Led Zeppelin Were Seattle Sounders Fans

The greatest rock and roll band of all time supported this iconic American soccer team back in the '70s? New evidence seems to suggest so. This week, we look back at the unexpected crossover between Led Zeppelin and the Seattle Sounders in the NASL days. Plus, we dive into Spike Lee’s love for Arsenal, examine a controversial new rule in the NWSL, and more.

This week’s stories:

• 🤥 LeBron’s Liverpool Lie

• 📽️ A Spike Lee Joint

• 🎸 Led Zeppelin Were Seattle Sounders Fans

• 🤔 The High Impact Player Rule

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
LeBron’s Liverpool Lie

Today is LeBron James’ birthday, so it’s really the perfect time to look back at one of his most amusing soccer incidents.

Of course, it’s common knowledge that LeBron has been a minority owner of Liverpool since 2011—which shows great foresight on his part—but when it comes to keeping up with the team, it seems he struggles a little bit.

This clip is from a few years back, when he was talking to Peter Crouch on TV… and some fans thought he was just lying through his teeth trying to get through the conversation. You be the judge…

CINEMA
A Spike Lee Joint

It was awesome to see Spike Lee cheering on Arsenal with the Brooklyn Invincibles at FancyFree over the weekend.

This Arsenal pub is right near the headquarters of Lee’s production company, and the owner of the bar also worked as a copywriter at the filmmaker’s advertising agency more than a decade ago.

The proximity to his workplace and the personal connection to the owner have made this spot Lee’s natural hangout for big Arsenal games.

If you’re in the area, you should check it out! Who knows, maybe he’ll be there today.

COVER STORY
Led Zeppelin Were Seattle Sounders Fans

If there’s one thing that comes close to my love for soccer, it’s my love for music. And hands down, Led Zeppelin are one of my all-time favorite bands.

Anyway, over the weekend, I was reading about their first tour of the States back in 1968, and I learned that today is the anniversary of their first-ever recorded concert, which took place at Gonzaga University in Washington.

Of course, my first instinct was to dig up a bootleg of the show, but during my search, I stumbled upon something far, far greater:

A recording from Led Zeppelin’s stop at the Kingdome (then-home of the Sounders) in Seattle during their 1977 tour.

In between songs, you can hear the great Robert Plant making some pretty unbelievable comments to the crowd.

Everything from confessing that the band had gone to a Sounders game, to telling them they were all very privileged to be standing on this soccer pitch, which he said was, “like the holy land.”

Makes me wonder what they all thought of the NASL and the talent at the Sounders. It really makes me wonder…

You can listen to the short audio clip here.

INNOVATION
The High Impact Player Rule

After weeks of drama, and despite opposition from the players’ union, the NWSL is officially moving forward with its new “High Impact Player Rule.”

This new rule would allow clubs to exceed the NWSL salary cap by up to $1 million to attract or retain star players.

However, the criteria for what makes someone a “High Impact Player” has drawn criticism since being announced last week.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know your thoughts! We’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Submissions Due: We’re looking for the best North American soccer photos of the year, and you have until Sunday, Jan 4th, at 11:59 PM EST to enter yours!

Champions Tour: Inter Miami officially announced their Latin American tour kicking off next month. They’ll be playing some awesome teams.

2026 Almanac: Need a refresher on some of the biggest dates coming up in the soccer calendar next year? Here’s a helpful guide.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds 2: Just amazing news! They’ll be competing in USL League Two, and if you’re a player, you can sign up for their combine here. 

A Daring Mission: Will it work? It’s definitely one of the most creative ways to try to get a chance at playing in MLS.

FASHION
The Naples Pier Kit

I’ve been a longtime fan of all the kits Hummel makes for teams in the USL.

They always find a cool way to incorporate things from the local community into each jersey, and this latest Naples one is no exception.

Check out the meaning behind it right here!

HOLIDAYS
Amazing Christmas Gifts!

Our friends and families didn’t miss with the soccer Christmas gifts this year 🙏

The photo on the left comes from Kyros, who received a desktop soccer game that includes a little blurb about Briana Scurry, one of our favorite goalkeepers in USWNT history.

The photo on the right comes from Tyler, who received a sweet memento commemorating our Soccer Odyssey bus tour from this year.

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and amazing holidays with your loved ones as well!

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What do you think of the potential new MLS Divisions? Here are some of your answers:

• “I don’t like them. We need a proper pyramid, not divisions.” - Eric W.

• “I like them. It’s definitely a bold move for MLS, but I think it could work out well. I'm looking forward to it.” - Dario

• “I like them. If this change means that my team will play a greater variety of opponents, outside our division, I’m all for it. The current configuration of MLS has my team going years without playing some teams in the league which makes me less interested in MLS as a whole.” - S.W.

• “Meh.” - Eric A.

In the poll, “I like them” won with 54% of the vote.

It was one of the closest polls of the year! Personally, I’m curious to see how it all plays out for MLS, and it could potentially be fun, but I’ll be sad that some historic rivalries might be broken up. I’m more pumped for a proper pyramid as well, but overall, I think it’s exciting to get to live through so many changes!

UP NEXT
Rolling Into 2026

Finally made it back to Boston, and took the opportunity to venture into Worcester and catch a game with the Official Liverpool Supporters Club of New England on Saturday. If you live west of Boston, you gotta pay them a visit—they even had a really awesome holiday pizza party after the final whistle.

It was a great way to wrap up 2025, and now all eyes are set on 2026.

Excited to head into the biggest year of our lives! Enjoy your NYE celebrations this week, and make sure you wish for World Cup success (whatever that looks like for the USMNT) when the clock strikes midnight!!

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo