Brian D. Bunk
@brianbunk.bsky.social
I study the early history of soccer in the United States. My book "Beyond the Field. How Soccer Built Community in the United States" is available here: https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p088780
Pinned
Brian D. Bunk
@brianbunk.bsky.social
· Jun 10
Today is the official publication day of my new book: Beyond the Field. How Soccer Built Community in the United States. It tells the stories of less well known soccer communities around the USA
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
In the U.S., the next soccer boom is supposedly always around the corner. But what about the game's history here? From Vermont granite cutters to Hawaiian beaches: Brian Bunk tours with us through the roots of the American game.
tinyurl.com/58mnucwk
tinyurl.com/58mnucwk
November 28, 2025 at 5:54 AM
In the U.S., the next soccer boom is supposedly always around the corner. But what about the game's history here? From Vermont granite cutters to Hawaiian beaches: Brian Bunk tours with us through the roots of the American game.
tinyurl.com/58mnucwk
tinyurl.com/58mnucwk
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Don’t miss out! Maybe snag some copies of “From Football to Soccer” and “Beyond the Field” from @brianbunk.bsky.social as holiday stocking stuffers!
NOW ANNOUNCING our Black Friday Sale!
Take 50% off all (ALL! Including preorders!) books with code FRIDAY50 at checkout!
go.illinois.edu/UIPBlackFrid...
#Thanksgiving #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #Sale #Books
Take 50% off all (ALL! Including preorders!) books with code FRIDAY50 at checkout!
go.illinois.edu/UIPBlackFrid...
#Thanksgiving #BlackFriday #CyberMonday #Sale #Books
November 27, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Don’t miss out! Maybe snag some copies of “From Football to Soccer” and “Beyond the Field” from @brianbunk.bsky.social as holiday stocking stuffers!
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Amazing photo of Bob Mehrabian as a freshman (later captain) on the MIT soccer team. He received his doctorate from MIT while playing for the Boston Tigers of the American Soccer League. Later on he became president of Carnegie Mellon and CEO/Chairman of Teledyne Technologies.
November 25, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Amazing photo of Bob Mehrabian as a freshman (later captain) on the MIT soccer team. He received his doctorate from MIT while playing for the Boston Tigers of the American Soccer League. Later on he became president of Carnegie Mellon and CEO/Chairman of Teledyne Technologies.
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Great picture of the Fall River Astros kits from their 1967-68 American Soccer League season. The roster was made up almost entirely of Brazilian players.
www.newspapers.com/article/the-...
www.newspapers.com/article/the-...
Four members of the Fall River Astros soccer team
Clipping found in The Standard-Times published in New Bedford, Massachusetts on 11/12/1967. Four members of the Fall River Astros soccer team
www.newspapers.com
November 14, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Great picture of the Fall River Astros kits from their 1967-68 American Soccer League season. The roster was made up almost entirely of Brazilian players.
www.newspapers.com/article/the-...
www.newspapers.com/article/the-...
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Bert Patenaude, who scored the first World Cup hat-trick, was born on this day in 1909 in Massachusetts, USA.
Patenaude scored the hat-trick vs Paraguay in the groups of the 1930 tournament and helped USA reach the semi-finals — their best performance at a men's World Cup.
Patenaude scored the hat-trick vs Paraguay in the groups of the 1930 tournament and helped USA reach the semi-finals — their best performance at a men's World Cup.
November 4, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Bert Patenaude, who scored the first World Cup hat-trick, was born on this day in 1909 in Massachusetts, USA.
Patenaude scored the hat-trick vs Paraguay in the groups of the 1930 tournament and helped USA reach the semi-finals — their best performance at a men's World Cup.
Patenaude scored the hat-trick vs Paraguay in the groups of the 1930 tournament and helped USA reach the semi-finals — their best performance at a men's World Cup.
