When New Yorkers Saved Barça From Bankruptcy

This week, we look at the story of how a few teams in Brooklyn helped save FC Barcelona from financial ruin during the Spanish Civil War. Plus, we tune into Freekit Radio, examine some gorgeous soccer-inspired art, check out a special job opening, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🎨 MLS Facelift

• 📻 Freekit Radio

• 💸 When New Yorkers Saved Barça From Bankruptcy

• 👑 Return of the King?

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
MLS Facelift

Ten years ago today, MLS unveiled its brand-new logo, which has stood firm ever since. Unfortunately, it marked the end of the classic boot and ball combo that had represented MLS for two solid decades.

The design of the new MLS crest came in the colors of the U.S. and Canada, and it featured three stars aiming to represent “community, club, and country.” The crest was released during the minimalist craze of the mid-2010s, and the designers were allegedly inspired by Apple and other companies with sleek, straightforward logos.

We’ll never forget the beloved boot and ball, though. Reject modernity.

MUSIC
Freekit Radio

This one’s for those who transcend the pre-match playlist. The ones who look beyond Wavin’ Flag, Atomic Kitten, and whatever EDM mixes feature in the “Welcome_to_Fenerbache_Skills & Goals” YouTube highlight reels.

Frgm.tv and Full Kit have teamed up to release a collaborative radio and playlisting program that’s bound to turn some ears. But there’s more.

For every episode release, they’ll be giving out a free kit from their archive to one lucky listener.

Subscribe to their email list to enter and get playlist/mix updates.

COVER STORY
When New Yorkers Saved Barça From Bankruptcy

It was the year 1937, and Spain was in the midst of a bloody civil war after a military coup at the hands of General Francisco Franco.

All domestic soccer had been canceled in Spain, Franco’s soldiers had killed Barça president Josep Sunol, fan membership had decreased threefold, and the club faced near insurmountable debt. The future spelled doom for FC Barcelona, but they placed their hopes in one final last-ditch effort: a lengthy North American tour.

The squad endured a dangerous trip to first get out of the country, going as far as hiding out in a tunnel as bombs fell over their heads prior to sailing out of the town of Portbou.

When they made it to Mexico, they played a total of ten matches against storied clubs from that country. Initially, that was all they had planned, but with the conflict still raging back home and the club still facing a dire need for cash, they set course for New York.

This would be the team’s first time in the city, and the trip was paid by friends and supporters from New York. It was an emotional arrival, and the story goes that the players wept as they saw the Statue of Liberty and reflected on the situation going on in their home country.

The first match took place on September 6th against Brooklyn Hispano, who they defeated 4-2. They rounded out their tour with victories against a “New York Team,” the “American Soccer League” squad, and a “Jewish community soccer team.”

Overall, their whole North American campaign was a resounding success. The tour made a profit of 461,799 Spanish pesetas (conversions by some experts range between $1M - $10M into today’s money), and the club was able to clear its debts.

The support from clubs and fans in Mexico and New York ensured FC Barcelona could recover financially, and they essentially ensured Barça’s continuity. Looking back, it’s an honor to know our soccer forefathers helped save a club of that stature.

TRANSFERS
Return of the King?

One last dance. It seems like we’ll get to witness Carlos Vela return to LAFC after nearly ten months of inactivity. It’s something straight out of a movie.

Vela’s last professional game was in last year’s MLS Cup defeat at the hands of Columbus Crew, and it seems like the Mexican international is thirsty for revenge. Now the real question is how much he’ll actually be able to contribute during these upcoming playoffs.

Either way, seeing LAFC’s first-ever signing return to the club is an emotional moment. No matter how this story ends, it’ll surely be an exciting one at every turn.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

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

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Crown Jewel: NYCFC made a big statement a couple of months ago when they dropped plans to build a new stadium in the Big Apple. Here’s how they’re now aiming for it to become the “crown jewel” of MLS stadiums.

Shoot for the Stars: In his first interview after being named the new USMNT head coach, Mauricio Pochettino revealed why he chose the United States job, went in-depth on what he's hoping to implement in the squad, and made quite an ambitious statement.

Modesto: Soccer expansion in our country knows no bounds. This is the latest market that could soon be the home of a new USL team.

Azulejo: We have to give our flowers to Charlotte Independence for this gorgeous kit celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. What a beauty.

Gone Too Far: Some NWSL execs had a few controversial comments over the latest reforms across the league.

JOBS
‘OKC for Soccer’ Producer

It’s your chance to get in on the ground floor to help build a pro soccer club, elevate the sport in a special city, and shape the future of this region.

Our good friends at Short Corner Media are looking for a part-time Social Media Producer with a passion for soccer and Oklahoma City to support “OKC for Soccer,” the new initiative to reimagine professional soccer in Oklahoma.

The initiative includes the development of fully professional women's and men's teams and the construction of a new, multipurpose stadium in downtown Oklahoma City. It’s an exciting time for the sport in OKC to say the least.

You can apply right here, or make sure to pass along this opportunity to anyone you think might be a good fit!

ART
Adidas Homeware by Halftime

A unique release by Halftime and Adidas. This past week, the two unveiled a collection and exhibit that offers a moment to pause and reimagine the intersection of ceramics and the beautiful game.

These pieces reflect the teachings, natural processes, and material qualities of wabi-sabi, a Japanese philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection and life's impermanence. More specifically, they aim to reinterpret traditional symbols of athletic success — such as trophies — capturing the emotional complexity, movement, and dynamism within the beautiful game.

This exciting collection/show titled “FORMATIONS” is the work of Brooklyn native and former NCAA soccer player Lev Rosenbush, whose approach reflects a deep appreciation for the craft of ceramics, while simultaneously celebrating the rhythm and vitality of the beautiful game.

As Lev puts it, "Football currently doesn't exist in the home in a tasteful way. I'm trying to change that and say sports can exist in the home in the same way as a Loewe candle or a similar product. It will inevitably shift the perception of what a sports fan looks like.”

We got to cross paths with Lev at TST earlier this summer (he designed the incredible championship trophies), and we couldn’t be happier to see this latest collection come to life. You can learn more about these pieces and his previous work right here.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you who you thought deserved to make the Hall of Fame the most? Here are some of your answers:

• “Oguchi Onyewu. I think he was the first US player to play for Milan. While at Milan, he had a serious injury and asked not to get paid (I think it was significant money ~ $1m?). That’s some honor/love for the game stuff. On top of that, he gets into a fight with Zlatan on the training ground! How many players have done that?” - Manny

• “Nick Rimando. [But] my first choice would be Clive Charles.” - SW

• “Chris Wondolowski. Forget the famous miss, the guy scored a ton of goals and had an incredible mindset.” John

In the poll, “Chris Wondolowski” earned 46% of the vote among the field of six options, while “Nick Rimando” came in second with 24% of the vote. The MLS all-time top goal scorer took this one handily, and John is absolutely spot on with his comment.

UP NEXT
Down South

This week, I’ll be heading to Santiago de Chile to visit some family. There should be a great Colo-Colo vs River Plate game happening the day I arrive, so hopefully I’ll be able to catch it. Either way, I’ve already started to look into a curious connection between a Chilean First Division soccer club and a renowned American football team. I’ll share more upon my return next week.

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