The Soccer Odyssey: Exploring American Soccer through the U.S. Open Cup
Football fans across America have been captivated by the journey of CLUBELEVEN’s co-founder, Pablo Bayona Sapag, and his team of content creators as they embark on a unique exploration of American soccer through the U.S. Open Cup. The future of this historic tournament has been a topic of debate due to declining fan interest and limited broadcast exposure, but CLUBELEVEN is on a mission to shine a spotlight on the beauty of the game in the United States.
A Passionate Pursuit of American Soccer
Bayona Sapag and his team have been traveling across the country in a converted bus, immersing themselves in the culture and community of different cities, clubs, and fans during each round of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Through their project, known as the Soccer Odyssey, they aim to capture the essence of American soccer through small moments that paint a larger picture of the game’s significance in the country.
“Every state, every city, has its own culture, its own little thing. But then, when we talk about soccer, sometimes we all want to just paint things, you know, in one way, when in reality, it’s… soccer here is such a beautiful mosaic, right?” Bayona Sapag shared.
From Concept to Reality
The journey of CLUBELEVEN began with a simple idea and evolved into a tangible expression of love for the game. What started as a commercial concept transformed into a magazine and eventually led to the purchase of a bus for their cross-country tour. Their project has taken them to cities like Asheville, Boone, and High Point in North Carolina, as well as to Florida, where they witnessed the passion of clubs like FC Naples and the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
Reflecting on the importance of the U.S. Open Cup, Bayona Sapag emphasized, “The Open Cup is important because it is an opportunity for people in all these different pockets around the country to fall in love with the game for the first time. And I think on top of that, it’s the oldest sports tournament that we have in America.”
Embracing American Soccer Heritage
Through their journey, CLUBELEVEN is not only documenting the matches and moments of the U.S. Open Cup but also uncovering the rich history and heritage of American soccer. By engaging with communities and fans across the country, they are playing a vital role in preserving and celebrating the legacy of the game in the United States.
Bayona Sapag’s insights and experiences from the Soccer Odyssey offer a unique perspective on the beauty and diversity of American soccer. As they continue their tour, their mission remains clear: to share the essence of what makes American soccer truly special.
For more exclusive interviews and stories from the American soccer scene, stay tuned to GOAL Convo for the latest updates and insights.
The Power of Community in American Soccer
One of the most striking aspects of CLUBELEVEN’s Soccer Odyssey is the way in which it highlights the power of community in American soccer. As the team travels from city to city, they are welcomed with open arms by fans, players, and club owners who are passionate about the game. This sense of community is what drives the grassroots soccer movement in the United States, and through their project, CLUBELEVEN is able to showcase the diverse and vibrant soccer culture that exists across the country.
By immersing themselves in local soccer scenes, CLUBELEVEN is able to capture the unique traditions and rituals that make each club and city special. From tailgates before matches to post-game celebrations, the team is able to witness firsthand the sense of camaraderie and belonging that soccer brings to communities all over America. This emphasis on community is essential in fostering the growth and popularity of the sport at all levels.
Redefining Soccer Media Coverage
CLUBELEVEN’s approach to covering American soccer is a breath of fresh air in an industry dominated by mainstream sports media. By focusing on the stories and experiences of fans, players, and communities, rather than just the outcome of matches, they are able to provide a more holistic and human-centered perspective on the game. This kind of storytelling not only engages audiences on a deeper level but also helps to connect people with the emotional and cultural aspects of soccer.
Through their multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and written articles, CLUBELEVEN is able to bring the passion and excitement of American soccer to life. By highlighting the personalities and stories behind the game, they are able to create a more intimate and immersive experience for their audience, which sets them apart from traditional sports coverage.
The Future of American Soccer
As CLUBELEVEN continues on their Soccer Odyssey, they are paving the way for a new era of soccer media coverage in the United States. By shining a spotlight on the beauty, diversity, and community spirit of American soccer, they are helping to shape the narrative around the sport and inspire a new generation of fans and players. Their dedication to celebrating the heritage and history of American soccer is not only preserving the legacy of the game but also propelling it forward into a bright and promising future.
Through their innovative approach to storytelling and their unwavering passion for the game, CLUBELEVEN is making a lasting impact on the American soccer landscape. As they continue to travel the country and share their experiences with the world, they are proving that the heart and soul of soccer in America lies not just on the field, but in the hearts and minds of the people who love the game.
For the latest updates and behind-the-scenes content from CLUBELEVEN’s Soccer Odyssey, be sure to follow their journey on social media and stay tuned for more exclusive coverage from GOAL Convo.