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
🧟♂️ Just a couple days of Spooky Month are left and we’re re-animating The Living Dead: Bethlehem Steel FC by @philtalksfooty.bsky.social
from 2018 www.protagonistsoccer.com/kickingback/...
from 2018 www.protagonistsoccer.com/kickingback/...
The Living Dead: Bethlehem Steel FC — Protagonist Soccer
The concept of zombies has fascinated humans for centuries. The idea that some sinister magical, scientific, or paranormal force could reanimate a previously deceased human is truly chilling, especial...
www.protagonistsoccer.com
October 30, 2025 at 7:27 PM
🧟♂️ Just a couple days of Spooky Month are left and we’re re-animating The Living Dead: Bethlehem Steel FC by @philtalksfooty.bsky.social
from 2018 www.protagonistsoccer.com/kickingback/...
from 2018 www.protagonistsoccer.com/kickingback/...
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
🗣️ We need your help! Only 10 Official Henny Derby shirts have been sold and we want to make an impact in the communities of @rivercity93.bsky.social and @kylecarr.bsky.social
👕 We have teamed up with @oliveandyork.com and all profit will be donated!
🫱🏾🫲🏽 Like & Share!
oliveandyork.com/products/hen...
👕 We have teamed up with @oliveandyork.com and all profit will be donated!
🫱🏾🫲🏽 Like & Share!
oliveandyork.com/products/hen...
October 7, 2025 at 2:48 PM
🗣️ We need your help! Only 10 Official Henny Derby shirts have been sold and we want to make an impact in the communities of @rivercity93.bsky.social and @kylecarr.bsky.social
👕 We have teamed up with @oliveandyork.com and all profit will be donated!
🫱🏾🫲🏽 Like & Share!
oliveandyork.com/products/hen...
👕 We have teamed up with @oliveandyork.com and all profit will be donated!
🫱🏾🫲🏽 Like & Share!
oliveandyork.com/products/hen...
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Why have American football and American soccer shared the same origin story from the 1860s? Find out more about the Boston Game and its curious afterlife with me, Mike Cronin and Kevin Tallec Marston on the new 'Rugby Reloaded': on.soundcloud.com/eZysXDAFx0x2...
203. The Boston Game and the Origins of Football in America
Our new episode investigates the origin story of football in America, in conversation with Mike Cronin and Kevin Marston, authors of 'Inventing the Boston Game: Football, Soccer, and the Origins of a
soundcloud.com
October 7, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Why have American football and American soccer shared the same origin story from the 1860s? Find out more about the Boston Game and its curious afterlife with me, Mike Cronin and Kevin Tallec Marston on the new 'Rugby Reloaded': on.soundcloud.com/eZysXDAFx0x2...
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
With it being #Railway200 this weekend, here is a potted look at what @nfmofficial.bsky.social has in its collections related to football and the railways (plus the odd bit from my own research)
All aboard! 🧵🚆
All aboard! 🧵🚆
a man wearing a hat is playing with a train set .
ALT: a man wearing a hat is playing with a train set .
media.tenor.com
September 28, 2025 at 4:52 PM
With it being #Railway200 this weekend, here is a potted look at what @nfmofficial.bsky.social has in its collections related to football and the railways (plus the odd bit from my own research)
All aboard! 🧵🚆
All aboard! 🧵🚆
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
We’re very excited to announce the location for #FootyCon26 in the next few days!!
We won’t tell you just yet… but feel free to have a guess to where we might end up!
The only hint we’ll give you is the answer is in our new logo.
Post your guesses in the comments ⬇️
We won’t tell you just yet… but feel free to have a guess to where we might end up!
The only hint we’ll give you is the answer is in our new logo.
Post your guesses in the comments ⬇️
September 25, 2025 at 11:05 AM
We’re very excited to announce the location for #FootyCon26 in the next few days!!
We won’t tell you just yet… but feel free to have a guess to where we might end up!
The only hint we’ll give you is the answer is in our new logo.
Post your guesses in the comments ⬇️
We won’t tell you just yet… but feel free to have a guess to where we might end up!
