The Soccer Doctor Who Survived the Miracle on the Hudson

In January 2009, Captain Sully successfully landed a powerless plane on the Hudson River. This week, we look back at the story of the Sacramento Republic FC doctor on board. Plus, we remember a fascinating tale involving Georgie Best in the NASL, examine a jersey inspired by a 20th-century circus, and more.

This week’s stories:

• ⚔️ Georgie Best Stuns the Connecticut Bi’s

• ⛰️ Peak Signing

• ✈️ The Soccer Doctor Who Survived the Miracle on the Hudson

• 🎪 A Circus-Themed Kit?

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

OUR HISTORY
Georgie Best Stuns the Connecticut Bi’s

On January 14, 1975, the Hartford/Connecticut Bicentennials (affectionately known as the Bi’s) were born.

This NASL expansion franchise was one of the worst in the league, but they did have some incredible stories.

Here’s a fun anecdote from their GM, Rudi Schiffer, involving Georgie Best:

“One time, we were playing the Los Angeles Aztecs in New Haven, and they had a bunch of foreign stars, including Georgie Best. They came into town early in the week and were staying in a motel about ten miles away. Our Head Coach, Malcolm Musgrove, says, ‘Rudi, go over there and see what they’re doing.’

I went over and sat next to the pool for most of the week, and they were just drinking themselves to death and sneaking out every night, you know?

I came back and told Musgrove, ‘Coach, we’ll kill these guys! They won’t be able to make the second half. They’re all drunk.’ They beat us 5-3. Musgrove said, ‘You should have found out what kind of whiskey they were drinking!’”

EXPANSION
Peak Signing

Insane news to start the week.

USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps is heading home and will be joining the Denver Summit this summer!

It’s a move that did feel inevitable when the team was announced, but it’s great to see it actually come to fruition. It even surprised her parents! Watch the wholesome moment here.

COVER STORY
The Soccer Doctor Who Survived the Miracle on the Hudson

This Thursday marks the 17th anniversary of the Miracle on the Hudson, when Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River after both engines failed.

All 155 souls on board survived, and among them was Alberto Panero, a former soccer player at Nova Southeastern University whose career was unfortunately cut short due to recurrent ankle injuries.

At the time of the accident, Panero was a 26-year-old medical student at NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine, and he used his training to help some of his fellow passengers safely exit the plane.

In the years that followed, Panero became the team physician at the Sacramento Republic in the USL, he was an early advocate for reform in concussion protocols in soccer, and he even found the time to educate youth coaches when he wasn’t practicing medicine.

In 2015, Dr. Panero talked about what it was like to survive that fateful day on the Hudson:

“One thing I learned through the experience of being on that plane that day is that sometimes in life you will encounter individuals that, even for the briefest of moments, have the ability to profoundly impact your life. This would be the obvious understatement when referring to the brief yet undeniably powerful impact Captain Sullenberger has had on my life. Because of the gifted skills Captain Sullenberger had as a pilot, I am able to use the skills I developed through my education and training to directly impact lives.”

It’s amazing to see how part of Dr. Panero’s way of impacting lives after the Miracle on the Hudson has also involved soccer. It felt fitting to remember his story on a week like this one!

FASHION
A Circus-Themed Kit?

I’m an absolute sucker for when teams dig deep into the culture of the communities they represent and come up with kits just like this one.

See, back in the early 1900s, the Ringling Brothers Circus helped establish Sarasota as the spiritual home of American circus arts, a place where families, performers, and communities gathered around discipline, repetition, and craft.

It’s cool to see Sarasota Paradise’s “Primetime Streak” jersey pay homage to that century-old heritage and boldly bring it into the city’s modern soccer scene!

Plus, the club teamed up with the Circus Arts Conservatory and Palm Film Production to come up with an awesome cinematic launch for the kit. 10/10

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

Let us know your reasoning and any specific recommendations! We’ll highlight your best answers next week.

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Uphill Battle: We’ve had a tough track record sending coaches over to Europe. Here’s how it’s been a difficult challenge for Americans.

Goodbye Chucky: From hero to zero? Chucky Lozano is on his way out of San Diego.

SheBelieves Cup Revealed: The schedule for the SheBelieves Cup is officially out. Here are the countries the USWNT will face!

British Bound: Another NWSL star leaving for England? Seems like things are all squared away.

Best PL Bar in Boston: Arguably the best spot to catch a soccer game in this historic city. Keep this one in your back pocket for the World Cup.

WC2026
Philadelphia Freedom

We’re getting more and more info about official FIFA fan festivals across the country, and if you’re in Philly, here’s an important update about the ones in the city of brotherly love!

Each host committee will be hosting and organizing its own festivals independently, so things will be different across cities. We’ll keep you in the loop as we hear more from other locations.

ART
Return of the Waldo

For over a decade, fans have been clamoring for Nike to bring back the famous Waldo kits, and well, it seems like we’re finally getting them for the World Cup.

The leaks do seem to show it being a hybrid between the OG Waldo and the wavy striped kits from 1994, and honestly, it works.

Here are the full renders for the home and away kits.

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: In 2026, would you rather have your MLS/NWSL team win the title, have the USMNT reach the WC quarterfinals, or have your European team win the Champions League? Here are some of your answers:

• “Have my European team win the Champions League. Having not grown up in the US, the team I follow is a European team, and the Champions League means everything. Plus, regardless of the new UCL format and changes, it is still one of the most prestigious club football tournaments.” - John

• “Have my MLS team win the title. If it had been ‘have the USMNT reach the semis,’ I would have chosen that, but I’ll settle for SDFC taking it all in their second year.” - Eric W.

• “Have the USMNT reach the WC quarterfinals, cause it will be good for Soccer in America. Would be even better if the USMNT made it to the WC semifinals!” - Kurt P.

In the poll, “Have the USMNT reach the WC quarterfinals” won with 40% of the vote, followed by both other options with 20% each.

Honestly, it was a tight poll overall, and all responses are very valid. Even for myself, I’m not too sure about what I’d choose, but if you really put me on the spot, I’d have to go with the USMNT to the quarterfinals. Even just remembering what it was like to tie Wales, beat Iran, tie England, and the anticipation ahead of playing the Netherlands in 2022 just gives me chills (I do get carried away by the bare minimum to be fair). Manifesting an even deeper and more successful run this summer 🙏.

UP NEXT
Winding Up

We had the chance to head to Orlando this past week and check on our good friend Woody. A wonderful reunion with the lads and the bus after the holidays.

Super excited for what’s to come this year!!

Enjoying This?

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo