The Snowstorm That Almost Destroyed American Soccer

In 1895, a devastating snowstorm rocked the Northeast, right as our soccer forefathers attempted to form one of the first leagues in the US. This week, we look back at those pivotal couple of days in the snow, we revisit a 1979 soccer game in a blizzard, look into the coolest NWSL contract ever, and more. It felt fitting after the recent weather across most of the country…

This week’s stories:

• ☃️ The First Blizzard Game

• 🥶 Coolest Contract Ever

• 🌨️ The Snowstorm That Almost Destroyed American Soccer

• 🧍 Soccer LEGO Figures

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
The First Blizzard Game

In 1979, the newly rebranded Toronto Blizzard played their first-ever home game against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers at Exhibition Stadium.

And wouldn’t you know it, both teams were greeted by an actual blizzard.

Over 6 inches of snow fell that day, but the game went on as planned in front of a fervent crowd of 18,552 spectators.

The Strikers ended up winning thanks to goals by Teófilo Cubillas and Ray Hudson in snowy conditions. After the game, Strikers coach Ron Newman said:

"I'm glad we weren't playing the Earthquakes.” 😂

BUSINESS
Coolest Contract Ever

One of the best pieces of news so far this year!

Trinity Rodman is staying in the NWSL all to the tune of a record-breaking contract with the Washington Spirit. (As a Spirit fan, I’m overjoyed!)

Check out all the stunning details of the agreement + the impact it might have on the league right HERE.

COVER STORY
The Snowstorm That Almost Destroyed American Soccer

With a generational snowstorm engulfing a huge swath of the United States this past weekend, it got me thinking: What is the most consequential blizzard in American soccer history?

Of course, the Snow Clasico between the US and Costa Rica in 2013 jumped to mind, the above story about the Strikers vs the Blizzard in 1979 was another one, but after diving deep into the books, I found one from 1895 that may just take the cake.

See, during the early months of that year, delegates from some of the most prominent teams in the Northeast of our country began chatting about creating a new league in the region.

By then, the first two pro leagues in the US had both promptly started and catastrophically folded during the fall of 1894. These early attempts to formalize the game were clearly very fragile, and there was almost no margin for error this time around. Another failed attempt at a league could severely damage the reputation of the game and the enthusiasm that surrounded it in the late 19th century.

So, the leaders of these clubs across the Northeast planned to meet on February 12, 1895, to hammer out the details of this new league, which, despite being considered semi-professional, would look to bring in the biggest names across the region.

There was only one problem, though. The worst snowstorm to hit the area in almost a decade rocked the East Coast on February 8th. Transportation was severely disrupted for days, and the future of the meeting—and arguably the league—hung in the balance.

Fortunately, delegates from all but one team managed to make the meeting on time, and there, amidst many arguments and compromises, they established the framework and rules for their new league, which would endure from 1895 to 1899.

In the end, these soccer pioneers proved that the future of this fragile new sport was worth braving any obstacles, and by showing up despite the storm, they helped keep momentum rolling at a pivotal time when American soccer could not afford another failure.

It’s just amazing to think that a huge reason the game continued to take root in the United States in its early years was because a handful of sickos refused to stay home after a blizzard.

ART
Soccer LEGO Figures

This set of LEGO figures might just be the greatest thing ever.

I grew up collecting and trading LEGO figures when I was a little kid, so seeing these Hearts ones just blew my mind.

This custom 3D-printed set popped up at the June Cork Pub in New Hampshire. Check it out.

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

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

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Knitted Out: A dream collaboration. Check out this amazing NWSL-wide knit jersey collection designed by the great Domo Wells (through her brand Dead Dirt).

Sick(s): No better way to open up the year for the USWNT. Here’s how it all looked through Lorena Barros’ lens.

Fulhamerica: The golden days of having an American forward at Fulham could be back. What a signing this would be.

Get to Know the Players: An awesome initiative from the Boston Legacy! Here’s how fans can participate.

Hollywood Drama: LAFC forward Denis Bouanga raised some eyebrows after sharing this cryptic message on X. What could it mean?

WC2026
Japan in Nashville

Having stopped here a few times during our soccer travels last year, I guarantee the Japanese delegation is going to have a blast at their chosen World Cup base camp.

A few other countries have also announced their own base camps across the US this past month.

Check a few of them out here. You might be near one…

TRANSFERS
Sargent to Toronto?

I was not expecting this news, but it seems one of our Americans abroad may be on his way to MLS.

Reports out of England suggest that things got heated between Sargent, the manager, and the sporting director at Norwich City FC while discussing a potential transfer.

We’ll see where the striker ends up.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: How big is your soccer kit collection? Here are some of your answers:

• “40+. Favorite has to be the Dodici Otto custom 2018 New York Red Bulls home kit, when they finally returned to the primary red home colorway. I’m never giving that one up.” - Paul F.

• “40+. Each December 31, I resolve to not add any further jerseys to the collection. Lasts typically two weeks.” - Tobias

In the poll, “11-20” won with 38.5% of the vote, while “40+” followed with 30%, and “20-40” earned 23.1%.

I know there may be some self-selection bias going on with the poll question, but I don’t care. Feels awesome knowing that many of us here are on the same train with collecting kits.

UP NEXT
European “Holiday”

Signing this one off from across the pond!

As it’s the offseason in America, we figured we’d try to catch four games in Europe in five days.

Let’s see if we can pull it off…

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo