38th Observance of Black Sunday

This Friday, June 1, marks the 38th anniversary of Black Sunday, when Referee Toros Kibritjian colluded with Linesman Gordon Arrowsmith to rob the Diplomats of a nationally televised win over the Cosmos. As FDR put it, "June 1, 1980, a date which will live in NASL infamy ."

I sat in Section 520, Row 15, Seat 17 that day, which is roughly somewhere inside the yellow circle.

According to one NASL groupie, Giorgio Chinaglia called out his own name during the throws of passion.

Bill Irwin did all he could. But, ya know, the collusion kept him from a rightful victory.

Don Droege puts the clamp on Johan Neeskens.

1974 Bumper Sticker

 

Diplomats Dispatch, Team Newsletter, 1979

Mike Bakic vs Fury, April 1, 1978, Veterans Stadium

Karl Minor 1975 Match Worn Jersey

Happy Birthday, Eric Martin

Happy Birthday, Eric! Born March 31.

The Dips Fan Club celebrated Eric's birthday along with Club President Paula Sabo's in 1979.

Adidas Replica Jersey

Came across an ad for soccer gear in the July, 1981, issue of Mondial. Unlike the Sears replica, which only had two stripes across the chest so it would not infringe on a corporate trademark, these had three stripes since they were made by Adidas. This style occasionally shows up on ebay and other websites selling match used jerseys as player worn. If the shirt has long sleeves, as the model pictured does, it is not a real jersey. The Dips did not wear long sleeves between 1977-1980.