The Soccer Stoner at Super Bowl XXV

In 1991, a record-breaking kicker led his team to a Super Bowl victory. But not many people know about this NFL hero's mind-blowing soccer past, so we figured we’d share this one ahead of the big game this Sunday. Plus, we dive into Willem Dafoe’s visit to the Bombonera in Argentina, examine the USL’s latest updates on their pro/rel plans, and more.

This week’s stories:

• 🎭 Willem Dafoe at the Bombonera

• 🚀 USL Premier and Pro/Rel

• 🏈 The Soccer Stoner at Super Bowl XXV

• ✈️ An Unforgettable Euro Trip

• 🗳️ Poll + Last Week’s Answers

• ➡️ And More

CINEMA
Willem Dafoe at the Bombonera

If Willem Dafoe wasn’t a soccer fan before this, he definitely is now.

The American actor surprised everyone by turning up at the Bombonera this weekend for Boca Juniors’ match against Newell’s Old Boys.

And he got super into it. Seems like everyone is catching the soccer bug in 2026!

EXPANSION
USL Premier and Pro/Rel

We finally have more details about the USL’s pro/rel plans.

Their new Division One league will be called USL Premier, and it will sit atop “an interconnected three-tier framework designed to support long-term growth, competitive integrity, and the introduction of promotion and relegation.”

You can find all the details about each tier, its rules, and the pro/rel implementation timeline here!

COVER STORY
The Soccer Stoner at Super Bowl XXV

Last year, during Super Bowl week, we shared the story of the great Toni Fritsch, the only player to win professional titles in both soccer and American football. But this story might even be crazier…

See, the NFL kicker who set the record for most field goals in an NFC Championship game, ended the 49ers’ attempt at a three-peat in the 1990 season, and propelled the NY Giants to a late win over the Bills in Super Bowl XXV, was essentially American soccer royalty.

His name was Matt Bahr, and back in the ‘70s, he played for the Caribous of Colorado in the NASL, donning those famous fringed jerseys (as seen in the photo above). Bahr also repped the Tulsa Roughnecks and later signed for the Pennsylvania Stoners (what a name) of the American Soccer League before stepping into the NFL in 1979.

In my eyes, his NASL/ASL resume already makes him an absolute icon of peak American soccer quirkiness (I hope he’s kept his Caribous jersey after all these years)… but that’s not all.

Turns out, Matt Bahr’s connections to American soccer go even deeper. His father, Walter Bahr, was the long-time captain of the USMNT, played in the 1950 FIFA World Cup when the US defeated England 1–0, and was even inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. With that type of parent, it seems Matt was destined to be gifted at kicking a ball no matter what.

Anyway, I just find it so, so beautiful that a Super Bowl champion once played for the Caribous of Colorado, was rostered on a soccer team called the Pennsylvania Stoners, and his father beat England in a World Cup. I already know I won’t be able to shut up about it on Sunday.

CLUBELEVEN
An Unforgettable Euro Trip

It was a week full of firsts!

We were lucky to travel to Europe to see our first-ever Premier League, Champions League, and Europa League games this past week. Just an absolute dream come true!

Later this month, we’ll be showing some of the stories we captured on our journey across Barcelona, Glasgow, and London, but one definite highlight was getting to hang out with the lads from “Bridged” while they DJ’d out of a window facing Stamford Bridge.

It was mental. You can see how that looked here.

Huge, huge thank you to Champions Travel for sending us on this “European Holiday” while we gear up for the American season to start!

CLUBELEVEN
The Supporters Section

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

CLUBELEVEN
Aggregates

Timo: Never in my wildest dreams would I have pictured this signing. Here are the details of Timo Werner’s move to MLS.

Pros and Pals: An incredible initiative down in Tampa! Check it out.

Prep: It’s official, Lamine Yamal will be training at this American school ahead of the World Cup. Insane!

Gotham in England: It wasn’t exactly the result they were hoping for out of this tournament, but the NWSL side managed to finish strong.

Retirement: Another USWNT legend is saying goodbye. We’re all incredibly thankful for the awesome memories, undeniable impact, and amazing triumphs for our country!

BOX OFFICE
Game of the Century Loading?

It feels like all of New England (plus all lower-league sickos) wanted this one to happen someday.

Well, we’re finally getting it. Portland Hearts of Pine vs Vermont Green in Round 1 of the Open Cup, on March 17 (yes, on St. Patrick’s Day)!

You won’t want to miss this one…

FASHION
Cosmos Return With A Bang

The Cosmos are back this season, and we finally got a look at their secondary kit!

Feels a bit surreal to see those classic colors on a jersey again, but this one is definitely going in the collection. It’s a historic one, no matter what.

Check it out here!

CLUBELEVEN
Your Takes 🗯️ 

Last week, we asked you: What is your favorite weather for playing soccer? Here are some of your answers:

• “Rain is the great equalizer. Anything can happen.” - Kyle

• “How is this poll not 100% sun? Rain, you can fall, the ball doesn't move in the same way, you get very wet, and it’s overall very annoying. And snow, yeah, I don't know why it was included (unless you are from Canada, Russia, Iceland, Sweden....) But I'm sure even they prefer sunshine.” - Dario

• “Snow. Cus I’m a born and raised New Englander and soccer is just always better in the snow.” - Luke S.

• “Other. As long as it’s not boiling hot, I’ll play or watch in any weather.” - Christian G.

In the poll, “Rain” and “Sunshine” tied with 38.5% of the vote each.

I must admit, there is something magical about playing soccer in the rain, and playing in the snow is also so chaotically beautiful. Both just add an extra layer to the game that makes it even more exciting and dramatic. Still, my tropical nature makes me lean very slightly toward voting for a nice sunny climate as my answer, personally.

UP NEXT
Heading Home

Signing this one off from Heathrow on our way back to the States!

It was a dream come true to get to experience a few European matchdays, and now we’re itching for the American soccer season to start.

Onwards!!

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Have a great Tuesday!

Pablo