The Revolutionary War Spy Who Loved Soccer

In 1776, while serving in George Washington's Continental Army, a renowned American hero found time to play soccer. This week, we look back at the incredible story of Nathan Hale, a Revolutionary War captain and spy who had a surprising passion for the beautiful game during the fight for independence. Plus, we revisit a mid-game karaoke moment with the USWNT, share our experience helping build soccer’s “field of dreams” in North Dakota, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🎤 Born in the USA

• 🌿 Soccer’s Field of Dreams

• 🇺🇸 The Revolutionary War Spy Who Loved Soccer

• ✍️ Maurer’s Greatest Hits

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
Born in the USA

On July 2, 2011, the USWNT put on a memorable World Cup performance to kick off early July 4th celebrations around the globe.

A day before their group stage matchup against Colombia at the WC in Germany, the team held its training session on a US military base in front of a crowd of troops and their families. And on matchday, after Heather O’Reilly opened the score early, the team celebrated by lining up, standing at attention, and saluting the American fans in the crowd and all the servicemen and women watching around the world.

Then, to add to the festivities, Megan Rapinoe scored a goal of her own, grabbed a sideline mic, and blessed the crowd with a brief rendition of “Born in the USA.” Iconic.

FAR OUT
Soccer’s Field of Dreams

It was an unforgettable weekend out in North Dakota. We were tapped to play at the Far Out FC Invitational, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had this year.

I arrived a couple of days ahead of schedule, so the Far Out FC lads allowed me to join in on the pitch-building efforts on that secluded farmland (top secret location). It was arduous work, but after a lot of measuring, mowing, spray painting, and carrying goals, it felt so fulfilling to see the field complete.

Getting to play in a pasture, “in the middle of nowhere,” with the flat landscape stretching as far as the eye can see, alongside many friends from the soccer space, felt like a dream. Hopefully, it will be the first of many Far Out FC Invitationals. I’m sure the cows that watched us play in their territory will miss us if we don’t come back.

For those curious about the process of building the pitch, here’s how that looked. 

COVER STORY
The Revolutionary War Spy Who Loved Soccer

Believe it or not, the men who fought and won the American Revolutionary War in 1776 somehow played soccer. And none might be as inspiring as renowned Patriot and martyr Nathan Hale.

You may have heard his story back in middle school or early high school—the Connecticut teacher who signed up to fight in the war and was hanged for spying on British troops in Manhattan in 1776. George Washington desperately needed information about an imminent attack on the city, and Hale was the only soldier to volunteer for the mission.

Hale had been a devoted Patriot for quite some time, joining the Continental Army just a few weeks after it was formed in the summer of 1775. Diaries preserved by his family give us a window into what his experience was like during those months of fighting, and upon reading them, one particular diary entry stands out:

“Wednesday 8th. Cleaned my gun — pld. some football and some chequers.”

It’s an astonishing revelation. Direct evidence that football (soccer) was played by troops in the Revolutionary War. It’s a shocking discovery, made even more incredible by a written account from a fellow soldier and friend after Hale’s death:

“His bodily agility was remarkable. I have seen him follow a football & kick it over the tops of the trees in the Bowery at New York, (an exercise which he was fond of).”

Imagine that. A Revolutionary War hero playing soccer (or a rudimentary version of it) in the Bowery—a place where people continue to practice the beautiful game almost 250 years later.

It’s incredibly inspiring to know that someone who fought for the birth of our country also enjoyed playing soccer like all of us do today. Yet another example of soccer’s inseparable bond to the very fabric of the United States of America.

So, when you’re hanging around a grill this Friday with your family or enjoying a few drinks with your friends by the pool, let them know about Nathan Hale’s tale with soccer. It might surprise them to learn the sport has been part of the grand American story since the very beginning.

CULTURE
Maurer’s Greatest Hits

He’s one of the greatest soccer writers of our time and an incredible steward of the game in America.

Yesterday was Pablo Maurer’s last day at The Athletic, and before departing, he selected twenty of his favorite stories from his time there for all of us sickos who love weird, historical, and in-depth pieces about soccer in our country.

From identifying and tracking down one of the construction workers on the original Columbus Crew crest to uncovering the brief history of the “socker slam,” Pablo Maurer’s work is essential reading for anyone who cherishes American soccer.

Check out his list here.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

We’re down to our final four, and there have been quite a few surprises on the way there. Who do you think is taking the trophy and why? We’ll share your best answers next week! Brownie points if you get your prediction right…

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Upset Galore: Inject it. As you probably know by now, we’re suckers for underdog stories, and we got to celebrate two amazing upsets yesterday.

Diabolical: Still can’t believe the TV broadcast did this after Sebastian Berhalter missed his penalty at the Gold Cup.

All-Star Kit: Charly knocked it out of the park with the jersey the LigaMX squad will wear at the MLS All-Star game. A certified beauty.

Mercurial Flyknit Wallet: Incredible work as always by West Coast-based artist Tuesday Pickup on this one!

Save Us: Olympique Lyonnais was relegated from Ligue 1 last week due to financial concerns. On Monday, they turned to this seasoned American businesswoman and NWSL mogul for help.

SOCCER ODYSSEY
Upcoming Soccer Bus Destinations

Next week is shaping up to be one of the busiest for the soccer bus so far 👀

We can’t mention much aside from the Chopped Cheese Classic in New York on Saturday, July 12th, just yet, but keep an eye out for upcoming announcements here.

Just so you’re in the loop. You never know where the bus might pop up next…

EXPANSION
Getting Noisy in Boise

Boise finally knows what their pro soccer team will be called and what it’ll look like, too.

Thousands showed up at Expo Idaho for the special reveal, and it’s exciting to think of what games will be like over there and what traditions they might start.

So far, the crest and branding seem to have multiple, specific tie-ins to the geography of the region, so we’ll see how that continues to be applied in other aspects of the club.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: How has your excitement for the World Cup changed recently? Here are some of your answers:

• “It has stayed the same. It remains a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m just as excited as I have been for years!” - Jose

• “It has decreased. It’s difficult to be excited knowing that others around the world might not have the opportunity to experience it or feel welcomed.” - B.D.

In the poll, “It has stayed the same” finished first with about 41% of the vote, while “It has decreased” followed in second with 33% of the vote.

UP NEXT
All Hands On Deck

Looking for help! We’re only eleven days out from the Chopped Cheese Classic—a very special 5-borough soccer showdown and block party for bodega owners, workers, friends, and the NYC soccer community on July 12th. 

If you'd like to volunteer to give a hand, please fill out this form, and someone from the operations team will reach out with a confirmed assignment.

As always, thank you for all of your support!!

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