Soccer Evolution

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a special guest and former footballer Dennis Tueart. In this first episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), Dennis, known for his iconic moments with Sunderland and Manchester City, shares his remarkable journey from English football to the booming NASL in the 1970s. Discover his experiences with the New York Cosmos, playing alongside legends like Franz Beckenbauer, replacing Pele, navigating cultural shifts, and understanding the challenges and triumphs that shaped the future of soccer in America. Don't miss this deep dive into football history, glamour, and the evolution of the beautiful game in the United States. 00:57 Dennis Tueart's Transfer to the Cosmos 02:05 Challenges and Decisions 04:19 Arrival and Initial Impressions 07:15 Experiences and Reflections 11:38 Life in the NASL 17:18 Training and Facilities 18:58 Pre-season and Early Challenges 25:14 The NASL's Unique Rules 29:55 Challenges and Triumphs in the NASL 30:25 Play-off Performances and Nicknames 30:59 Intense Matches and Injuries 31:36 The Semi-final Comeback 36:27 Winning the Conference Final 37:40 Facing Rodney Marsh and Tampa Bay 42:51 Touring and Transitioning 46:53 Final Reflections and Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"The US players going to the 2026 World Cup could have the same kind of impact that we had back in 1994. They could become known for generations and elevate the sport to another level." Herc sat down with soccer legend Cobi Jones to discuss all things soccer, sharing his experiences with the USMNT in multiple World Cups. They talked about how the game has evolved in the US since the Barcelona Olympics in 1994, delved into his time with Coventry City when he was one of the few Americans playing in the English Premier League back in the '90s, analyzed the beginnings of Major League Soccer while playing for the LA Galaxy, and what's his current role as a part-owner of a professional sports team. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.