Robin Williams Was a College Soccer Champion

Before becoming a legendary Hollywood actor and comedian, Robin Williams was a standout soccer player. This week, we uncover the details behind his youth career and the college soccer championship he won in 1969. Plus, we rewind to the first time an American player got a Champions League medal 25+ years ago, examine the most colorful team in the US, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• ☝️ The First American Player to Win the UCL

• 🦜 The Twin City Toucans

• 🥇 Robin Williams Was a College Soccer Champion

• 💸 Ronaldo to MLS?

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The First American Player to Win the UCL

You might’ve thought it was Pulisic (I’m guilty of it too), but no, it was the great Jovan Kirovski.

On May 28, 1997, he became the first American player to win the most prestigious club trophy in the world when Borussia Dortmund defeated Juventus in the Champions League Final.

Although he wasn’t in the starting lineup or on the bench for the decisive match, Kirovski featured in the group stage, so he earned a medal with the Black and Yellow.

Kirovski was also the first American player to score in the UCL, and he’d go on to win two MLS Cups and a US Open Cup when he returned home. Levels.

EXPANSION
The Twin City Toucans

This team is 100% real, and I’m in awe. They compete in USL League Two, they’re based out of Bryan, TX, and they play at a stadium named Edible Field. And of course, their mascot is officially known (for now) as “nameless toucan with six-pack.”

Shout out to the great Pablo Maurer for bringing this incredible club to our attention. Their website and jerseys are insane. 

COVER STORY
Robin Williams Was a College Soccer Champion

This week in 1989, Dead Poets Society was released in theatres. It’s a classic film, and the 36th anniversary of its release had me thinking about Robin Williams, one of my favorite actors ever.

My first introduction to him was through Jumanji and Aladdin, but as I grew older, I also started to explore his work as a stand-up comedian. Over the years, I’d seen him do a few bits related to soccer, but it never crossed my mind that he might have actually been an avid fan of the beautiful game. After all, it’s pretty common for American comedians to take aim at our favorite sport.

But this week, I decided to dive deeper into Robin Williams’ life and discovered that not only was he a soccer fan, but he was also a talented player growing up.

The picture above, for example, is from an elite soccer camp he attended in Stanford shortly after moving to California from Michigan (where he played soccer for his local high school).

Later on, he would end up enrolling at Claremont Men’s College to study political science, and he was also able to make the school’s soccer team. In 1969, with him in the squad, the team went undefeated and won their second straight Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Championship.

Shortly after lifting the title, he’d end up dropping out to pursue acting, but his name still remains in the roster archives of Claremont Men’s College, where it reads: “Rob Williams (Halfback, CMC).”

It’s quite inspiring to know that Robin Williams was able to leave his mark not just in film, comedy, and philanthropy, but also, in a small way, on American soccer history.

CULTURE
Ronaldo to MLS?

It’s impossible not to think about it. Pundits all over the States have been stoking the flames, and boy, would it be a dream come true.

As of now, there are multiple options in MLS that have been thrown around. Inter Miami, LA Galaxy, LAFC, NYCFC… but nothing concrete as of yet. Mind you, Sporting KC has Ronaldo’s discovery rights, so that’ll be an interesting puzzle to solve ahead of any move.

For now, we’ll keep an eye on the situation. No one thought Messi would come, and things ended up materializing pretty quickly. Stay alert 👀

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

It has to happen. One last dance with Messi. If you do think he’ll come to the States, let us know what team you think he’ll end up joining. We’ll highlight your best answers next week!

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

CWC Spot Secured: Props to LAFC for a generational performance against Club America to earn a place at the Club World Cup. The scenes were unbelievable.

MatchWornShirt: The US Soccer Federation just partnered with this giant in the tech and live auction space.

Baltimore Up Next: Pro soccer in this city? Don’t rule it out.

NWSL Money: Everyone loves to compare these figures. Check out the official Forbes list of the most valuable NWSL teams in 2025.

Record in Annapolis: A surprise, but a welcome one. The Annapolis Blues shattered the USL League Two (fourth division) attendance record. It’s more than what you probably expect.

ECONOMICS
Their Fair Share

The Seattle Sounders squad made waves over the weekend as they took the pitch wearing pre-match shirts that read “Club World Ca$h Grab.”

This is the latest in a longstanding fight between players and Major League Soccer over Club World Cup bonuses.

The MLS Players Association put out an impactful statement supporting the actions of the Sounders squad. Here’s all you need to know about the dispute.

TRAVEL
El Farolito Is Going to Manchester

Manchester, NH, that is. And what an occasion it’ll be for everyone’s favorite burrito chain/soccer team.

El Farolito is known for its Cinderella runs in the Open Cup, slaying teams well above its division level. Now, you can catch this legendary San Francisco-based team play for the official title of best amateur soccer team in the entire country this weekend.

It’ll all be decided in another edition of the Steinbrecher Cup, which will pit the reigning champions of the NPSL, USL League Two, USSA, and the winner of the last edition of this cup, in a bracket-style tournament.

If you live in New England, you’ll want to check this one out. 

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What do you think of Pulisic's decision to skip the Gold Cup? Here are some of your answers:

• “I think it’s wise. Give him rest now. Next year he'll be needed for sure, especially playing from August to June and possibly into July.” - Nap B.

• “I am indifferent. I don't know what's going on in his head, but it's hard not to think he's writing off this tournament. But to be fair, he's had enormous mental stress/fatigue these last few years as the go-to guy for USMNT. Regardless, it's a great chance for others to take their moment, specifically Luna.” - Danny K.

• “I think it’s wise. If the coaching staff isn’t calling any major starters, then he should rest. There’s no need to expose him to injury plus it’s a good opportunity to deepen the roster ahead of 2026.” - J.D.

In the poll, “I think it’s wise” finished first with 40% of the vote, while “He should be playing” followed in second place with 33% of the vote.

I think if Pochettino decided that he wasn’t going to include some of our biggest stars, then I don’t see much of a problem with Pulisic bowing out to rest. In the end, it should be up to the coach to decide how seriously he takes a particular tournament, and it seems Poch isn’t prioritizing this one. That being said, I find it crazy that it’s the last major tournament we have ahead of 2026, and we aren’t going all in on it (even though we might win it regardless). It should be our dress rehearsal. Looking at the bright side, though, I suppose it is now a great opportunity for others to gain experience and make their case to be on the roster next summer. In short, I’m on the fence about this one.

UP NEXT
TST

For the past two years, this star-studded, million-dollar tournament hosted in North Carolina has captivated fans from all over the globe. We’ve been to the last two editions, and it’s always been a blast.

This year, I’ll be traveling down on Saturday to catch the knockout stages of the tournament, and if you’re around those last few days, send us a quick note through here or over on Instagram. It’d be great to meet up 🤝

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo