Once in a Lifetime: The Extraordinary Story of the New York Cosmos

[Tooj]

A look back at one of the more curious fads in American professional sports, the sudden rise and precipitous fall of the North American Soccer League, spanning its existence 1968-1984, as seen through the experience of its most famous club, the New York Cosmos. The NASL made very little impact in the US, where soccer had virtually no following, until in 1975 the New York Cosmos succeeded in signing the most famous player in the world, Pele. Attendence for Cosmos games exploded, outdrawing even the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL, to where exhibition games in Seattle were drawing huge crowds, and when Pele announced his retirement in 1977 his final game drew the biggest crowd to ever see a soccer game in the US. His retirement from the game began a slow but steady decline for the NASL as money issues for the league and the spending practices of the Cosmos became a running controversy.

 

Only £2.95 at Zavvi. I'd recommend anyone to pick this up, one of the best football documentaries out there.

 

http://www.zavvi.com/dvd/once-in-a-lifetime/8552964.html?affil=BUYAT

[Heron]

A look back at one of the more curious fads in American professional sports, the sudden rise and precipitous fall of the North American Soccer League, spanning its existence 1968-1984, as seen through the experience of its most famous club, the New York Cosmos. The NASL made very little impact in the US, where soccer had virtually no following, until in 1975 the New York Cosmos succeeded in signing the most famous player in the world, Pele. Attendence for Cosmos games exploded, outdrawing even the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL, to where exhibition games in Seattle were drawing huge crowds, and when Pele announced his retirement in 1977 his final game drew the biggest crowd to ever see a soccer game in the US. His retirement from the game began a slow but steady decline for the NASL as money issues for the league and the spending practices of the Cosmos became a running controversy.

 

Only £2.95 at Zavvi. I'd recommend anyone to pick this up, one of the best football documentaries out there.

 

http://www.zavvi.com/dvd/once-in-a-lifetime/8552964.html?affil=BUYAT

 

[Village Idiot]

Meh, 14$+taxes and shipping at Amazon.

 

I should watch this, though. Will rummage through Ebay.

 

EDIT: Bah, I'll just queue it on netflix.

[Guest ObiChrisKenobi]

A look back at one of the more curious fads in American professional sports, the sudden rise and precipitous fall of the North American Soccer League, spanning its existence 1968-1984, as seen through the experience of its most famous club, the New York Cosmos. The NASL made very little impact in the US, where soccer had virtually no following, until in 1975 the New York Cosmos succeeded in signing the most famous player in the world, Pele. Attendence for Cosmos games exploded, outdrawing even the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL, to where exhibition games in Seattle were drawing huge crowds, and when Pele announced his retirement in 1977 his final game drew the biggest crowd to ever see a soccer game in the US. His retirement from the game began a slow but steady decline for the NASL as money issues for the league and the spending practices of the Cosmos became a running controversy.

 

Only £2.95 at Zavvi. I'd recommend anyone to pick this up, one of the best football documentaries out there.

 

http://www.zavvi.com/dvd/once-in-a-lifetime/8552964.html?affil=BUYAT

 

 

 

Anyway, thanks for the headsup Tooj, think I'll pick this up since its so cheap.

[Heron]

A look back at one of the more curious fads in American professional sports, the sudden rise and precipitous fall of the North American Soccer League, spanning its existence 1968-1984, as seen through the experience of its most famous club, the New York Cosmos. The NASL made very little impact in the US, where soccer had virtually no following, until in 1975 the New York Cosmos succeeded in signing the most famous player in the world, Pele. Attendence for Cosmos games exploded, outdrawing even the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL, to where exhibition games in Seattle were drawing huge crowds, and when Pele announced his retirement in 1977 his final game drew the biggest crowd to ever see a soccer game in the US. His retirement from the game began a slow but steady decline for the NASL as money issues for the league and the spending practices of the Cosmos became a running controversy.

 

Only £2.95 at Zavvi. I'd recommend anyone to pick this up, one of the best football documentaries out there.

 

http://www.zavvi.com/dvd/once-in-a-lifetime/8552964.html?affil=BUYAT

 

 

 

Anyway, thanks for the headsup Tooj, think I'll pick this up since its so cheap.

 

tight arse.

[Mike]

Red Bulls should change their name.

[Guest Stephen927]

A look back at one of the more curious fads in American professional sports, the sudden rise and precipitous fall of the North American Soccer League, spanning its existence 1968-1984, as seen through the experience of its most famous club, the New York Cosmos. The NASL made very little impact in the US, where soccer had virtually no following, until in 1975 the New York Cosmos succeeded in signing the most famous player in the world, Pele. Attendence for Cosmos games exploded, outdrawing even the New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL, to where exhibition games in Seattle were drawing huge crowds, and when Pele announced his retirement in 1977 his final game drew the biggest crowd to ever see a soccer game in the US. His retirement from the game began a slow but steady decline for the NASL as money issues for the league and the spending practices of the Cosmos became a running controversy.

 

Only £2.95 at Zavvi. I'd recommend anyone to pick this up, one of the best football documentaries out there.

 

http://www.zavvi.com/dvd/once-in-a-lifetime/8552964.html?affil=BUYAT

 

[Village Idiot]

Red Bulls should change their name.

 

Aren't the name rights owned by some random rich guy? Also, can't see Red Bull allowing that after all the money they have thrown into the team and stadium. They'd probably end up with something ridiculous like Red Bull New York Cosmos.

 

But yeah, they even play(ed) at the same stadium (shitty place for football, truth be said).

[Pilko]

Have heard good things about this, cheers Jonny.

[gazza ladra]

Red Bulls should change their name.

 

Aren't the name rights owned by some random rich guy? Also, can't see Red Bull allowing that after all the money they have thrown into the team and stadium. They'd probably end up with something ridiculous like Red Bull New York Cosmos.

 

But yeah, they even play(ed) at the same stadium (shitty place for football, truth be said).

Ownership of the Cosmos name is a major issue of the film. The name was owned by the last GM of the Cosmos-- a Chinaglia crony. But I think he's sold it since the film was released. So, yeah. Some random rich guy owns the name now and is looking for ways to cash in on it.

 

I'd rather that the New York MLS franchise (Metrostars/Red Bulls) did not get their hands on the Cosmos name.   If the MLS heads had any brains, they would get two clubs in New York City--- just as they have two in in Los Angeles.

[gdm]

bought this a couple years back when it came out. its a really good watch