An American Player Scored the First Hat-Trick in World Cup History

It took nearly a century for the world to recognize him, but history now shows a USMNT legend scored the first-ever World Cup hat-trick. This week, we look back at the amazing story of USMNT forward Bert Patenaude and his groundbreaking set of goals at the 1930 World Cup. Plus, we examine a huge job appointment at the USL offices, dive into the curious case of a professional coach using ChatGPT for advice, and more.

This week’s stories:

• 📺 Adopting a Soccer Team

• 👨‍💼 The Most Important Job in American Soccer

• 🥇 An American Player Scored the First Hat-Trick in World Cup History

• 🤖 Using ChatGPT as an Assistant Coach?

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

CLUBELEVEN
Adopting a Soccer Team

Indy Eleven’s official supporters’ group formed years before the team even existed, and it’s one of the rare cases in the world where a group of fans got to “adopt” their local soccer club when it finally formed.

During our bus road trip across America, we swung by Indianapolis, IN, to see how the beautiful game is flourishing in the motorsport capital of America, meet a longstanding supporters group, and discover how the city’s USL club is hoping to continue to grow in the Midwest and beyond.

Check out Episode 4 of our Soccer Odyssey video series HERE.

BUSINESS
The Most Important Job in American Soccer

The signing of the century.

Over the weekend, news broke that the USL has hired English Premier League chief football officer Tony Scholes to head up the organization's new Division One league.

A truly incredible development in the path to making pro/rel a reality. For some reason, this appointment makes the plans feel so much more tangible now. Amazing news all around!

COVER STORY
An American Player Scored the First Hat-Trick in World Cup History

You may have never heard of him, but Bert Patenaude (born Nov. 4, 1909) is one of the greatest forwards to ever suit up for the USMNT… and he holds a very special place in global soccer history.

During Patenaude’s nine-year career, his speed, finishing, and soccer IQ made him one of the most lethal goal-scorers in America, often ending games with two, three, four, and even five goals to his name.

Yet his greatest achievement happened 5,300 miles away from home in Montevideo, Uruguay, during the inaugural World Cup.

The year was 1930, and a 20-year-old Patenaude had been selected to represent the US at this fledgling international competition.

In the USMNT’s opening match against Belgium, Patenaude found the back of the net once to seal a 3-0 victory over the European nation, but he was clearly just getting started.

In the second group stage match on July 17th, 1930, the US was facing Paraguay, one of the most respected South American sides at the time. And still, they were no match for Patenaude’s goalscoring prowess, who managed to bag three goals against La Albirroja.

It should have been enough to be credited as the first player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup, but for over 75 years, the recognition went to Argentinian Guillermo Stabile instead (who scored a hat-trick just two days after Patenaude’s).

But how did history forget about Patenaude’s hat-trick? And who was the hero who helped reinstate Patenaude in the World Cup history books?

Read the full tale right here. It’s a whole story in and of itself…

TECHNOLOGY
Using ChatGPT as an Assistant Coach?

Soccer purists look away!

Last week, Seattle Reign coach Laura Harvey revealed that ChatGPT helped her with tactics and formations this past offseason.

Harvey is a 3x NWSL Shield winner, 3x coach of the year, and led the Reign to the playoffs this season.

With a resumé like that, it’s hard to argue against her process. But let us know what you think below 👇

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Send in your thoughts! We’ll highlight your answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

UTFH: Unreal scenes. Best decision we made this past weekend was driving up to Maine to catch this spectacular Hearts watch party at the Portland Zoo.

Statement: Angel City co-captains Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson spoke out after their teammate wrote an article calling for the implementation of an NWSL gender policy.

Last-Gasp: What every fan dreams of. Doesn’t get better than experiencing this as a Timbers fan.

Fulhamerica Day: How do Fulham fans live a matchday in the nation’s capital? Check it out.

Final Table: The playoff seeding is set! Here’s how things look in the NWSL after Decision Day over the weekend.

OUR HISTORY
Remembering the Detroit Neon

Is there anything more American than naming your soccer club after a car?

Probably not. And that’s exactly what William Davidson’s Palace Sports & Entertainment (which also operated the Detroit Pistons at the time) did when it came to naming their new indoor soccer team.

Here’s the story behind the Detroit Neon and how they got their unique name.

MYSTERY
Upsets Galore

So… that happened.

LouCity FC—the best team in the regular season by far—got upset by the 8th-seed Detroit City FC in the first round of the USL Championship playoffs. But that wasn’t all.

Rhode Island FC (No. 7 seed) also knocked out the Charleston Battery (No. 2 seed), and in the Western Conference, Orange County (No. 7 seed) upset the Sacramento Republic (No. 2 seed).

In short, it was an opening round of the postseason that defied all logic. Peak USL, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What's the best type of goal you've ever scored? Here are some of your answers:

• “Other. Diving header.” - Eric

• “Scissor Kick. Did it while playing intramural in college. Will probably never score something as nice ever again.” - BD

In the poll, “Scissor Kick” won with nearly 34% of the vote. One of the most satisfying ways to score a goal for sure!

UP NEXT
Back to Portland

We’ll be heading back to Portland again this Sunday, ready to join the Hearts watch party at the State Theatre. Here’s how you can attend this historic event.

You won’t want to miss 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