Sports Illustrated published an absolute must-read for any Major League Soccer fan on Wednesday, dropping a mammoth oral history chronicling the early days of the league 20 years after it was born.
Reported by SI’s Grant Wahl and Brian Straus and compiled by Alexander Abnos, the piece features quotes from numerous key figures from the league’s early days, a group including New England Revolution owner Jonathan Kraft, FC Dallas owner Clark Hunt, Alexi Lalas, Bruce Arena and Eric Wynalda, among others.
The story touches on a wide-range of subjects and features too many choice quotes to count. Our favorite, though, might come from Tampa Bay Mutiny head coach Thomas Rongen, who had this to say about his team’s logo:
“What the f---? A mutant bat? What are we representing? Nike must have had a few guys smoking dope, coming up with the craziest things.”
Do yourself a favor, go read the piece. Seriously, read it. You’ll be better for it.
