Landing Planes at Midfield

Today is the anniversary of Amelia Earhart’s first solo trip across the Atlantic. Although we couldn’t find any evidence she liked soccer, it inspired us to highlight one of the greatest crossovers between aviation and the beautiful sport. This week, we look at the story of the Carolina Lightnin’, its crazy owners, and the most outrageous marketing stunt in our soccer history. Plus, we dive into the pettiest conflict in soccer right now, prepare for the freestyle event of the summer, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• ⚔️ Black and Blue

• 🤹 Foreign Jam IV

• 🛩️ The Kings of Soccer Marketing

• 🏛️ Political Prisoners

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
Black and Blue

On May 21, 1993, the Montreal Impact played their first-ever home game at the Claude-Robillard Sports Complex. Their squad was nothing short of puzzling.

From licensed mathematicians to French Ligue 1 veterans, the Impact had it all. 

On that fateful opening day, they were able to earn a 4-2 victory against the Tampa Bay Rowdies and kick off the story of one of North America’s most notable clubs.

Also, shoutout to that gorgeous Inter Milan-esque jersey they wore back in those days.

FREESTYLE
Foreign Jam IV

Last year, we had the privilege of going to Foreign Jam III — a freestyle competition aiming to grow the freestyle scene in the States. Now, their fourth edition is finally here.

On May 25th, participants and contestants will descend on LA for a dream evening of footy. The main course will be the freestyle competition, but there will also be live art, screen printing, a pop-up from the Football Boutique, and more.

If you’re in town, you’ve got no excuse to miss it. You can RSVP right here.

COVER STORY
The Kings of Soccer Marketing

The Carolina Lightnin’ took soccer marketing to new heights — figuratively and literally. To date, they may have just been the most creative team in American soccer history.

In their debut season, the club faced the challenge of placing butts in seats, and GM Ed Young and head coach Rodney Marsh devised fan activations ranging from clever to flat-out outrageous.

Their first act was a contest involving paper airplanes and a Camaro Z-28 parked at midfield. Fans would have to fold pages of the Charlotte Observer and try to land their paper planes inside the car’s sunroof. Four finalists would then be chosen and given a set of keys. Whoever had the one that turned on the ignition, won the car. A cool contest, for sure — but this was merely the start.

For their next trick, they stepped up their game, gifting a real two-seater Tomahawk airplane to one lucky spectator. Fans would have to fill a trivia card in the Charlotte Observer, and those with perfect scores would qualify for the final round. Finalists would then line up at the edge of the 18-yard box at halftime and fling frisbees toward the nose of the plane at midfield. Whoever got it closest, would win the $36k Piper Tomahawk. Adjusted for inflation, that’s a $113k aircraft.

Aside from the team’s seeming obsession with real and fake aviation, they also had good taste in music. For another marketing stunt, they got the Beach Boys to play a full concert ten minutes after the final whistle had blown at one of their matches.

These days you’re lucky if you get a club-branded towel at a game. Soccer in the ‘80s was just different.

EXPANSION
The Land

With the NWSL set to make a decision on its next expansion city by Q4 of this year, some markets are openly flirting with the league.

This past week, the Cleveland Soccer Group dropped plans for a soccer-specific stadium in downtown Cleveland. If it all comes to fruition, the stadium would be the first dedicated women's sports facility in the United States funded by a combination of public and private funds.

Of course, everything hinges on whether they can convince NWSL to bring pro women’s soccer to the Land. With other great cities in contention, it’ll be a tough battle.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know which one you think would be best for the league and why. We’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Taking Root: The Richmond Ivy’s inaugural USL W League game was special. Here’s how we captured it alongside the talented Nico Polo.

Jesters Preview: It was a blast getting to tell the stories of Jesters fans, players, and owners down in New Orleans. Here’s a video sneak peek into our work with the club and Admiral.

Peace Collective x CPL: Our friends over at Darby Mag put this Canadian collection on our map. One of the nicest-looking capsules in recent memory.

Camp Soc: With summer around the corner, it’s almost camp season for many kids across the country. Gotta give props to whoever came up with this funny thread of USMNT players as camp employees.

Corny: It was quite a sight to behold. Would’ve never imagined seeing Federico Bernardeschi with this cut. Just stunned.

LAW
Political Prisoners

It’s probably one of the pettiest decisions we’ve ever seen in American soccer.

Last week, NPSL suspended Tulsa Athletic, the defending 2023 league champions. In their statement, the board of directors gave no specific reason for the decision, but of course, there are things you’ll never find in a press release.

From bad management to an ongoing lawsuit, this is what really prompted one of the strangest announcements we’ve seen in recent years. You know soccer is flourishing when even the fourth tier makes waves with alleged acts of corruption.

FASHION
Raquinho Vintage Tee

He’s taken the league by storm, and there’s already merch circulating with his likeness. Bootleg MLS were quick to drop a vintage-inspired tee featuring everyone’s favorite raccoon.

Although he was eventually caught after scampering through Subaru Park, Raquinho was released safely into the wild by Hoffman’s Exterminating. At least that’s the official narrative. 

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you whether Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT or Jesse Marsch’s Canada would do better at Copa America 2024. Here are some of your best answers:

• “Gregg Berhalter. The team has an easier path and has more experience.” - Ben

• “Gregg Berhalter. In spite of him, our squad is better and Canada is going through a rebuild. We’re also at home.” - J

In the poll, “Gregg Berhalter’s USMNT” easily won with 65% of the vote. Turns out there wasn’t much divisiveness. Most of us will back the USMNT no matter what 🦅.

UP NEXT
A Proper Soccer Lair

We’re gearing up to release the second episode of our Grails series, and it was a fun one to film. Unbelievable items from around the world, extremely limited edition artifacts, and a fingerprint-protected room. Our jaws were on the floor, and we can’t wait to share it with you all soon!

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo