History simply doesn’t teach that soccer was nearly a mainstream sport in America. Soccer was growing in popularity late in the 1800s then again in the early 1900s, with unquestionable gains in momentum into the 1920s. It was on track to be relevant, maybe even a topflight draw. Then, the Soccer War killed it.

Founding Futbol is a year-long exploration of the critical moments that have led to soccer's emerging popularity in America. Before digging into our weekly episodes focused on the sport's growth, this Prologue episode provides a brief history of soccer in the United States, culminating in The Soccer War.

Noted soccer historian Roger Allaway is our guest, providing context on the events leading up to and The Soccer War itself.

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