Richard Nixon’s Soccer Game in Ecuador

In the spring of 1958, Nixon tried to use soccer as a way to connect with Latin American countries. As you might imagine, it was a spectacular failure. This week, we revisit Nixon’s earnest but unsuccessful attempt at soccer diplomacy. Plus, we explore a miraculous soccer phenomenon in space, examine how Miami FC has found new ways to suck, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🛰️ Electric Soccer Balls In Space

• 🪖 Generals at Yankee Stadium

• 🇪🇨 Richard Nixon’s Soccer Game in Ecuador

• 🍭 Miami FC Really Sucks

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

SCIENCE
Electric Soccer Balls In Space

The whole news about Katy Perry and Gayle King making it up to space last week had me thinking about the cosmos… and it reminded me of a pretty interesting NASA article from a few years back.

One that outlines the discovery of a carbon molecule in space “shaped like a soccer ball,” theorized to potentially contribute to the origins of life.

OUR HISTORY
Generals at Yankee Stadium

Before the NY Cosmos reigned supreme in the Big Apple, there was another team that ruled New York.

Owned by a Wall Street banker and a popular broadcasting company, the NY Generals were a founding member of the NPSL, before becoming part of the NASL once that league emerged.

Their first game at Yankee Stadium took place on April 22, 1967, and Luis Menotti (who would go on to coach Argentina to their first World Cup trophy) famously scored that day after having signed with the club just 24 hours earlier.

Notably, in 1968, the Generals hosted a friendly in New York against Brazilian side Santos FC, featuring none other than the great Pelé. It was a nice prequel to the love story that would blossom between the King and NYC the following decade.

COVER STORY
Richard Nixon’s Soccer Game in Ecuador

Today marks 31 years since Richard Nixon’s passing. On this humble page, we’ve already briefly covered some of Nixon’s forays into the soccer world (like his White House meeting with Pelé or when he nearly blew up Cuba because of some soccer fields).

Granted, all of these were done alongside notorious soccer fan Henry Kissinger. But after digging through some CIA documents, I was able to find an example of Nixon going rogue and interacting with soccer on his own. This time, it was in Ecuador during the spring of 1958.

With the United States trying to protect and bolster its relationship with Latin America during the Cold War, the Eisenhower administration had no better idea than to send then-VP Richard Nixon on a “goodwill” trip to the region.

Things started pretty smoothly in Uruguay and Argentina, before chaos erupted during his stop in Lima, Peru. A large crowd of demonstrators greeted Nixon and his small entourage by throwing objects in their direction as they waded through the mob. It was chaos.

Something clearly wasn’t resonating, so it seems Nixon may have turned to soccer—the good ole universal language—to try to smooth things over at his next stop.

In Ecuador, he (literally) kicked things off by making an appearance at a local soccer match, where he participated in a ceremonial kickoff ahead of the game. For some strange reason, Nixon also decided to try to do headers, blessing us with this glorious picture. It’s album cover worthy.

To be fair, it seemed as if things worked briefly. His tour stop in Quito, Ecuador, was probably the smoothest of all. Unfortunately, Nixon skipped out on soccer for his final stop in Venezuela, where protesters rioted and attacked his car.

The CIA chalked it up to “Communist influence,” but who knows, the crowd may have been upset that Nixon didn’t break out his juggling skills for them.

In all seriousness, though, his time with a ball in Ecuador is pretty cool. It’s a small anecdote in the legacy of a deeply complex figure, but it’s a noteworthy one since it might just be the first photographed instance of a sitting U.S. Vice President actually playing soccer. The more you know…

BUSINESS
Miami FC Really Sucks

Why would a lollipop brand partner up with the lowest-ranked team in USL?

Well, here’s your answer. 

I have to tip my hat to Bon Bon Bum, I’m afraid they may have knocked it out of the park with this campaign.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

I’m surely missing some. We’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

The ABQ: Getting to witness the oldest cup competition in America in one of the oldest deserts in our continent? Sign us up.

Rocky Moment: FIFA president Gianni Infantino couldn’t resist going full tourist in Philly.

Career Mode: From the fourth tier in American soccer to starting against FC Barcelona. Life comes at you fast. 

LA Stand Up: No Messi needed. Los Angeles showed out for this El Trafico and set an MLS standalone attendance record.

Calculations: It’s my not-so-secret dream to someday start a club. If you’re like me, you’ll appreciate this math.

EXPANSION
Women’s Pro Division II

A professional second division for women’s soccer in America? It may just be a reality starting in 2026. 

"WPSL Pro is the bridge that's been missing -- not just for players, but for the communities, investors and brands ready to be part of the next chapter in women's sports," Sean Jones, the league's co-founder, said in a statement.

There are already 15 teams confirmed by the league, which plans to kick off with a shortened season after the World Cup next year, followed by a full April-to-October season beginning in 2027.

INVESTIGATIVE
Bombshell

Loudoun United are first in the USL Championship standings.

Behind the scenes, though, things are much bleaker. Turf coming apart at the seams, showers that don’t work, players washing their own kits…

That’s life at the top of the USL table.

It’s shocking news, to say the least. With pro/rel on the horizon, though, one hopes the Loudoun owners can address these issues promptly and build a strong foundation for the game’s future in line with league standards.

As always, incredible journalism work from the great Pablo Maurer over at The Athletic and definitely recommend giving it a read if you have access.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What should we name our bus? [Bert or Woody]. Here are some of your answers:

• “Woody. I think of Woody Guthrie and his song ‘This Land is Your Land.’ Apt theme music as you travel around the country.” - Shelli W.

• “Bert. As long as Ernie drives.” - Steve N

• “Woody. Like the cowboy in Toy Story.” - JD

• "Woody. Reminds me of those old cars from back in the day.” - MN

So, without much further ado, we’d like to announce Woody as the official nickname of our traveling soccer bus! This name won the final against Bert with 66% of the vote. We’d like to thank everyone for participating and helping us find a name! Woody would also like to thank y’all—he was tired of not having a name for this long.

UP NEXT
Brief Bus Break

Last week was awesome. A stop at LouCity academy training, then the Lou-Loudoun Open Cup match on Tuesday, and finally, Indy Eleven on Wednesday. It was a full week’s journey from Orlando all the way to our final stop in Indianapolis, but it was well worth it. We even got to make a quick stop near Atlanta and another in Nashville, where I got to see Broadway for the very first time. It was amazing.

The only problem was we (Justin and Gabriel to be accurate) had to drive all the way back down to Orlando to get the bus checked out for a mechanical issue. We’ll keep you posted on Woody’s health, but we should be alright to head out for Round 4 of the Open Cup in two weeks 🤞. Woody is a soldier. Stay up to date with our bus adventures here.

Enjoying This?

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo