In the seventies, a new force emerged in the city of Philadelphia. A force that not only represented the city on the field, but also captured the hearts of the people of Philadelphia and the entire nation. That force was the Philadelphia Atoms.

The Atoms were an American soccer team based out of Philadelphia that played in the North American Soccer League (NASL) from 1973. They played their home games at Veterans Stadium (1973–75) and Franklin Field (1976). The club’s colors were blue and white. The team was founded by Philadelphia construction mogul Thomas McCloskey in 1973 at the urging of Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Tornado owner Lamar Hunt.

Playing a largely American line-up, they won the NASL title in their first year of existence by defeating Hunt’s Dallas club 2–0. After this championship match, Philadelphia goalkeeper and Ridley Park, Pennsylvania native Bob Rigby became the first soccer player to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

The Philadelphia Atoms represented not just a team, but a symbol of the city’s passion for soccer and the determination to succeed. They were a shining example of what can be achieved when a group of individuals come together and work towards a common goal. And as we continue to strive for greatness in the world of football, let us remember the lessons of the Philadelphia Atoms and the legends that played for them. Thank you.