Good morning! Franz Beckenbauer has passed away at the age of 78. One of our great memories of Der Kaiser with the New York Cosmos and the uniquely NASL way of doing things was the two-leg playoff series between the Cosmos and Minnesota that drew 106,000 fans in 1978. The Kicks won the first leg 9-2 (!), and the Cosmos took the second leg (4-0). Watch here the NASL-style shootout in which Carlos Alberto and Beckenbauer rescued the Cosmos.

SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING

---

Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.

• Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
• Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
• Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
• Cancel anytime.

Start Free Trial

Already have an account? Sign in here.

---

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES

Women’s Soccer: Man City holds Bayern to start UEFA Champions League, Arsenal wins late

What We’re Reading

MLS NEXT PRO: Crew 2 coach axed for sexism, physical abuse toward female ref

EUROPE: Star coaches debut as Nations League returns

Bob Barry (1940-2026): ‘The Cat’ who built Hawaii soccer’s bridge to the mainland

U.S. under-19 men’s national team roster

U.S. under-20 men’s national team roster

Five MLS players on a roll: Playmakers from Argentina and Spain, two Englishmen, and an American keeper

Barcelona enters new era aiming to retain Women’s Champions League crown

Peru arrives in Florida in deep rut ahead of USA friendly

Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.

• SOCCER AMERICA TODAY NEWSLETTER Daily free newsletter featuring top soccer headlines.
• SPECIAL OFFERS Special offers on gear and soccer services, promotions of upcoming tournaments, events, and games from our trusted partners.

Email Address Sign up

Already have an account? Sign in here.