Soccer in the 13 Colonies

While some of our Founding Fathers were dumping tea in the Boston harbor, other pioneering colonists were playing soccer in the streets of Philadelphia. It felt appropriate to dive into some American Revolution/13 Colonies soccer in honor of one of the most “taxing” days of the year. Plus, we launch our debut episode from The Soccer Odyssey bus journey, announce our unbreakable friendship with a new mascot in USL, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• ⚜️ Day One In Louisville

• 🏟️ Asheville’s First Soccer Game Since Hurricane Helene

• 🇺🇸 Soccer in the 13 Colonies

• 🐠 Fish Out of Water

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

CLUBELEVEN
Day One In Louisville

As of Sunday afternoon, there was a very real possibility that we weren’t going to make it to Louisville. We broke down in Nashville right between an old Jamba Juice and a funeral home. It was one of those moments where you just look up at the sky and wonder “What the hell have I done? How did I end up here?”

But as our good ole bus waited for a mechanic, we got an unexpected visit that lifted our spirits.

We were in a much better mood by the time the expert arrived to tell us what was up, and thankfully, we were able to make it to Louisville yesterday without another hitch. We’ll definitely need to take another look at it, but that’s a problem for another day.

Last night at LouCity’s academy training facility, everything went right. Players from all ages stopped to admire the bus and even grab copies of The Soccer Odyssey magazine. We also gave away tour stop posters to any youth players who could beat me at foosball in front of the bus. I’m proud to say, we gave away none. (Just kidding, I got destroyed).

It was a lot of fun, and I guess all those questions I had in Nashville disappeared just as fast as they came. I think we’re all prepared to drag this bus across the country no matter what. Days like yesterday make it all well, well worth it.

EXPLORATION
Asheville’s First Soccer Game Since Hurricane Helene

Last month’s First Round Open Cup match in Asheville was the first sporting event in the city since Hurricane Helene.

It was a cathartic moment for soccer fans in Western North Carolina, and as we spoke to locals, supporters, and players, we were able to witness the beautiful game’s undeniable power to heal.

Check out the full episode from our time in Asheville and see how the sport has endured beyond the hurricane thanks to one of the most dedicated soccer communities in the country.

COVER STORY
Soccer in the 13 Colonies

Tax Day. It might just be the absolute worst day of the year. I was so mad I started fantasizing about throwing tea into the Boston harbor.

The whole “no taxation without representation” mantra I was taught in middle school kept ringing in my ears, so to calm down, I decided to take a break from TurboTax and see if I could find anything related to soccer and the Revolutionary War.

Far fetched, I know, but if somehow there were records of pilgrims seeing Native Americans playing a form of soccer near Plymouth Rock, then there was a good chance there’d be information on rudimentary soccer being played during colonial times.

Lo and behold, there is ample evidence of soccer being played in the 13 Colonies.

A few years back, renowned historian and writer Ed Farnsworth was able to find multiple instances of soccer (“foot-ball”) being referenced in writings across the 1700s—before and after the Revolutionary War.

In fact, some of the references are written so casually that it suggests that the sport was a common part of life in the American Colonies. It is mentioned in newspapers, laws, and even poems from the time.

I guess it’s true that there are three certain things in life. Death, taxes, and…soccer.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Fish Out of Water

What is Saudi Arabia doing in the Gold Cup? Seriously. I get that they’re starting to build excitement for their 2034 World Cup, but sheesh, let us enjoy our time.

I guess it might put the Saudi vs MLS (USA) debates to rest, so please let’s blow them out of the water.

Here are all the groups for this summer’s tournament.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

We need your help to finalize our bus’ (nick)name. After much deliberation online and in person, we’ve reached our grand final between Bert and Woody. The former won its semifinal with 61% of the vote, while Woody won its matchup with 64% of the vote. This promises to be a showdown for the ages. We’ll let you know the results next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

NY/NJ Poster: The World Cup host city poster for New York / New Jersey dropped last night. What do you think?

Four Stands in Buffalo: They finally got it. A brand new soccer stadium is coming to Buffalo! USL is incredibly up.

Mark Your Calendars: Received this one from friends over in DC. If you’re in the area on May 3rd, you should check it out.

Kits & Kin: A soccer jersey day party in New York next Saturday. Can’t miss. 

Sold Out: Unbelievable! Rhode Island FC already sold out tickets to their historic home opener two weeks in advance.

EXPANSION
The Best Olympics Yet

For the first time in Olympic history, the women’s soccer competition will outsize the men’s.

While the men’s field will decrease from 16 to 12 teams at the 2028 summer Olympics, the women’s field will expand from 12 to 16 teams.

Bring us more countries to beat, it doesn’t matter. We’ll repeat Olympic gold and do it on home soil too. It’s gonna be a great time to be an insufferable USWNT fan. We’ll be there no matter what.

WILDLIFE
Meet Moxie the Moose

Once again, I find myself writing about Portland Hearts of Pine. But I can’t help it, they’re just too good. Yesterday, they revealed arguably one of the best soccer mascots in the country: Moxie the Moose.

The funniest part is that the club featured The Soccer Odyssey magazine in the teaser video for Moxie’s unveiling, and as of this morning, this friendly Moose only follows three people on Instagram: Portland Hearts of Pine, graphic designer Adam Hawkins, and the CLUBELEVEN account. Seriously!

I think Moxie and I just became best friends 👬

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What should we name our bus? [Bert, Gladys, Gertrude, Woody].

We’re now in the final voting stage, so go up to the poll in the middle of this edition and cast your vote! We’ll show your comments from last week’s semis and this week’s final in the next edition.

UP NEXT
Game Day in Lou

Last night was amazing, but today we’ve got game day. The Lou fans have promised they’ll bring the LIPAFC trophy (a big traffic cone) to the bus, so we’re all very excited. Plus, we’ve made it our mission to get the bus inside the stadium concourse and as close as possible to the field. Fortune favors the brave. We’ll keep you posted right here on whether we make it!

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