George Lucas Rescued Indoor Soccer

Darth Vader, a soccer team in Cleveland, and George Lucas to the rescue. This week, we look back at the story of how Star Wars helped save an indoor soccer franchise — and the sport as a whole. Pretty fitting after this ‘May the 4th’ weekend. Plus, we check out the Congressional Soccer Match, unveil our tees, revisit the first-ever pro league title from 1921/22, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 👕 They’re Here!

• 🏆 The Founding Fathers

• 🌠 George Lucas Saved Indoor Soccer

• 🇺🇸 The Congressional Soccer Match

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

CLUBELEVEN
They’re Here

Our collective identity. Behind the boards, in the studio, or on the streets, our icon keeps us grounded. A CLUBELEVEN that you can wear, represent, and hold.

It’s been a while since we last did a tee drop, but it felt like the right time again. One made for the friendships, passion, and dedication that comes with being part of this growing community.

We’ve only made limited quantities, and we wanted you to have first dibs. As always, all proceeds from our merchandise will go straight back into funding our upcoming creative projects and bring you even closer to the game we all love. Check them out. 

OUR HISTORY
The Founding Fathers

Over 100 years ago this week, the Philadelphia Field Club earned a title for the ages. On May 6, 1922, they became the first-ever champions of a professional league in the United States.

The original American Soccer League kicked off in September of 1921 with eight teams, before eventually dropping down to seven. It was a fierce battle in the standings, but in late April and early May of 1922, Philadelphia FC managed to pull away.

They ended the season with 38 points — five clear of New York FC. They didn’t know it then, but over a century later, we’d be looking back at that title in awe. Imagine getting to say you were the first pro champions of a whole country.

COVER STORY
George Lucas Rescued Indoor Soccer

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was an indoor soccer team that had a higher average attendance than the Cleveland Cavaliers. The stuff of fantasy… except it was real. In the ‘80s, the Cleveland Force of the MISL were near magic.

After all, their name had been inspired by the mystical power named in the movie. And they made the most out of it. Team introductions featured fog machines, lights, loud music, and an appearance from their mascot — Darth Vader.

Of course, the team soon faced litigation in the 1981/82 season for their use of copyrighted material, and Vader was benched. But somehow, the owners struck a deal with George Lucas, and Lord Vader made a triumphant return the following year.

Chalk it up to the mysterious ways of the Force, but Cleveland didn’t dip below 12k average attendance for the next five seasons. They even topped at nearly 20k attendance for some matches.

The idea of turning games into a spectacle was exactly what the team needed to capture a large local audience. Because of their high attendance, the Cleveland Force was the only profitable team in MISL for most of the ‘80s.

They were the model franchise. And in an uncertain time for the sport in our country, the Force showed that there was a way forward for indoor soccer in America. Maybe we have Vader and Lucas to thank. 

POLITICS
The Congressional Soccer Match

Back in 2022, we got a real glimpse of how much bureaucrats love soccer. We were in the middle of our World Cup coverage in restaurants across the country, and our Uber driver in DC did us a solid. He was from Sri Lanka but worked at the Uruguayan embassy. Go figure.

He got us past security, and we ended up watching Ghana vs Uruguay next to the ambassador and the former president of Uruguay. Unreal.

Soon after, we learned the US Soccer Foundation hosts an Embassy Tournament and a Congressional Match in the heart of the capital every year. If you’re in the area, that’s going down tomorrow, and general admission is free. Even the suits can’t resist a good pickup session.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

This question comes courtesy of our awesome reader Dario. He mentioned he’s curious to see what everyone thinks of this subject, especially after last week. We’ll keep you posted on the results, and let us know what you think is the maximum number of teams the league should have.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

‘Lewis’ Acosta: Good ole Lucho Acosta is working on getting his American citizenship, and he doubled down on his intention to play for the USMNT. Would he fit in the squad?

The Roast of Tom Brady: If he’s a true sportsman, no jab could’ve cut deeper than his Birmingham City getting relegated to League One on Saturday. Bring on the All-American derby against Wrexham, though.

Americans Don’t Know Geography: Chris Richards dispelled that myth beautifully. He put the PL to shame with this performance. 

Catfished: It’s hard not to get swept up in the emotion of the Stanley Cup. But Walker Zimmerman may have taken it a bit too far with this bizarre appearance on the Nashville Predators’ jumbotron. Respect.

KidSuper FC: He had Ronaldinho walk the runway at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year. But can the fashion mogul pull off signing him for his 6v6 squad? All is set for a star-studded showdown against Mo Ali on June 16th. Mark your calendars.

WWC 2031
Just Give Me A Reason

What a blow that was. Hearing the news that the US-MEX bid for the 2027 WC was getting pushed back to 2031 cut deep. We were supposed to have that as the second Big Bang after the 2026 World Cup. But maybe it’s smart.

Aside from disagreements between the US and Mexican federations, there seem to have been good reasons to push it all back.

Extending the golden window of soccer in North America, playing in all NFL Stadiums, and setting a path to equal prize money with the Men’s World Cup are just a few of those reasons.

POLICE MATTERS
Rolling With the Punches

If I had a nickel for every time an MLS player has gotten in a bar fight this past week, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

Orlando goalie Mason Stajduhar was arrested last Sunday after an altercation with security guards at a nightclub. But that would only be the start of the trend.

Later that week, it was reported that FC Cincinnati’s Aaron Boupendza broke his jaw in a bar fight against pro boxer Quashawn Toler. Boupendza will now be out for 6-8 weeks. You can’t really expect soccer players to be good with their hands.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you if MLS poaching USL markets was good for soccer in the US. Here are some of your best answers:

• “No. Let Soccer live where it's flourishing! MLS is more about business than soccer.” - John

• “Yes. Cities with strong USL markets that have gone into MLS have some of the best supporters in the world. Take a look at Portland.” - A

• “I don’t know if it’s good or bad, ultimately, but it leaves me feeling confused… Confused and disappointed, most of all by US, the American soccer fans. The question is this: do we want clubs that are genuinely born from [and exist] for a community? Or do we want cushy, shiny, customer experiences of our club? People claim to want authentic soccer culture up and down the pyramid, but aren’t willing to give up tiny bits of comfort to support their local clubs. We’re missing the point man. I guess in the end I think it’s a bad thing.” - Pierre

• “No, it destroys meaningful soccer communities. As a former San Diego Loyal supporter and season ticket holder, I’ve seen it firsthand.” - Eric

In the poll, the “No” answer took the top spot with 72% of the vote.

We’ve never had such a one-sided winner in the poll. It pretty much summarizes what most of us are feeling with all this news of expansion. Thank you to everyone who shared and looking forward to your responses this week!

UP NEXT
Chuggin’ Along

We opened up funding for our soccer card drinking game last Thursday, and we’re already 85% of the way there to reach our goal! If you want to be the first to get a pack and be a founding member of Give&Go, head right here.

Thank you all for your support so far, and we can’t wait to keep pushing with these creative projects as we head into the summer. We’ll toast to that 🍻

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