Step back in time to the golden era of American soccer with “When Cruyff Turned Up in LA,” a deep dive into a classic 1979 NASL match between the Los Angeles Aztecs and the Seattle Sounders. This retro soccer footage features none other than Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, who shocked the world by joining the NASL and bringing his genius to the LA Aztecs.
Joining me is former Aztecs player Chris Dangerfield, whose career is one of the most interesting in American soccer history. Consider that Chris:
- Came to America from his native England at 19 and became a starter for a Portland Timbers team that went to the NASL’s Soccer Bowl ’75.
- Played with Eusebio, George Best, Johan Cruyff and Steve Zungul and against Pele.
- Played with two one-season wonder teams in the same season (see below).
- Once scored seven goals in a game.
- Won a US Open Cup as a player/coach, the last man to do so.
Chris will share first-hand insight into playing alongside Cruyff and reflects on a unique period in U.S. soccer history. We explore the style, culture, and drama of the North American Soccer League, a league that helped plant the seeds for modern soccer in the United States.
Whether you’re a longtime soccer fan, a lover of vintage football matches, or just discovering the NASL era, this video is packed with highlights, stories, and nostalgia that bring the beautiful game’s past to life.
Check out the video below and the show notes after that:
SHOW NOTES:
- Read Fun While It Lasted stories about the two “one-season wonder” teams that Chris played for, the Las Vegas Quicksilvers and Team Hawaii.
- The Portland Timbers recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of their original team (which Chris played on). See their “Spirit of ’75” video here.
- Buy Johan Cruyff’s book, My Turn, here. (I get nothing if you click and buy it, that’s up to you.)
- Here are the results from the 1992 US Open Cup, won by player-coach Chris Dangerfield’s San Jose Oaks.
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Ken, just watched your great interview with Chris Dangerfield. I was a teammate of his for 3 years with the Aztecs. Chris gave so much to the game in the US. He was a great teammate and very supportive of American players which many of the English players didn’t support. What most people don’t know is he has a great sense of humor and is a wonderful fun person. Thanks for airing this great episode. It is part of American Soccer History that is important.
I appreciate that very much, Dave! Thanks for watching and for taking the time to write in. I can confirm, Chris is a great guy!