The First-Ever International Soccer Match

In 1885, New Jersey became part of world soccer history when it hosted the first-ever international match outside the UK. This week, we uncover the story of that momentous occasion for the US and the global game. Plus, we examine a crime against a referee, revisit the fastest MLS Cup goal ever, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• ⏰ The Fastest Goal in MLS Cup History

• 🏃‍♂️ Referee Chased Off the Field at a Sharktopus FC Game

• ☝️ The First-Ever International Soccer Match

• 💼 Become an NWSL Boston Advisor

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The Fastest Goal in MLS Cup History

27 seconds. That’s all it took for Diego Valeri to find the back of the net at the 2015 MLS Cup.

This week, we celebrate nine years since that record-breaking goal, and it’s one that we probably won’t see beaten for a while.

Valeri’s early goal was crucial in that championship match, giving the Portland Timbers their first and only MLS Cup trophy. What a joy he was to watch.

TRUE CRIME
Referee Chased Off the Field at Sharktopus FC Game in UPSL

Sharktopus FC — what a name. By far the most interesting team in the country. This UPSL side has had the privilege of having a Netflix star in their ranks, they wear some crazy Olive & York kits, and now they find themselves at the center of one of the most random soccer stories this year.

It was the brawl of the decade. In their recent playoff match, they squared off against FC International from Olympia, and Sharktopus erased a 3-0 deficit in dramatic fashion. FC International weren’t happy after the 3-3 equalizer, and they attacked the referee. Just poor form.

It was so bad that the game was abandoned and a police report was filed. We don’t condone violence of any kind, but is this a sign that we’re a proper soccer nation? Perhaps. But still, awful all around.

COVER STORY
The First-Ever International Soccer Match

We couldn’t let an anniversary like this one pass without bringing it up. Last Thursday, we celebrated the 139th birthday of the first-ever international match outside the UK.

And believe it or not, it took place in East Newark, New Jersey. The game was organized by Canada's Western Football Association and the American Football Association (the unofficial governing body of US soccer at the time), and it was a greatly anticipated affair. About 2,000 fans showed up to witness the match.

In the end, the Canadian team came out victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, partly due to an incredible performance by their goalkeeper J. N. McKendrick. Apparently, most of the match was a brutal experience, and allegedly, even a fistfight broke out.

I guess you can take the game out of the UK, but you can’t take Brexit out of the game. That’s probably what the players were thinking.

They might have not known they were making history at the time, but centuries later, we remember them fondly. Thanks to those pioneers, we get to brag that such an important milestone for the global game happened in America. What an honor.

OPPORTUNITIES
Become an NWSL Boston Advisor

It was expected. After a brand launch marked by controversy and backlash, BOS Nation FC finally issued a statement about where they plan to go next.

The club has now “launched a deliberate process through which [they] will seek out, listen to, and reflect on input about [their] team name from fans, supporters, and a group of advisors assembled to reflect a diverse range of voices and perspectives.”

And you can be part of it. Here is how you can get involved as a brand advisor or simply drop your feedback.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let’s see what the community has to say. We’ll highlight your best answers next week, and try to pass along the winning name to the ownership group. They’ve hinted at changing it.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Guinness Loves a USL2 Team: San Francisco Glens from USL League Two teamed up with Guinness for their kits this year. But we didn’t expect to see the club logo already making it on Guinness pint glasses. Brilliant.

MLS Shines at Copa Lib: A trio of ex-MLS players featured for Botafogo in the Copa Libertadores final over the weekend. And they won it all. Can you name them?

Construction Update: Miami Freedom Park has officially gone vertical. Check out the latest developments here. 

A Million Eyes: The TV ratings for the NWSL Final are officially in. As always, the numbers continue to increase. 

Annapolis Blues FC: The Marylander in me is over the moon. A new USL W League team for my home State. Can’t wait to catch a match in DTA next summer.

TELEVISION
The Final Is Set

New York Red Bulls vs LA Galaxy. I’m happy with the finalists. Two classic cities going at it. What more could you hope for?

These two have given us memorable matches before. In fact, they gifted us a 5-4 goal-fest in 2007 for Beckham’s first league start, which many consider to be one of the greatest MLS games of all time. Hopefully, we get a repeat.

As a DC United fan, I wish both teams would lose, but I know I’ll get a good game out of it.

FASHION
The Fresh Salmon Bay Kit

We’re being blessed lately. First the Portland Hearts of Pine kit, and now the new Salmon Bay FC home jersey.

Working with renowned designer Matthew Wolff, the club created the jersey in their signature salmon color, featuring a wave pattern that references the Salmon Bay waters and reflects their mission to make waves in the local and national soccer landscape. The result is a beautiful kit.

You can check it out here. We can’t wait to see what the away one will look like now.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you if you were planning to play soccer over the Thanksgiving break. Here are some of your best answers:

• “Our regular Sunday pickup usually plays on all holidays we can, including Thanksgiving. Can’t wait to play some soccer, and then eat some food while watching Europa League, especially since Spurs play Roma. Best Thanksgiving ever!“ - Eric

• “MLS should bring back the Thanksgiving playoff game (I think they did one in 2021).” - Dario

In the poll, “No” came in first with 55% of the vote. What a shame. But I have no right to speak, I barely got up off the couch during the holiday. Just laid back and watched some Europa League like Eric, caught the Copa Libertadores Final, and of course, the MLS Conference Finals.

UP NEXT
Winter Arc

We’re preparing for some of our usual end-of-the-year traditions, so stay tuned! After MLS Cup, things quiet down for a bit, but we’ll take the time to start our 2025 plans. All in due time…

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo