podcast

The American Dream: Pelé, Cosmos + Rise & Fall of NASL | Part One

30.12.2025
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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a special guest and former footballer Dennis Tueart. In this first episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), Dennis, known for his iconic moments with Sunderland and Manchester City, shares his remarkable journey from English football to the booming NASL in the 1970s. Discover his experiences with the New York Cosmos, playing alongside legends like Franz Beckenbauer, replacing Pele, navigating cultural shifts, and understanding the challenges and triumphs that shaped the future of soccer in America. Don't miss this deep dive into football history, glamour, and the evolution of the beautiful game in the United States.


 Dennis Tueart's Transfer to the Cosmos

 Challenges and Decisions

 Arrival and Initial Impressions

 Experiences and Reflections

 Life in the NASL

 Training and Facilities

 Pre-season and Early Challenges

 The NASL's Unique Rules

 Challenges and Triumphs in the NASL

 Play-off Performances and Nicknames

 Intense Matches and Injuries

 The Semi-final Comeback

 Winning the Conference Final

 Facing Rodney Marsh and Tampa Bay

 Touring and Transitioning

 Final Reflections and Legacy


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