Teddy Roosevelt Discovers Joga Bonito

Pareci Natives, Roosevelt’s expedition in the Amazon, and a game of Joga Bonito. This week, we look back at the unlikely encounter between our former president and early Brazilian soccer in the rainforest. A fitting tale to celebrate Earth Day. Plus, we chat with the most accomplished US soccer photographer from the 20th century, revisit a historic tournament in Haiti, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🏆 Trailblazing in Port-au-Prince

• 🛂 The Soccer Passport

• 🧭 Teddy Roosevelt Discovers Joga Bonito

• 🎞️ Jon van Woerden Feature

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
Trailblazing in Port-au-Prince

This week in 1991, the USWNT played in the first Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament in history. Hosted in Haiti, the Concacaf Women’s Championship would give one nation from the region a spot at the inaugural WWC in China.

Looking back, the players admit they didn’t know how good they actually were. In total, they ended up outscoring their opponents 49-0 and swiftly earned the qualification.

It was the start of world dominance for the USWNT and a pivotal moment that would change the trajectory of women’s soccer in our country. The protagonists still haven’t forgotten those memorable days in Port-au-Prince.

TRAVEL
The Soccer Passport

They’re finally here. After months of planning and negotiations with the NYCFC Front Office, the Third Rail Supporters have finally got their hands on Away Travel Passports for dedicated fans.

Each passport will feature the fan’s name, a unique passport number, a Third Rail visa, and special hand stamps by both Third Rail and NYCFC to validate everyone’s away travel records. Each future away match that supporters attend will have a unique stamp that can be collected at NYCFC membership tables.

Here’s how you can get your hands on one of these slick passports. We’ll see if any other clubs follow suit.

COVER STORY
Teddy Roosevelt Discovers Joga Bonito

In 1914, following his two terms as president, Teddy Roosevelt embarked on the most dangerous expedition left for him: charting the Amazon River.

The renowned politician, statesman, conservationist, naturalist, and writer had seen and done it all up to that point. But nothing had prepared him to witness the Pareci Natives in Brazil play a game reminiscent of “association football” [soccer].

In this game, the Pareci would line up two teams and set a hollow rubber ball in the middle. They would then take turns heading the ball back and forth between both teams, and they would celebrate euphorically when their opponents failed to stop the ball from going through their players.

Buried deep in his writings from the trip, the former president reveals being astonished by the Pareci’s dexterity in juggling a ball with their heads. He was even more impressed by how the whole community rallied to watch these curious matches.

Even though it wasn’t outright soccer, it’s fascinating to read Roosevelt describe this game as similar to association football in some respects. Unsurprisingly, it also shows that Brazilians everywhere have always had a knack for elegance and flair when juggling a round object. Joga Bonito runs in their veins.

CLUBELEVEN
Jon van Woerden Feature

Three World Cups, five decades of shooting soccer in America, and surreal anecdotes with legends of the game. Few photographers have the trajectory Jon van Woerden has had.

From playing with Gerd Muller against NATO ships in Fort Lauderdale, to making friends with Pele, to covering the most important moments in our soccer history, Jon has done it all.

We were lucky enough to meet him in his Florida home to sift through his archives and reminisce about the countless memories he holds covering the game in North America. His photos and stories will live forever.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know why a particular decade may be better than the others. We’ll keep you posted on the results and highlight your best responses next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Austin Sockadillos: We used to be a country with ideals. Seeing some of these old club names makes you wonder where our creativity went.

Eintracht in the Lou: Frankfurt announced their US tour for this summer, and they’ve got quite a destination planned. They’ll be measuring up against Louisville City on July 30th. Imagine the scenes if a USL side beats a Bundesliga team.

A Crucial Memo: Truthfully, line-up graphics for social media need revamping. This Atlanta United fan did the Lord’s work by sending a serious open letter to his club explaining why they should change their current format. More teams should take note.

Right in the Soul: Charly are on a tear this year. Last week, they released the latest Oakland Soul kits for the 2024 season, and it’s safe to say they’re a beauty.

What’s a Kilometer: The stigma that Americans can’t cut it in Europe is dying before our very eyes. Joe Scally's assist on Saturday was the 80th goal contribution by a USMNT international in the top 5 European leagues in 2023/24. That’s 20 more than in any season in the last 20 years.

BUSINESS
Charlie Davies Speaks Up

He’s earned his pundit chops at CBS, and now former USMNT player Charlie Davies is doing his best to open the minds of the American sports public.

This past week, Charlie joined the Front Office Sports podcast to speak on a variety of topics. He discussed the American appetite for soccer and touched on MLS becoming bigger than MLB.

Plus, he speculated on whether MLS might one day buy the USL and introduce a promotion/relegation system. Interesting.

EXPANSION
Meet Eugene

The place, not the person. Very soon, Eugene, OR, will be the home of a brand new USL side.

Following a devastating fire in 2015, the Eugene community rallied to turn tragedy into triumph. The result of that resilient and cooperative spirit is the brand new Civic Park Stadium, which sets the stage for USL Eugene to come to fruition. The team would be the city’s first professional soccer club, bringing an exciting new team to the Pacific Northwest.

You gotta love seeing these small but dedicated communities get pro soccer in their backyards.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you whether some European league games should be played on US soil. Here are some of your best answers:

• “I’m not interested in clubs trying to make more money in the United States by taking away matches from their fans. Sickening.” - Eric

• “I like the idea but if I can't even afford to take my family to a meaningless summer friendly, there's no way most middle-class fans won't be completely priced out of seeing one of the games in person.” - Matthew

• “As much as I think it would be awesome to have games outside of Europe to help grow the game, I don't think it's ethical, and I would feel so bad for the fans. It's actually already been done for the Spanish Super Cup (now played in Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦)” - Benito

In the poll, the “No” answer took the top spot with 60% of the vote, while “Let’s try it first and see from there,” earned 25% of the votes.

It was interesting to see the resounding win for “No,” although we can’t blame you. Opening up that can of worms is a slippery slope. Thank you for submitting your takes and expanding on the topic.

UP NEXT
Shirts in Progress

It’s an exciting time. We just received our latest order of CLUBELEVEN shirts, and we’ll be heading to New York to get a few shots of them with some friends. If you see us around town make sure to say hi!

The shirts will be available in early May, and we can’t wait to show you how they look (as subscribers, you’ll be the first to know). They’ll help us fuel some of our creative projects this summer 👀.

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