas, we got to cover Peru and Chile, while also getting to highlight the curious story of a Peruvian Viking.

The USMNT made their much-anticipated debut against Bolivia, and Pulisic gave us a moment we won’t soon forget.

We also had the chance to be in Houston and see one of our favorite Colombians roll back the clock with a vintage performance.

It’s been a busy but fun few days following this historic tournament, and you can continue to catch all our pitchside coverage right here this week.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know your thoughts — we’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Half Empty, Half Full: TV viewership is up, but attendance is low. An interesting read on this phenomenon at Copa America.

FortyOne Life: From style stories to kit collabs, we’ve been enjoying FortyOne Mag’s latest emails. Keep up here for stories from the Concacaf region.

USMNT’s New Recruit: We’ve seen them do what Pulisic and company couldn’t do last week. Maybe it’s not too late to sign them up ahead of 2026?

MLS to Indy: There are new developments on one of the most shocking announcements from the last couple of months. The timeline seems to be accelerating.

Episode 2: NSC TV x Paris keeps on rolling. Neighborhood Sports Club is representing the US in one of France’s biggest street soccer tournaments, and it’s been great getting to follow along on their journey.

FASHION
The Ramos Tee

There’s more to these tees than meets the eye. We got to know Able Made founder Suzanne McKenzie a few months ago at the Kicking + Screening Festival, and we had the chance to learn about the incredible mission behind her company.

After losing her husband to sudden cardiac arrest while playing the game he loved, Suzanne created a youth soccer foundation in his honor and followed with Able Made to support it. Since launching in 2012, Able Made weaves circularity, sustainability, quality, and authenticity into purposeful collections that are more gentle on the planet, generate local jobs, create healthier communities, and give back.

This cheeky shirt dubbed ‘the Ramos Pocket Tee’ will support city-youth health via the Ucal McKenzie Breakaway Foundation. Check out the shirts right here and see how you can give a hand too.

FUTURES
Super League Prodigy

It’s not every day you see a pro club sign a 14-year-old prodigy. The Carolina Ascent from the USL Super League just made a very interesting move.

Providing opportunities for young players to compete in the highest flight of women’s soccer will be key for this new league to flourish. Could this be their path forward to challenge the NWSL?

The competition to sign young talents will hopefully lead both leagues to start seriously building their academies. Everyone wins.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you who you think will win Copa America. Here are some of your answers:

• “LET’S GO US‼️ 🇺🇸” - Morgen

• “Uruguay!!!” - Nico

• “Ecuador.” - T Albarracin

• “USA. Can you imagine?” - D

In the poll, “Argentina” won with 48% of the vote, while “Brazil” and “USA” earned second place with 17% of the vote each. It’ll be tough to beat the World Champs for sure. Brazil isn’t looking too good after last night.

UP NEXT
Wilson’s Gallery

Due to overwhelming demand, we’ve opened up a second night for our first event of the year. Come join us this Saturday in NYC for an evening filled with exclusive soccer art pieces, drinks & food, and a Copa America watch party.

You can RSVP right here.

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