The Soccer Missile Crisis

This week, we look back at the time Henry Kissinger nearly launched an attack against the Soviet Union over a handful of soccer fields in Cuba. Plus, we celebrate the anniversary of the most iconic soccer protest in our country, examine Don Garber’s plans for world domination, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 💥 The Columbus Revolution

• 😲 La Liga Fixture in Miami

• 🚀 The Soccer Missile Crisis

• 🌎 World Domination

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The Columbus Revolution

Seven years ago today, the iconic #SaveTheCrew movement was born.

In mid-October 2017, news broke that Columbus Crew owner Anthony Precourt was exploring options to relocate the team to Austin. All signs pointed to the club leaving the city, and it seemed like one of MLS’s original franchises was facing certain doom.

Then, on October 22, 2017, a group of 2,000 dedicated fans congregated in front of the Columbus City Hall to voice their support for the team and their disapproval of the proposed move. That’s how #SaveTheCrew came to be. That fiery protest started a campaign that swept the nation, and the Crew eventually stayed where they belonged.

All these years later, it’s good to celebrate all those fans who fought to keep their club alive. They represent the best side of soccer in America, and today, they get to enjoy being one of the best teams in the country.

BUSINESS
La Liga Fixture in Miami

Reports out of Spain are saying that La Liga is preparing to host the upcoming Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid fixture in Miami. 

It’s been a move that’s been in the works for a while, and in less than two months, it could become a reality.

The rumors have been intensifying over the last 24 hours, and don’t be surprised if we get some sort of confirmation over the next couple of weeks. They’d have to announce something soon if they plan to move forward with it.

COVER STORY
The Soccer Missile Crisis

Henry Kissinger was a certified soccer sicko. Not only did he help the NY Cosmos recruit Pelé, but he was also on the verge of starting a war with the Soviets because of a few soccer fields.

It was the fall of 1970, and Kissinger barged into the office of Nixon’s Chief of Staff. He was carrying air reconnaissance photos from the city of Cienfuegos in Cuba, and he demanded an audience with the President.

“These pictures show the Cubans are building soccer fields," Kissinger said. "I have to see the President right now.”

Nixon’s Chief of Staff still didn’t get why that was such a big deal. Had he gone mad?

“Those soccer fields could mean war," Kissinger explained. “Cubans play baseball. Russians play soccer.”

It was a chilling realization, and to his credit, he was right. The Soviets were in fact building a base in Cuba, potentially violating the 1962 agreement that ended the original Cuban Missile Crisis. It could plunge the world into chaos.

Thankfully, despite some rising diplomatic tensions, Kissinger was able to meet with a Soviet ambassador in October of 1970 and resolve the issue before it escalated.

I guess it goes to show that soccer can, actually, save the world.

EXPANSION
World Domination

Soccer leagues around the world would be “in much, much better shape” if more of them operated as single entities akin to MLS.

That’s what Don Garber had to say at the Leaders Week 2024 conference in London last week. He also added, "If you were to ask the people that are running some of the big European leagues, they'd say, 'Boy, MLS has got it right.’"

Talk about controversial. Is the Soccer Don right, though?

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Drop your opinions and hot takes about this model! We’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Goal of the Year: Start your Tuesday by watching the nominees for MLS Goal of the Year and casting your votes here. There are some filthy goals up for the title.

Constant Current: The fans out in Kansas City did their job. The Current became the first NWSL club to sell out every home game in one regular season.

Shambolic: With their 3-1 loss on Saturday, San Jose set the MLS single-season worst defensive record with 78 goals conceded in 2024. Abysmal.

The Joshua Tree: Check out these leaked AV Alta FC kits by Hummel. It seems like the club has found what they’re looking for.

Plot Twist: Surprising absolutely no one, FIFA announced that Inter Miami would be the “host country representative” at the Club World Cup in 2025, due to winning the Supporters’ Shield. Oh, and the opening game will be in Miami.

MARKETING
Hearts and Minds

They keep winning everyone over. Portland Hearts of Pine just helped their city reach first place in Sports Business Journal’s ranking of the best minor league markets in America. It’s an incredible achievement.

Even though they’ve yet to play a game, their community initiatives are perfect. Tomorrow, for example, they’ll be hosting a Champions League party and beer tasting. It’s the ideal way to get soccer fans in the area together and introduce the new Portland Hearts of Pine Pale Ale. They just keep doing things the right way.

FASHION
New Growth Collection

The Washington Spirit are killing it on and off the field.

Club Creative Director & Designer Domo Wells has been dropping excellent capsules all year, and this latest one is no exception.

The New Growth collection will make its debut in November during the playoffs, but we got a sneak peek this past weekend thanks to some of the players’ pregame fits.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you what you thought of the name BOS Nation FC (the official name of Boston’s new NWSL team). Here are some of your answers:

• “Just an awful name. They could have just gone with Boston Unity FC… WTF??” - Nick

• “I can’t believe this was approved. It’s a shame that they took away the excitement from something that should’ve been so special.” - S

• “BOS Nation FC sounds like an SB Nation blog from 2011.” - Luke

In the poll, “I don’t like the name,” and “I have a better name to suggest” combined for 100% of the vote. It looks like everyone agrees that the launch missed the mark completely. The announcement video was taken down, and some are speculating that the club will change its name.

UP NEXT
Let It Be November

The 11th month of the year is always a special one for us. This one is shaping up to be one too. We’re all hands on deck planning multiple projects for our favorite month of the year, while also keeping an eye on 2025.

Trying not to spoil anything has been way too tough 😅.

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