Ane & Sakib

In the late 1970s, Saturday Night Live had a recurring sketch in which Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd would portray Yortuk and Georg Festrunk, two brothers who had immigrated from Yugoslavia to the United States. Their catchphrase, "two wild and crazy guys," was ubiquitous during my junior high school years.

With two Yugoslavs on the Dips roster, the temptation proved too great for Washington Star writer Kathleen Maxa not to have a little fun with.

For larger image, place cursor on article, right click and select "Open link in new window."

One local Star reader took great umbrage to the piece for a variety of reasons: A perceived swipe at Xerox salesman, the questionable reputation of the female clientele at two Georgetown nightspots, and the Dips need for positive coverage, rather than "this garbage."


Ms. Maxa's unprinted reply may have been something to the effect of, "lighten up."

The Danzansky Collection

WashingtonDiplomats.Blogspot is proud to announce it is the new home of, and archivist for, the Danzansky Collection of team records and memorabilia from Mr. Stephen Danzansky. Mr. Danzansky served as President and CEO of the Washington Diplomats from 1975 until the team's dissolution in December, 1980.

In the resolution of appointment, Mr. Danzansky stated he, "desires to publish and make more publicly available the collection of artifacts and information in his possession and provide a more open and accessible vehicle and agent for the maintenance and dissemination of information concerning (the) Diplomats."

Resolution of Appointment and Agreement 

Pieces from the collection:

The only competitive trophy awarded to the franchise in their history, from the 1978 Presidents Cup, Seoul, Korea.

Johan Cruyff Match Jersey.



Circa 1977/1978 team warm up suit.



1977 D.C. City Council Resolution honoring the Diplomats.

Press Archive.

WashingtonDiplomats.Blogspot gratefully thanks Mr. Danzansky for his generosity in keeping this chapter of Washington, D.C. sports history alive and available.

Two Sides of Six Lights

Two photographers caught Andries Maseko in midair from different angles during a April 23, 1978 match at RFK Stadium between the Dips and the Minnesota Kicks.

Gary Darrell 1978 Game Used Jersey

Photos courtesy of  Joan D  :)

1980 Poster

Grateful thanks to Cindy & Chuck for sharing this beautiful poster featuring Sonny Askew, Lozano, Johan Cruyff and Wim Jansen. You both are the best!

1977 Team Picture

Living on Nickels & Dimes

Soon after Pele signed with the Cosmos in 1975, the Washington Post's Donald Huff wrote about several of the Diplomats trying to live on an NASL salary if you were not an international superstar.

It's Hard To Live On Soccer Pay

Donald Huff

The Washington Post

July 27, 1975

WASHINGTON — Brazilian soccer superstar Pele recently signed a $7 million contract to play for the New York Cosmos for three years. Washington Diplomats reserve goalkeeper George Taratsides recently received a $300 raise and now makes $2,000 a season.

Like many North American Soccer League players, Taratsides finds it impossible to live on his soccer salary. Consequently, he has another job.

"I help my father run a lunch wagon in Baltimore," said Taratsides, a former soccer All-America at the University of Maryland. "But I don't worry about the money so much, I would play for nothing."

There is little jealousy of Pele among his NASL teammates. Pele's presence this year pushed the league into the American sports limelight for the first time.

Nevertheless, while Pele's bank account skyrockets, the average professional soccer player in this country must moonlight just to get by.

Diplomats' president Jim Karvellas says the Washington club payroll is one of the highest in the league. But the players realize playing soccer isn't their main job. It's sort of a bonus for them," Karvellas added.

Most Diplomat salaries range between $2,000 and $5,000 for the season.

"It helps," said Leroy DeLeon of his soccer pay. DeLeon works as an engineer eight hours a day for the Savoy Construction Co. before reporting to practice,

"But I wish it could be full time," he continued. "If I made say $15,000, or $20,000, I wouldn't need another job." He makes a little over $4,200 with the Diplomats.

Unlike DeLeon, some of the Washington players play full time in Europe and compete here when that season ends.

"It (the NASL) just fills the gap for us," said Mick Barry, who plays in England.

According to Barry, many of the foreign players earn between $300-$500 a week in Europe, depending on where the team finishes in the standings.

Karvellas said the league is in the process of working ways to keep the players here year-round.

"Most of them would like to stay here all year, but we have to provide some sort of income for them," said Karvellas, "Winter and summer camps, sporting goods stores with the Diplomats as employees are ideas we're tossing around."

Karl Minor and Brian Pillinger, both salesmen, Bert Grell, a government employee, and Roy Willner, Maryland school system employee, are other players who work to supplement their soccer salaries.

Alan Ross and Mark Lowenstein are still amateurs and are paid $50 weekly by the club.

Diplomats coach Dennis Viollet says most players make adjustments, and are looking forward to higher salaries in the future.