The Factory Worker That Transformed Soccer

This week, we look at the story of the humble steelworker who became a pivotal soccer tycoon in our country. It’s a proper Labor Day soccer tale. Plus, we revisit the first NWSL final, catch up with New Jersey and Villarreal legend Giuseppe Rossi, invest with Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• ✍️ Giuseppe Rossi Feature

• 🏆 The First NWSL Final

• 👨‍🏭 The Factory Worker That Transformed Soccer

• 📈 Wake Me Up When September Ends

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

CLUBELEVEN
Giuseppe Rossi Feature

From Manchester United to Villarreal to Fiorentina, Giuseppe Rossi was one of the first American-born players to reach success at some of the old continent’s most prominent and historic teams.

Following his recent retirement, we met Giuseppe where it all began: New Jersey.

It’s been some 30-odd years since he first kicked a soccer ball in the Garden State, and he’s had a career that’s taken him all over the world. But now he finds himself just where he was all those decades ago — uncertain about what the future holds, but eager to make it his own.

Check out our exclusive feature with Giuseppe right here.

OUR HISTORY
The First NWSL Final

Eleven years ago, on August 31, 2013, the NWSL held its inaugural championship match. It was a special affair between the Portland Thorns and the now-defunct Western New York Flash.

The Flash arrived as favorites with a 10-8-4 regular season record, but the Thorns weren’t too far behind with an 11-5-6 record. It was poised to be a stellar battle between two giants.

In the end, the Thorns came out victorious with a solid 2-0 win, and they became the first NWSL champions in history. Today, they boast three championship trophies. How time flies.

COVER STORY
The Factory Worker That Transformed Soccer

On the day we celebrate the social and economic achievements of American workers, there’s no one better to highlight than the great Edgar Lewis. His tale perfectly exemplifies the glory of the American soccer dream.

Edgar moved to America from Wales when he was just 14, and he first learned soccer in the United States. After spending some time working as a tool dresser in a Pittsburgh steel factory, he joined Bethlehem Steel Corp as head of their accounting department in 1904. Soon, he’d be instrumental in starting one of the most decorated clubs in American soccer history.

Over in South Bethlehem, he’d regularly play pick-up games with mill workers, and he was part of the original group of players from his company that formed the mythical Bethlehem Steel soccer team in 1907. But he took things a step further.

Edgar was a pioneer when it came to signing players from abroad. It was a practice that enraged many European clubs, as Edgar and Bethlehem Steel would poach some of their best talents and bring them to America.

By 1916, even though Edgar had left the playing squad, his contributions would only become more crucial. He’d moved up to executive vice president of the whole Bethlehem Steel Corporation and could vie for the team’s interests from his high-powered position.

Thanks to his maneuvers from the Bethlehem Steel offices, the amateur team he’d helped start all those years ago gradually became professional, and it urged other early teams in America to do the same.

Under his reign, Bethlehem Steel won five U.S. Open Cups, six American Football Association Cups, and two American Soccer League titles. Even Florentino Perez would be impressed.

In 1950, Edgar Lewis was part of the inaugural class of inductees to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the most important figures in our soccer history. He was crucial in making pro soccer in America a reality, and his journey from steelworker to soccer tycoon is worth celebrating.

BUSINESS
Wake Me Up When September Ends

Last year, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong became part of the Oakland Roots ownership group. Now, you can join him, too.

In a fitting turn of events, the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul will be opening up a second round of community investment this September.

Here’s how you can become an owner alongside Billie Joe, Jason Kidd, Marshawn Lynch, and G-Eazy. Last year, all it took was as little as $100.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Drop your opinions and stories! We’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Super Sofia: She’s a certified legend. With her goal over the weekend, Sofia Huerta is now one of the only two players to have scored in every single NWSL regular season since 2015.

Spurs-Bound: Johnny Cardoso to North London? Here’s the latest on this intriguing deal.

Clash Watch: The San Jose Earthquakes turned back time with this one. Their giveaway this weekend was awesome. We’re suckers for all things retro, clearly.

Free Agents: The NWSL free agency period is now open. The full list of available players is quite incredible.

Wholesome: RSL’s annual teddy bear toss was a huge success. Check out the heartwarming scenes from Salt Lake.

WC 2026
Creating the Perfect Grass

The 2024 Copa America cast a negative spotlight on the pitches in our biggest stadiums. But ~science~ is coming to the rescue ahead of the World Cup.

FIFA is said to be partnering with turf experts at the University of Tennessee and Michigan State University to research and develop the best surfaces for the tournament.

Here’s what John Sorochan, professor of turfgrass science and management at Tennesee, had to say about it. He already had to tackle this challenge back in ‘94. We’ll be in good hands.

GRASSROOTS
Kliq Fest 2024

It was a special one. This past Saturday, the Massachusetts community showed up to the first annual Kliq Fest, organized by Kliq founder and Chelsea, MA native Javi Villeda. There was a footy tournament, taco trucks, DJs setting the vibes with all your favorite Spanish songs, and even free ice cream courtesy of the local police department. A true event for the community, by the community.

With local sponsors like the New England Revolution, the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce, and the Boys and Girls Club of Boston, this event had it all.

The soccer tournament had proper street football vibes, with people of all ages playing against each other like it was the World Cup. And this is just the beginning for Javi Villeda and Kliq as the lifestyle apparel brand continues to grow. With such a successful first event, we can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you if you thought a USL team could do well in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Here are some of your answers:

• “No chance. The only club they would beat would be a Caribbean club. Central American clubs and North American clubs are too strong. It would still be a fun experience though.” - Dario

• “It’d be very unlikely, even for clubs like Indy or Lou City. You never know, though.” - D

In the poll, “No” won with 58% of the vote. Most readers thought there was absolutely no chance. It was tragic that Indy Eleven failed to qualify. In a few years, I think a USL team could hypothetically have a decent campaign.

UP NEXT
Fall Season

We’ve got more feature stories coming up to close out the year, as well as new product to show you in the coming months. We’ve been working on this latter one for quite some time, and we can’t wait to share it with you in due time.

As always, stay tuned, and let us know if there’s anything you’d like to see from us this fall! It should be a fun back half of the year.

Pass It Along

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