Title: How Wolverhampton Wanderers Helped Pave the Way for Professional Football in the USA
Introduction
Lionel Messi’s highly anticipated move to Inter Miami has been made possible, in part, due to the efforts of Wolverhampton Wanderers. While many may not be aware, Wolves played a significant role in introducing professional football to the United States. In a soon-to-be-released documentary titled “1967: When Wolves Conquered the USA,” the fascinating story of how this Midlands club blazed a trail for football across the pond will be brought to life.
The Birth of Professional Football in the USA
In 1967, a decade before soccer gained popularity in the United States, Wolves, also known as Los Angeles Wolves, won the first-ever North American Soccer championship. This victory marked the beginning of professional football in the USA. The catalyst for this development was England’s World Cup triumph in 1966, which was the first World Cup to be broadcast via satellite to the United States. The immense popularity of the tournament led to the formation of North America’s first professional league.
The United Soccer Association (USA) League
To kickstart professional football in the USA, the league imported entire teams from Europe and South America for its inaugural season. Wolves, fresh from their promotion to the old First Division, sent players such as Phil Parkes, Mike Bailey, Derek Dougan, Gerry Taylor, and Terry Wharton to represent Los Angeles as their chosen team. The Western Division, in which Wolves competed, included clubs like San Francisco Golden Gate Gales (ADO Den Haag), Vancouver Royal Canadians (Sunderland), and Houston Stars (Bangu AC from Brazil).
The Unforgettable Experience
Former Wolves goalkeeper Phil Parkes reminisces about the incredible experience of playing for Wolves in Los Angeles. The team embarked on a nine-week tour, playing games across various cities in the United States. Parkes recalls the scorching heat in Dallas, where giant fans were placed in the dressing rooms to prevent players from passing out. The tour was filled with memorable moments, including a 4th of July barbecue at the beach and encounters with other legendary players who joined the MLS later, such as Pele.
The Epic Final and Wolves’ Triumph
The play-off final against Eastern Division champions Washington Whips (Aberdeen) took place in front of a crowd of 18,000 at the LA Coliseum. The match was a classic, with Wolves eventually lifting the inaugural Presidents Cup after defeating the Whips 6-5. The final featured 11 goals, two hat-tricks, three penalty kicks, last-minute equalizers in normal and extra time, a red card, punch-ups, and a golden goal winner. This thrilling encounter marked the official arrival of the beautiful game in the USA.
The Impact on Professional Football in the USA
Phil Parkes believes that without Wolves’ introduction of professional football to the United States, Lionel Messi’s move to the MLS might not have been possible. The success of Wolves’ tour and subsequent triumph in the USA League laid the foundation for the growth of soccer in America. It paved the way for future stars like Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, George Best, and Rodney Marsh to make soccer popular in the States. Today, Messi’s move to Inter Miami is a testament to the global reach and influence of American soccer.
Conclusion
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ role in introducing professional football to the United States is a fascinating story that has largely gone unnoticed. The upcoming documentary “1967: When Wolves Conquered the USA” sheds light on this historic achievement. Wolves’ triumph in the North American Soccer championship paved the way for the growth of soccer in America and set the stage for future stars to make their mark. As Lionel Messi prepares to join Inter Miami, he owes a debt of gratitude to the trailblazing efforts of Wolves and their unforgettable tour in 1967.