I remember the Washington Diplomats (1974-81) in the North American Soccer League (NASL). D.C. United star Nick DeLeon's dad ,LeRoy, played for the Dips in the mid 1970s. Other memorable former Diplomats included Gary Darrell, Alan Green, Bob Iarusci, Paul Cannell,Joel Horvath,Carmen Marcantonio,Sonny Askew and Bill Irwin. Sonny Werblin, the man who owned the New York Jets from 1963-66, and brought Joe Namath to Manhattan, once owned the Diplomats.
Sonny owned them when he was President of Madison Square Garden, when they were sold to his group, we thought they were going move to New York, instead he kept in DC until 1980, then after they folded, the fans drew 50,000 to Soccer Bowl 80 and the Detroit team moved to DC for one year and the rebranded Dips.
I remember the Washington Diplomats (1974-81) in the North American Soccer League (NASL). D.C. United star Nick DeLeon's
dad ,LeRoy, played for the Dips in the mid 1970s. Other memorable
former Diplomats included Gary Darrell, Alan Green, Bob Iarusci,
Paul Cannell,Joel Horvath,Carmen Marcantonio,Sonny Askew
and Bill Irwin. Sonny Werblin, the man who owned the New York
Jets from 1963-66, and brought Joe Namath to Manhattan, once
owned the Diplomats.
Sonny owned them when he was President of Madison Square Garden, when they were sold to his group, we thought they were going move to New York, instead he kept in DC until 1980, then after they folded, the fans drew 50,000 to Soccer Bowl 80 and the Detroit team moved to DC for one year and the rebranded Dips.
Narrated by the "voice of God" John Facenda.