The timing couldn’t be any better.
Just as all of us are stuck inside missing live sports, there’s a great new American soccer documentary to fill the void. Ironically: it was produced by Tommy McCabe’s dad.
SOCCERTOWN USA is a new documentary highlighting how one small soccer-crazed town in New Jersey helped pave the way for the modern-day U.S. Men’s National Team, and eventually, the start of MLS.
The focus is on Kearny, New Jersey, where three local kids eventually represent the U.S. in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups – after the country hadn’t qualified for a World Cup since 1950. The players are Tab Ramos, John Harkes and Tony Meola.
Harkes, of course, went on to become the first American to play in the English Premier League and started his coaching career with newly-formed FC Cincinnati in 2016.
In fact, Harkes’ interview in SOCCERTOWN USA was shot during an FCC trip to play the New York Red Bulls in 2016.
“(My dad) has been working on this for four or five years, so I’ve been able to keep up with his progress,” McCabe said. “It’s really cool to see it come together and for everyone to view it. It’s the perfect time because everyone’s deprived of sports right now, and it’s been well received, which is what he’s been hoping for.”
The documentary might highlight a singular town, but those players – and the passion for soccer – helped create a future generation of players, including McCabe, who’s now in his second year with the Orange and Blue.
“New Jersey and the sport of soccer have a unique connection, and I think Kearney is one of those areas where it’s really shown over the years,” he said. “I’m proud about the sport I play and the area I come from. I’m not the only one who feels that way about New Jersey as well, so it’s cool to see this story as a fan of soccer and someone who’s from New Jersey.
You can watch the documentary for free on YouTube here.
