Presidential Varsity Soccer

Back in 1963, Donald Trump played varsity soccer for one year. This week, we uncover what his season looked like and whether he was any good. Plus, we revisit the largest win in US soccer history, examine Bad Bunny’s foray into USL, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🏅 Our Largest Win Ever

• 🐰 Bad Bunny’s USL Clúb

• 🤔 Playing Soccer With Trump

• 🇧🇷 The Neymar Saga

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
Our Largest Win Ever

For some reason, I thought it would definitely be the 13-0 against Thailand at the 2019 World Cup, but I was wrong.

Our largest margin of victory as a country came in a 14-0 win against the Dominican Republic on January 20, 2012. Almost 13 years ago to the day.

It was a complete beatdown by the USWNT, and it could be a record that honestly lasts for decades. You can check out the full symphony of goals here.

BUSINESS
Bad Bunny’s USL Clúb

It’s been almost 14 years since USL’s short-lived Puerto Rico experiment. Back in 2011, Puerto Rico United, River Plate Puerto Rico, and Sevilla FC Puerto Rico all participated in the International Division of USL.

It was an ambitious endeavor considering it was USL Pro’s first-ever season, and it didn’t last long. By May 2011, the Puerto Rican clubs were all dropped due to economic and ownership issues.

Well, now it seems like Bad Bunny may be bringing USL back to Puerto Rico. What a dream that would be. Here’s how he’d make it happen.

COVER STORY
Playing Soccer With Trump

He’s the last person I would’ve ever expected to have had a soccer career, but I suppose the NY Military Academy Yearbook doesn’t lie. Turns out that in 1963, Donald Trump played varsity soccer for his high school.

Aside from that small snippet in his school records and a black-and-white team photo, there’s also some testimony from his classmates that may give us a clue about how good — or bad — he might’ve actually been.

According to Ted Levine, a former student at the military academy, Trump was “just the best, a good athlete, a great athlete. He could have probably played pro ball as a pitcher. I think he threw 80 miles an hour. I was the catcher. He made my hand black and blue every day . . . Could he play football? Could he play soccer? He could do anything he wanted. He was physically and mentally gifted."

Sounds a bit biased to me, but we’ll take it, I suppose. In the team photo, though, Trump does appear right next to the person holding the ball, which could indicate that he played an important role within the squad…but we’ll never know for sure.

The fact he was good enough to make the varsity team suggests he had some natural talent for the sport, but since he only played during his junior year and didn’t continue, he probably wasn’t anything exceptional.

With his lanky frame back in those days, I could see him being a clumsy center-back who got playing time mainly because of his height. These days, if he ever stepped on the pitch, he’d probably be out on the right wing (ha ha).

COMMERCE
The Neymar Saga

It’s been the talk of the town for the past week: Neymar to MLS. More specifically, Neymar to the Chicago Fire.

The American soccer world was divided. Some wanted him to arrive badly, while others had their reservations.

In the end (as of the time of writing this), it seems he may end up joining Santos back in Brazil. It’d be quite the emotional return.

But would you have liked to see him in MLS? How would he have fared, and what would his arrival have meant for the league?

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let’s see what the community has to say. We’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Timmy Time: What a feeling. Tim Weah came on as a substitute against AC Milan and bagged a decisive goal in Juventus’ 2-0 win. It was a beauty too.

Banter: Messi made some curious gestures against the Club America faithful on Saturday.

January Camp: It was a friendly full of new faces and some drama. Here’s how the USMNT fared in their first test of 2025.

Dive: Renowned soccer pundit Taylor Twellman gave his take on a controversial NFL moment over the weekend. He made a good point.

Stu Shows Support: Stu Holden is stepping up with a great initiative in light of the LA fires. Help spread the word to make sure those affected can benefit.

INNOVATION
Help Name A Club

Getting to name a professional club is one of those rare things we somehow have the chance to do here in America.

OKC’s professional men’s soccer team will take the field in 2027, and they’re looking for help to name the team. There aren’t any pre-selected options yet, so you can be as creative as possible.

Here is the portal to provide your suggestions for the team’s new name and colors.

EXPANSION
Ryan Reynolds’ Latest Soccer Venture

He’s been well and truly bitten by the soccer bug. As if Wrexham wasn’t enough, Ryan Reynolds is now expanding his soccer empire to Colombia.

The Deadpool star — alongside fellow actor and business partner Rob McElhenney — is buying La Equidad from the Colombian first division.

The list of investors is rounded out by other celebrities like Kate Upton, Justin Verlander, and Eva Longoria. Soccer sells, folks.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: Who would you rather sign if you were an MLS owner? Here are some of your best answers:

• “An Aging European Star. I paid $0.5Billion for just the expansion fee. (How does that alone not violate some kind of financial restriction?) I need fans in the stadium and increased viewership. Promising Young Players From South America don't move enough people and if a Prodigious American Talent will ever be a thing, they'd leave to an elite league for almost nothing.” - MIM

• “A Promising Young Player From South America. There are so many players from that region who are eager to come here and use it as a launching pad like Almiron did for example. There could be a good monetary return there and if you bring good talent they could even lead you to a championship.” - BD

In the poll, “A Prodigious American Talent” came in first with 46% of the vote. “A Promising Young Player From South America” followed with 27% of the vote, and “An Aging European Star” ended third with 20%. 

In this case, I’m very partial to bringing a Young Player From South America, simply because I believe the right purchase can bring a team closer to a championship, plus, the chance to flip him for more money is always in the cards. It seems many teams have been doing that lately, although, bringing an aging European star is always the safer bet and what might honestly sell the most tickets. So, I get it, but I like the idea of investing in youngsters and using that as a tool to grow as a club. In regard to a Prodigious American Talent, if a Messianic figure ever appeared, I’d do anything in my power to sign him. In conclusion, I suppose my ranking would be exactly like the popular vote is now. It’s a fun scenario to think about.

UP NEXT
Photo Contest Community Voting

It’s almost here. From over 600+ photo entries, our judges have narrowed things down to 20 finalists, which will be unveiled soon.

Get ready to vote for your winners starting tomorrow.

We’re one step closer to finding the best soccer photos of 2024!

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo