How the league lost sight of the long-term goal of steady growth and was seduced by the short-term income offered by expansion fees.
NASL I
Good days for the Cosmos
The New York Cosmos had an up-and-down record over the years in friendlies against European and South American teams. Two of those home friendlies that do stand out impressively.
Playoffs, then and now
American soccer has had varied experience with playoffs over the years, some good, some bad.
The sad end of the original NASL Cosmos
The decline and fall of the original NASL Cosmos was not a heroic story. It really began in 1982, but its last stages, in 1984 and 1985, were the particularly grim ones.
The Bicentennial Cup
The what cup? Roger Allaway explains.
The Cosmos’ takeoff in 1977
Roger Allaway looks at how the New York Cosmos became “The Cosmos!” in 1977.
A starry night in New Jersey
Roger Allaway looks at a game that could have been a magnificent event for American soccer but instead was a rather bittersweet occasion.
The Cosmos-Whitecaps classic of 1979
Roger Allaway on the second leg of the 1979 championship semifinal between New York Cosmos and Vancouver Whitecaps, considered by many to be the best game in the history of the original NASL.
RIP, Pelé
The greatest player of in the history of the game has died at the age of 82
Rowlands stood tall, always will
A tribute to John Rowlands, an original Seattle Sounders, who passed away from the Coronavirus in April.
A first and lasting impression
Bob Robertson was the original voice of the NASL Seattle Sounders.
Interview with Clive Toye
An interview with Clive Toye, the man who signed Pele to the Cosmos.
History of the Philadelphia Fury, part three: Exit the Fury
The Frank Worthington debacle Although much improved, the Fury remained an inconsistent side. Through April, the team was 2-4. However, help was on the way with the arrival of Ball and the acquisition of another goal scorer, Frank Worthington, on loan from Bolton. Worthington finished the 1978-79 season as the […]
History of Philadelphia Fury, part two: The Fury simmers
Steve Holroyd’s look at the history of the Philadelphia Fury continues.
History of the Philadelphia Fury, part one: Enter the Fury
Part one of a history of the Philadelphia Fury of the original NASL.
A simple protestation
On Ferenc Puskas’s tenure as head coach of the Vancouver Royals in the first year of the original NASL.
The unfortunate Steve Zungul
There was more to Steve Zungul than just his storied indoor career.
The Cosmos’ takeoff in 1977
The Cosmos may not have always been “The Cosmos!” but by the end of the 1977 season, in which they won their second NASL title, they definitely were.
Another soccer war?
Steve Holroyd on what happened the last time two professional soccer leagues were rivals for Division I status in 1967.
On writing “The San Jose Earthquakes: A Seismic Soccer Legacy”
Gary Singh on writing his history of the San Jose Earthquakes.
Preserving and exhibiting Bay Area soccer history
Like many, I’m a transplant to the San Francisco Bay Area. I found over time that the region has a rich soccer history, much of it of relatively recent vintage and yet oddly unknown and in danger of being lost. For example, I had lived in my neighborhood near downtown […]
Be very afraid: U.S. soccer’s most dominant teams ever
Looking back over ASL I, the NASL, and MLS, which teams were the most dominant? Steve Holroyd explores.
Who’s better, who’s best: Leveling the pitch to find the best US club sides ever
Steve Holroyd performs some statistical leveling to determine the all-time top 15 US pro soccer teams.
Moving the goalposts
The ASL in the 1920s has been called the “golden age” of American soccer. Some older fans argue that the NASL was “better” than MLS. What do the numbers say.
Steve Moyers: American-born goalscorer
A look at the all-time leading American-born goalscorer in the original NASL.
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