In the seventies, a new chapter in the story of Washington D.C. began to unfold. A chapter that saw a team rise to prominence and capture the hearts of the people of our nation’s capital and beyond. That team was the Washington Diplomats.
The Diplomats were born in 1974, when a group of business leaders from Washington D.C. were granted a franchise by the North American Soccer League. The team played all their home games at RFK Stadium in 1974, but in 1975 and 1976 they played most of their games at W.T. Woodson High School in Northern Virginia, including all of their 1976 games. They played indoor home matches at the neighboring D.C. Armory.
Despite some early challenges, the Diplomats never gave up. They worked hard and persevered, and in each of their last three years of existence, they qualified for the playoffs. And in their final year, they made a historic signing, bringing in the future European Player of the Century, Johan Cruyff. This signing sparked a surge in attendance, with nearly 20,000 fans a game by the 1980 season.
The Washington Diplomats were more than just a team, they were a symbol of the city’s resilience, determination, and the power of working together towards a common goal. They remind us that even when things are tough, with hard work and perseverance, we can achieve great things. And as we continue to strive for greatness in the world of football, let us remember the lessons of the Washington Diplomats and the legends that played for them.
Liam Brady
Liam Brady is considered one of the greatest Irish footballers of all time. He was a midfield player who played for clubs such as Arsenal, Juventus, and West Ham United, as well as the Republic of Ireland national team.
Brady was known for his exceptional technical skills, vision, and passing ability. He was a playmaker, who had the ability to dictate the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He was also known for his ability to score goals, he was a set-piece specialist, and his ability to score long-range shots. He had a great first touch and was known for his ability to control the ball in tight spaces. He was also a highly respected leader, who was known for his professionalism and work ethic.
During his time at Arsenal, he helped the team win the FA Cup in 1979 and the Football League Cup in 1987, and was named the club's Player of the Year in 1977 and 1979. He also won the Serie A title with Juventus in 1985 and was named the Italian Footballer of the Year in 1985. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
In summary, Liam Brady was a highly skilled and talented midfielder who had a significant impact on the game during his career. He was a player who was known for his exceptional technical ability and vision, as well as his leadership and professionalism. He was respected by fans and peers alike and his legacy continues to live on today.
