This past week:

  • I popped by McCarren Park to kick it with Beautiful Game FC, one of my favorite pick-up groups. They’ve been playing for years, and have games all over the city. If you’re looking for a quality small-sided match, this is a great option. Click the link and sign up for a game!
  • The Street Soccer USA Tournament on Saturday was incredible! Soccer right in Times Square, the intersection of the World, and all for a good cause. The atmosphere was electric, playing in front of soccer lovers and curious tourists. Got some amazing photos and made some great new connections.
Street Soccer USA Tournament 
  • Later that same day my friend Ulices and I were guests at the championship match of Naranjales SportNY, an all Ecuadorian Soccer League that plays all summer in Flushing Meadows Park. It was an epic game on a rough pitch that would make most NYC soccer players retire early. Los Naranjales have been playing together for years. Fútbol is as much a game as it is an excuse to get everyone together and barbecue. Thanks for the invite Wilson!
Los Naranjales have been playing together for years. Fútbol is as much a game as it is an excuse to get everyone together and barbecue

Is the Champions League going to be full of plot twists? Some interesting stats from this week:

  • Liverpool are the first team since 1994 to be crowned European Champions then lose the following year’s opening match. No doubt they’ll get out of the group stages but a tough start.
  • Real Madrid failed to have a single shot on goal for the first time in 578 games (since 2003). Mamma mia! That was an incredible goal Bale scored before VAR got involved though. Was it a harsh call?

Coming up:

  • The Governor’s Cup, presented by NYC Footy — So excited for this one! If you haven’t been to Governor’s Island, this is the perfect reason to go: soccer, sun, a ferry ride, and an island full of stunning views and history to explore.
  • The Ballers’ Cup, presented by Beautiful Game FC at SoFive Brooklyn — a 5 v 5 Tournament with a cash prize going to the winning team. There will be DJs and a lounge area for nonparticipants to chill in. This will be my first time at SoFive. Can’t wait to see the space and connect with the players in-between games. Goes from 5pm-10pm. If you want to sign up, even as a free agent, let me know! I’ll put you in touch with the organizer.
  • Best match this Sunday? I’m going with Chelsea vs Liverpool, Frank Lampard’s underdogs vs. Juergen Klopp’s powerhouse. With the way 21-year-old Tammy Abraham is playing for Chelsea, this could be an upset.

Weekly Face of Fútbol: Hana Dee

  • Age: 29
  • Been playing since: I was 7
  • Soccer in NYC is the best because: because you get to play with people from all backgrounds. We’ve got a great soccer culture here because we have people from all over the world who all bring something different. I’ve also played everywhere from the heart of Times Square and Rockefeller center to the beach to sidewalks outside of bars.
  • Soccer in NYC is missing: more lights on fields!

Send me any upcoming events you know about and I’ll share them next time around! I’m always looking for new fields, new leagues, and new anything fútbol.

And feel free to forward this, it’s just the start.

New people sign up here to get the next Queens Soccer Snapshot!

See you on the pitch,

—Jon D