The only hint we’ll give you is the answer is in our new logo.
Post your guesses in the comments ⬇️
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Thanks to work done by SASH member @dancreel.com, 4 clips released by SASH in August of unidentified teams, grounds & matches in Philly have been identified as Bethlehem Steel FC vs Newark SC, Fall River Marksmen & Brooklyn Wanderers in 1928. Read about it at www.ussoccerhistory.org/bethlehem-st...
September 15, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Thanks to work done by SASH member @dancreel.com, 4 clips released by SASH in August of unidentified teams, grounds & matches in Philly have been identified as Bethlehem Steel FC vs Newark SC, Fall River Marksmen & Brooklyn Wanderers in 1928. Read about it at www.ussoccerhistory.org/bethlehem-st...
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
If you’re in the Andover, MA area on Sunday, Sep. 7, join the celebrations at Lower Shawsheen Field for the 100th anniversary of Shawsheen FC US Open Cup victory.
September 4, 2025 at 12:40 PM
If you’re in the Andover, MA area on Sunday, Sep. 7, join the celebrations at Lower Shawsheen Field for the 100th anniversary of Shawsheen FC US Open Cup victory.
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
🚨New episode! Tom and Kirk track the long line of women’s soccer that led to the very first USWNT, the 85ers, whose wild week in Italy 40 years ago laid the foundation for one of the most dominant programs in American sports.
And the “OOSA!” chant 💪⚽️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
And the “OOSA!” chant 💪⚽️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
Little Earthquakes: The First Women’s National Team
Podcast Episode · AN AMERICAN GAME · 08/27/2025 · 43m
podcasts.apple.com
August 27, 2025 at 2:05 PM
🚨New episode! Tom and Kirk track the long line of women’s soccer that led to the very first USWNT, the 85ers, whose wild week in Italy 40 years ago laid the foundation for one of the most dominant programs in American sports.
And the “OOSA!” chant 💪⚽️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
And the “OOSA!” chant 💪⚽️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
On this date: Aug. 25, 1981. The Replacements released their “Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” LP. It’s their debut LP, recorded at Blackberry Way and released on Twin/Tone Records.
August 25, 2025 at 1:49 PM
On this date: Aug. 25, 1981. The Replacements released their “Sorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” LP. It’s their debut LP, recorded at Blackberry Way and released on Twin/Tone Records.
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
On this date: August 24, 1984. Soul Asylum released their debut LP, “Say What You Will…” The record was produced by Bob Mould.
August 24, 2025 at 11:27 PM
On this date: August 24, 1984. Soul Asylum released their debut LP, “Say What You Will…” The record was produced by Bob Mould.
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
I got to sit down and talk with @soccertownmedia.bsky.social about their new podcast "An American Game" that dives into US Soccer history, culture and dare I even say... lore
Click through and let me know what you think! urbanpitch.com/an-american-... #soccer #ussoccer #ussf #mls #nwsl #usmnt
Click through and let me know what you think! urbanpitch.com/an-american-... #soccer #ussoccer #ussf #mls #nwsl #usmnt
'An American Game': Uncovering the Untold History of Soccer in the US - Urban Pitch
Diving into the forgotten history of soccer in the United States, An American Game is a podcast that doesn't need hot takes, exclusive insider transfer rumors, or splashy guests.
urbanpitch.com
August 20, 2025 at 5:56 PM
I got to sit down and talk with @soccertownmedia.bsky.social about their new podcast "An American Game" that dives into US Soccer history, culture and dare I even say... lore
Click through and let me know what you think! urbanpitch.com/an-american-... #soccer #ussoccer #ussf #mls #nwsl #usmnt
Click through and let me know what you think! urbanpitch.com/an-american-... #soccer #ussoccer #ussf #mls #nwsl #usmnt
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Ahead of Monday's 40th anniversary, a bit about the 1st USWMNT and WA's strong influence. www.frankmacdonald.net/the-absolute...
The Absolute Beginning - The Frank MacDonald Blog
Eight members of the first U.S. Women’s National Team were from Washington. On Aug. 18, the Reign celebrates the 40th anniversary of their historic debut. They were the first. And whatever has happene...
www.frankmacdonald.net
August 16, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Ahead of Monday's 40th anniversary, a bit about the 1st USWMNT and WA's strong influence. www.frankmacdonald.net/the-absolute...
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
@ussoccerhistory.org is starting to put up footage of soccer matches from the early days of US soccer.
I wanted to quickly point to a couple of them. They are a doubleheader of games from 2 December 1928 at Starlight Park in the Bronx.
[links below]
1/
I wanted to quickly point to a couple of them. They are a doubleheader of games from 2 December 1928 at Starlight Park in the Bronx.
[links below]
1/
August 13, 2025 at 1:31 PM
@ussoccerhistory.org is starting to put up footage of soccer matches from the early days of US soccer.
I wanted to quickly point to a couple of them. They are a doubleheader of games from 2 December 1928 at Starlight Park in the Bronx.
[links below]
1/
I wanted to quickly point to a couple of them. They are a doubleheader of games from 2 December 1928 at Starlight Park in the Bronx.
[links below]
1/
Brooklyn Hispano met Morgan Strasser Sweepers (Pittsburgh, PA) in the National Challenge Cup final. Polo grounds New York City, May 14, 1944. Hispano won 4-0. The man in uniform is British naval officer Sir Reginald Aylmer Ranfurly Plunkett-Ernie-Erle-Drax 1/2
August 12, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Brooklyn Hispano met Morgan Strasser Sweepers (Pittsburgh, PA) in the National Challenge Cup final. Polo grounds New York City, May 14, 1944. Hispano won 4-0. The man in uniform is British naval officer Sir Reginald Aylmer Ranfurly Plunkett-Ernie-Erle-Drax 1/2
The Sons of Malta or Melita (the name of the island in classical Latin), 1930. They played in San Francisco's second division alongside teams like Assyrians and Vikings. Like many ethnic clubs they were not too strict and by 1934 the squad included 5 Scots 1/2
August 9, 2025 at 1:46 PM
The Sons of Malta or Melita (the name of the island in classical Latin), 1930. They played in San Francisco's second division alongside teams like Assyrians and Vikings. Like many ethnic clubs they were not too strict and by 1934 the squad included 5 Scots 1/2
Hand colored postcard from 1920 featuring P. (or possibly R.) L. Carson of the Disston Boys Club, Philadelphia. 🪚
August 8, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Hand colored postcard from 1920 featuring P. (or possibly R.) L. Carson of the Disston Boys Club, Philadelphia. 🪚
Smith College students at soccer practice in Northampton, Massachusetts, 1927. 👩🎓 1/2
August 7, 2025 at 7:56 PM
Smith College students at soccer practice in Northampton, Massachusetts, 1927. 👩🎓 1/2
The 1930 Michigan State soccer Championship final pitted Holley Carburetor vs. Swedish American Athletic Association (aka the Vikings). The game took place on June 29 at Packard Park in Detroit. 1/2
August 6, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The 1930 Michigan State soccer Championship final pitted Holley Carburetor vs. Swedish American Athletic Association (aka the Vikings). The game took place on June 29 at Packard Park in Detroit. 1/2
Reposted by Brian D. Bunk
Today is the 150th birthday of Hibernian Football Club, founded in Edinburgh on 6 August 1875. To mark the occasion I've been on the trail of Pat Cavanagh, one of the founders. Here's a thread about a man who literally left his mark on the city's streets.
August 6, 2025 at 8:06 AM
Today is the 150th birthday of Hibernian Football Club, founded in Edinburgh on 6 August 1875. To mark the occasion I've been on the trail of Pat Cavanagh, one of the founders. Here's a thread about a man who literally left his mark on the city's streets.