The Soccer Coach Linked to John Lennon’s Death

John Lennon’s tragic passing shocked the world in December 1980, and somehow, a soccer coach got pulled into the center of the story. This week, we look back at the tale of footballer John Smith and his connection to the former Beatle’s untimely death. Plus, we examine a soccer miracle at Roanoke, attend the World Cup Draw, and much more.

This week’s stories:

• 🏛️ A Day at the World Cup Draw

• 🌴 The South Florida Prophecy

• 😔 The Soccer Coach Linked to John Lennon’s Death

• 🙌 Soccer Miracle at Roanoke

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

WC2026
A Day at the World Cup Draw

My brother and I used to drive by the Kennedy Center almost every week as kids growing up in the DMV area. It felt like such a full-circle moment to get to cover the FIFA Draw in that iconic building.

Here’s what you might have not seen on the broadcast!

And if you haven’t checked it out yet, you can find all the groups, schedule, and match locations right here.

OUR HISTORY
The South Florida Prophecy

Seeing Messi lift the MLS Cup trophy on the very ground where old Lockhart Stadium once stood felt surreal.

It was impossible not to think back to Georgie Best, Teófilo Cubillas, Gerd Müller, and countless other legends who played on that soil during the NASL days but never quite got over the hump to win a league championship.

Here’s how history was made on Saturday.

COVER STORY
The Soccer Coach Linked to John Lennon’s Death

On the night of December 8, 1980, John Lennon was tragically shot and killed outside his apartment building in New York.

At the same time, thousands of miles south, the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins were locked in a fierce Monday Night Football battle at the Orange Bowl.

Those who lived through it probably remember the moment like it was yesterday. With the score tied 13-13, just as Pats kicker John Smith trotted out to kick a field goal, announcer Howard Cosell broke the devastating news to the world.

It’s a moment that remains etched in American memory, and as a big Beatles fan, I couldn’t help but look deeper into it, especially around this date.

As I was reading about this historic broadcast, I fell down one of my usual rabbit holes and learned that John Smith—the kicker on screen as the news is being relayed to the world for the first time—was actually a beloved soccer player and coach in Massachusetts.

Smith was born in England, grew up playing soccer, and was even offered a pro contract at sixteen (which he turned down to pursue his studies). Later on, he moved to America in 1972 to coach soccer, and his life would soon take an unexpected turn. When he arrived, a young camper asked him to kick a football, and two years later, he was playing for the New England Patriots.

Still, despite embracing American football, Smith never forgot about his first love, and he’s been running soccer camps and academies in Massachusetts for five decades now, introducing and training countless generations in the art of the beautiful game.

When asked about that night in Miami in 1980, Smith admits it’s strange to be associated with Lennon’s death, especially “[as a lifelong] Beatles fan and being the only Englishman in pro football. It's amazing how things happen in this world,” he adds.

EDUCATION
Soccer Miracle at Roanoke

This is probably one of the craziest endings to a game you’ll ever see.

The Tufts Jumbos clinched the NCAA Division III National Championship at Roanoke College with an incredible comeback victory against Trinity.

They scored with just four seconds left (!) in regulation to tie the game, and then ended up winning in OT. Watch the equalizer right here. Unreal scenes…

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

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

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Bus Stop in Miami: It was an awesome evening with ABFC the night before MLS Cup! Never thought we’d get to see this, though.

NWSL Civil War: Things took a turn for the worse in the Trinity Rodman transfer saga.

Clue x Newcastle: Earlier this month, we partnered with Newcastle and Chicago-based artist Clue to create a special commemorative postcard for the club’s watch party in the city. Here’s how it all came together!

Call For Interns: Our good friends at Ahseville City SC are looking for interns across a variety of fields. Check out the opportunities here.

New Rules: Hmm, really not sure how to feel about this new rule to be implemented at the World Cup next summer.

CULTURE
Incredible Kit Launch Party in Boise

It may be the next best trend in American soccer: hosting team events in old local theatres.

The Athletic Club Boise kit launch party last week was truly one for the ages, and the inaugural jersey itself really lived up to the occasion.

Check it out right here.

TOURNEYS
Wavy World Sevens

An 8-team, 7v7 competition with $2M on the line?

The World Sevens women's tournament made its U.S. debut with teams from North, Central, and South America all competing in Fort Lauderdale over the weekend.

When it was all said and done, the San Diego Wave walked away with the insane prize money. Huge congratulations to all the players and staff!

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: Who will win MLS Cup? Here are some of your answers:

• “Inter Miami. Lionel Messi will not let them lose.” - W.M. Gordon

• “Only voting for Caps because I'm sick of the Miami circus 😵‍💫” - Daniel K

• “Inter Miami, because MLS says so.” - Meghan

• “Inter Miami, because they are the best team.” - Kurt

In the poll, “Vancouver Whitecaps” won with 53% of the vote, which is one of the narrowest margins of victory we’ve ever had. Honestly, for a large portion of the game on Saturday, I thought most of you were gonna end up being right in your predictions. Even though they lost, the Whitecaps put on an incredible performance!

UP NEXT
Back Home

After a great time in Miami, we’re all looking forward to spending a quiet week at home—before some more travel later this month!

In the meantime, we’ve got some things in the works, so keep an eye out for an announcement in the coming days. If you’ve made it this far, here’s a little clue on what it might be 👀

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo