Playing Soccer Amid a Hydrogen Bomb Test

In 2017, an American forward went to North Korea to play a soccer game, all while Kim Jong Un deployed a hydrogen bomb. This week, we look back at the insane story of Soony Saad, a Michigan-born athlete and former SKC forward who endured a nerve-wracking adventure overseas. Plus, we examine a massive change coming to college soccer, take a close look at an awesome new mascot in USL, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🚌 Footy Fun at Pier 2

• 🎓 Massive College Soccer Revamp

• 💥 Playing Soccer Amid a Hydrogen Bomb Test

• 🤪 Newest Deranged Soccer Mascot

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

CLUBELEVEN
Footy Fun at Pier 2

So incredibly grateful for everyone who turned up to the bus at Pier 2 to grab a copy of our collab magazine with VICE, and just immensely thankful for such a surreal weekend overall!

It was a long drive up from Orlando, but we couldn’t have thought of a better way to unveil the new look to the bus, share this print project with the NYC soccer community, and meet up with so many old and new friends alike.

It’s one we won’t forget any time soon, and it has us super excited for this summer!

Here’s how everything looked on the ground at this awesome event hosted by VICE and NYC Footy.

EDUCATION
Massive College Soccer Revamp

Huge changes are coming to college soccer!

Last week, the NCAA committee approved the Division I men's soccer season to be split between the fall and spring, with the national tournament moving to the spring starting in 2027-28.

It’s a long-awaited calendar shift that’ll hopefully improve the development of young players in the college system.

Read all the details here.

COVER STORY
Playing Soccer Amid a Hydrogen Bomb Test

Soony Saad grew up playing soccer in the US and featured for several teams in MLS and USL. One thing he never expected, though, was to one day play in North Korea while Kim Jong Un tested a hydrogen bomb.

Despite representing the US Men’s National Team at the youth level, Soony eventually received a call-up from Lebanon in 2013 (where his dad is from), and he happily accepted.

A few years later, Lebanon was drawn in a group with North Korea for the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, and Soony soon found himself on a plane to Pyongyang.

Due to the hostile relations between the US and North Korea, Soony insisted that his team manager hide his American passport, and he also took a few extra precautions:

“I grew out my beard to look extra Lebanese. I even spoke in a Lebanese accent when I spoke in English. I really hid the fact that I was American,” he remembers.

Thankfully, Soony was able to make it into the country safely, but things would quickly take a turn when North Korea conducted its biggest nuclear bomb test ever within 100 miles of where he and his teammates were staying.

It’s surely one of the craziest things an American soccer player has ever experienced.

Read Soony’s testimony from the trip HERE.

CULTURE
Newest Deranged Soccer Mascot

We’ve said it time and time again, one of the greatest things about the sport here is the absolutely incredible mascots you’ll find all over the pyramid.

And this one from the Portland Cherry Bombs of the USL W League may have just entered our personal Mt. Rushmore.

Check out this masterpiece.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know your thoughts—we’ll feature your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Miami Protest: There’s been a bit of tension between the Inter Miami supporters and the squad over the past couple of weeks. It all reached a boiling point over the weekend, and Messi didn’t seem too pleased…

Shotgun: One of the best celebrations I’ve ever seen in my life.

Make History: If you’re in Boston, this is your chance to set a Guinness World Record. Here’s how you can sign up to participate!

Amazing News: After eight years in Williamsburg, this soccer club now finally has its own home!

Brawl: Things got heated between Westchester SC and Cosmos supporters over the weekend. It was quite ugly…

EXPANSION
A New Cup Emerges

So amazing to see this news coming out of North Carolina!

The Old North Cup will be a rivalry trophy competed for each USL League 2 season by Appalachian FC, Asheville City SC, and Hickory FC. The three clubs will go toe to toe to earn bragging rights as the best team in Western NC.

The best part, though, is that it’ll all be for a good cause. Check out all the details here!

EVENTS
World Cup Party in New Hampshire

Attention everyone in New England!

Join the New Hampshire Soccer Project for an epic community celebration on June 12, centered around the first USMNT World Cup match on US soil in decades and the start of something special for the Granite State.

They’ll have the game + audio on a big screen, beer flowing from four incredible NH breweries, a live DJ, delicious food from Liars Bench, and more!

Here’s how you can attend.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What is the best World Cup song of all time? Here are some of your answers:

• “Wavin’ Flag. Best song of all time, in fact.” - D. Woog

• “Wavin’ Flag. This song will forever be iconic, you can’t listen to this and not think of the 2010 World Cup.” - Luke S.

The poll results came in at 50% for “Waka Waka” and 37.5% for “Wavin’ Flag” in second place.

Although I’m a huge fan of Waka Waka, Wavin’ Flag will forever hold a special place in my heart. The 2010 World Cup is the first one that I fully remember, and that song was everywhere back in Peru when I was growing up.

UP NEXT
That’s A Wrap

Finishing up this week’s edition from the plane back to Boston. It’s been a grueling three weeks working on a very special project for the World Cup, and it’ll be nice to spend a few days at home!

Still, we’ll get right back into gearing up for the summer, and we can’t wait to unveil some of the things we’ve been working on.

Onwards!!

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo