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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

1,666 Followers  |  223 Following  |  44 Posts  |  Joined: 02.10.2023  |  1.6856

Latest posts by brianbunk.bsky.social on Bluesky


Very cool 😍

To geek out a bit, the trophy is named for Elmer A. Schroeder - former USFA & ASL president and founder of the Philadelphia German-Americans which dominated the ASL in the 1930s. The cup was given to the ASL league champs from ca. 1940 until the Ukrainian Nationals "retired" it.

16.01.2026 01:10 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

If you are interested in US soccer history, now is a great time to pick up a few books. My latest is available for 50% off: www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p0...

08.01.2026 15:36 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Schwarcz Saves Maurino From Serious Leg Injury
from the 31 October 1943 edition of American League News

Schwarcz Saves Maurino From Serious Leg Injury from the 31 October 1943 edition of American League News

07.01.2026 17:09 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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All across the USA there are forgotten spaces of American soccer. At dawn, I’m standing at one in St. Louis.

Here, at the corner of N Market & N Spring St, the young women of the Craig League played what’s often cited as the first organized women’s league match in πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ history.

08.12.2025 13:16 β€” πŸ‘ 206    πŸ” 39    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1
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2025 Contingent Book List When you’re shopping for books this season, consider a contingent scholar.

Our longest yearly book list ever! Thirty six books by contingent historians for you to read, gift, and request for purchase at your library!

02.12.2025 13:49 β€” πŸ‘ 68    πŸ” 51    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 14
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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

28.11.2025 05:54 β€” πŸ‘ 10    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Thanks for the shout out!

27.11.2025 18:04 β€” πŸ‘ 1    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0

Don’t miss out! Maybe snag some copies of β€œFrom Football to Soccer” and β€œBeyond the Field” from @brianbunk.bsky.social as holiday stocking stuffers!

27.11.2025 17:24 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Robert Mehrabian in MIT soccer uniform
MIT Museum
Object ID GCP-00018500
https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/collections/object/GCP-00018500

Robert Mehrabian in MIT soccer uniform MIT Museum Object ID GCP-00018500 https://mitmuseum.mit.edu/collections/object/GCP-00018500

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.

25.11.2025 15:59 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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

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-...

14.11.2025 13:48 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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 β€” their best performance at a men's World Cup.

04.11.2025 15:38 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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The Living Dead: Bethlehem Steel FC β€” 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...

πŸ§Ÿβ€β™‚οΈ 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/...

30.10.2025 19:27 β€” πŸ‘ 16    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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πŸ—£οΈ 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
πŸ‘• We have teamed up with @oliveandyork.com and all profit will be donated!
πŸ«±πŸΎβ€πŸ«²πŸ½ Like & Share!
oliveandyork.com/products/hen...

07.10.2025 14:47 β€” πŸ‘ 11    πŸ” 9    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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

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...

07.10.2025 07:36 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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a man wearing a hat is playing with a train set . ALT: a man wearing a hat is playing with a train set .

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! πŸ§΅πŸš†

28.09.2025 16:51 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 5    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
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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 ⬇️

25.09.2025 11:05 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 1
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Soccertowns: A Starting XI of US Soccer

open.spotify.com/episode/25u4...

24.09.2025 19:38 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0
Photo postcard showing a soccer team posing for a team portrait. Eleven men are in uniform with white shirts and shorts. Five other men are wearing suits and there are four children in the picture

Photo postcard showing a soccer team posing for a team portrait. Eleven men are in uniform with white shirts and shorts. Five other men are wearing suits and there are four children in the picture

Here is an image for the book. Atlantic City Association Football Club in 1912. Organized by the Lodge of St. George

24.09.2025 15:57 β€” πŸ‘ 4    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

15.09.2025 14:17 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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.

04.09.2025 12:40 β€” πŸ‘ 6    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1
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Little Earthquakes: The First Women’s National Team Podcast Episode Β· AN AMERICAN GAME Β· 08/27/2025 Β· 43m

🚨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 β€œOOSA!” chant πŸ’ͺ⚽️ podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a...

27.08.2025 14:05 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 3
Front cover of Replacements β€œSorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” LP.

Front cover of Replacements β€œSorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” LP.

Beach cover of Replacements β€œSorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” LP.

Beach cover of Replacements β€œSorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” LP.

On this date: Aug. 25, 1981. The Replacements released their β€œSorry Ma, Forgot to Take Out the Trash” LP. It’s their debut LP, recorded at Blackberry Way and released on Twin/Tone Records.

25.08.2025 13:49 β€” πŸ‘ 34    πŸ” 10    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0
Cover of Soul Asylum β€œSay What You Will” LP.

Cover of Soul Asylum β€œSay What You Will” LP.

On this date: August 24, 1984. Soul Asylum released their debut LP, β€œSay What You Will…” The record was produced by Bob Mould.

24.08.2025 23:26 β€” πŸ‘ 34    πŸ” 6    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0
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'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,Β An American GameΒ is a podcast that doesn't need hot takes, exclusive insider transfer rumors, or splashy guests.

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

20.08.2025 17:56 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
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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...

Ahead of Monday's 40th anniversary, a bit about the 1st USWMNT and WA's strong influence. www.frankmacdonald.net/the-absolute...

16.08.2025 19:06 β€” πŸ‘ 7    πŸ” 7    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 1

@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/

13.08.2025 13:31 β€” πŸ‘ 15    πŸ” 4    πŸ’¬ 2    πŸ“Œ 0

The game featured some of the most talented players of the era. Hall of Famers Fabri Salcedo, a Spanish striker & Gene Olaff Brooklyn's keeper. The most decorated player on the pitch was Billy Gonsalves. The 36 year old won his 6th cup in his 11th trip to the final 2/2 πŸ‘¨β€πŸ¦³

12.08.2025 19:43 β€” πŸ‘ 3    πŸ” 1    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
Two soccer players in uniform stand on either side of a trophy called the Dewar Cup. One player's shirt reads Strasser Sweepers across the chest. A British flag hangs on the fence between the stands and the field. Standing behind the trophy in the stands is a man in a naval uniform with a white cap. Other members of the crowd can be seen in the background

Two soccer players in uniform stand on either side of a trophy called the Dewar Cup. One player's shirt reads Strasser Sweepers across the chest. A British flag hangs on the fence between the stands and the field. Standing behind the trophy in the stands is a man in a naval uniform with a white cap. Other members of the crowd can be seen in the background

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

12.08.2025 19:43 β€” πŸ‘ 9    πŸ” 3    πŸ’¬ 3    πŸ“Œ 0

The team was known for having devoted fans and a band that played at matches. The club’s greatest success was the 1936-37 season when they were promoted to the first division. Unfortunately, they were immediately relegated. The club seems to have disbanded after 1939 2/2 🎺

09.08.2025 13:46 β€” πŸ‘ 2    πŸ” 0    πŸ’¬ 0    πŸ“Œ 0
A sepia toned photo of a soccer team on a field in front of a goal. They wear light and dark striped shirts with white shorts.  A group of men holding instruments and a flag stand alongside them on the left

A sepia toned photo of a soccer team on a field in front of a goal. They wear light and dark striped shirts with white shorts. A group of men holding instruments and a flag stand alongside them on the left

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

09.08.2025 13:46 β€” πŸ‘ 5    πŸ” 2    πŸ’¬ 1    πŸ“Œ 0

@brianbunk is following 19 prominent accounts