"Fa'afafine is such a part of our culture we don't feel the need to explain it. It's a coming of age story as opposed to a 'coming out' story others in the rainbow community have."

These are the words of Jaiyah Saelua as she details what it means to be fa'afafine and the first ever transgender athlete to play in a World Cup Qualifying match back in 2011 for American Samoa.

Though, Thomas Rongen received all the headlines when he lead that American Samoa team to their 2-1 WCQ victory over Tonga, there was another story developing at the same time. Though it was covered in the 2014 documentary 'Next Goal Wins', it's featured much more prominently in the 2023 film based on the documentary of the same name and it's brought Jaiyah back into the discussion.

In this episode of the podcast, Jaiyah shares her perspective of that 2011 win, her fa'afafine identity, and how we can continue to unite people through football.

Enjoy!

*Humans United FC is proudly brought to you by Hayworth Athletic*

Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.

Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.

We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.

#HumansUnitedFC

31-0

Australia set a world record for the largest victory in an international soccer match when they defeated American Samoa on April 11, 2001 as part of the 2002 World Cup Qualifying campaign.

10 years later, Thomas Rongen was asked to coach the American Samoa national team and do 2 things for them:

1. Move them up from the bottom of the FIFA World Rankings
2. Have them win a World Cup Qualifying match

What followed was truly part of soccer history!

Thomas Rongen, played professionally in the old North American Soccer League (NASL), coached in Major League Soccer, and was a coach of the U-20 Men's National Team back in 2011, but when he had some 'down time' he could never have predicted the assignment he'd be given.

Listen in, as Thomas Rongen shares his perspective on being part of soccer history!

*Humans United FC is proudly brought to you by Hayworth Athletic*

Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.

Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.

We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.

#HumansUnitedFC

Mike Geddes has always loved the beautiful game but it wasn't until he started covering the game as a journalist that he discovered his true purpose.

Mike's passion for making the world a better place led him down the path towards what would ultimately become Oakland Roots SC, a United Soccer League (USL) Championship club (US's 2nd professional soccer tier).

Oakland are much more than simply a soccer club. Oakland are trying to overturn systems of inequity, build community, and show how soccer can change the world. According to Mike, Oakland are a "purpose-driven club".

In this first episode of the current season Mike stopped by to share his connection to soccer and what a new fan might want to know about the Oakland Roots and their social ambitions.

Enjoy!

*Humans United FC is proudly brought to you by Hayworth Athletic*

Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.

Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.

We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.

#HumansUnitedFC

Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.

Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.

We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.

#HumansUnitedFC

Happy Holidays!

I hope your end to 2023 has been fantastic!

Even though this series technically wrapped up with Chapter 25, it still felt as if there was one more episode which needed to be released.

At the end of every episode, I asked my guest 2 questions:

1. What is the legacy of the Miami Fusion, to you?
2. What do you want new fans of MLS to know about the Fusion?

For this "epilogue" of the series, I mashed together everyone's responses to send us out of 2023 in style.

Enjoy!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In Chapter XXV: "You're asking me to be Blackbeard". Legendary announcer, player, and former coach of the Miami Fusion: Mr. Ray Hudson sends us off in style!

For this whole year, we've been charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable stories of this magical club in South Florida that existed from 1998-2001. We told the oral history of the Miami Fusion from those who actually lived it, speaking to former players, coaches, staff, fans, even the owner himself!

And now, what better way to close out this series than with the man most associated with the Miami Fusion, Ray Hudson. Ray joins us for the final 2 chapters in this series.

In this particular chapter, Ray details how he was in prime position to take charge of the Miami Fusion during their 2000 season, and how it eventually lead to their success in the 2001 season.

Ray shares as many stories and memories of the Fusion as he can muster. He shares personal anecdotes for many MANY players, coaches, and staff and even apologizes that he can't get to MORE folks associated with the Fusion.

I want to thank everyone who has come on the podcast to share their specific stories and memories, both of the early days of MLS and of the Miami Fusion specifically. What started out as wishful thinking has turned into a full-blown love letter. THANK YOU for everything, have a happy holidays, and let's continue to keep the memory of the Miami Fusion alive for years to come, cheers!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

In Chapter XXIV: "This was heaven". Legendary announcer, player, and former coach of the Miami Fusion: Mr. Ray Hudson sends us off in style!

For this whole year, we've been charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable stories of this magical club in South Florida that existed from 1998-2001. We told the oral history of the Miami Fusion from those who actually lived it, speaking to former players, coaches, staff, fans, even the owner himself!

And now, what better way to close out this series than with the man most associated with the Miami Fusion, Ray Hudson. Ray joins us for the final 2 chapters in this series.

In this particular chapter, Ray details how he came to play for the For Lauderdale Strikers, what drew him to, and kept him in, South Florida, and where his mind was 25 years ago, when he saw the Fusion kick off in MLS' 3rd season.

Next week, Ray closes us out with as many stories and memories of the Miami Fusion that he can muster, but for this week, we're keyed in on the Strikers!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

Chapter XXIII: "...and then there's Eric Wynalda" former Miami Fusion staffer Derek Workman shares his perspective on working for the Miami Fusion 20+ years ago.

Derek was heavily involved in the local South Florida soccer scene. His involvement afforded him the opportunity to play against that famous Bradenton Academy team, and his involvement got him to the field of Lockhart Stadium.

Derek shares so many of his unbelievable stories of the Miami Fusion, including one where he carted USMNT legend Eric Wynalda around once the Fusion acquired the legend.

We are nearing the end of this special series highlighting the Miami Fusion, but for now, enjoy this fun episode featuring Derek Workman!

In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), the decision was made to fold the Fusion.

While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?

This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.