ABOUT

Nearly a century after its founding in 1933, New York City-based Brookhattan FC has evolved into a soccer club rich with history that brings together creatives, innovators, and soccer fans from across the globe. 

Once one of the United States’ best soccer clubs (and one of the only teams in American history to win a domestic treble), Brookhattan was active throughout the 1960s but ultimately their fate was tied to that of the sport in this country. As the American Soccer League began to dwindle, and before the North American Soccer League came to into existence, Brookhattan was merged into New York Galicia and the club was relegated to the history books. 

After laying dormant for decades, the spirit of Brookhattan was reignited by passionate soccer fans living and working in New York City with the aim of creating an organization that builds a 21st century legacy from the club’s historic roots. 

HISTORY

Brookhattan has one of the richest and most intriguing stories in all of American soccer. The club reached the final of the Lewis Cup five times, winning in 1942 and 1945. The latter proved to be the club's most successful season, as the Brooks took home not only the Lewis Cup, but also the American Soccer League crown and the National Challenge Cup (now the US Open Cup).

Multiple US Soccer Hall of Famers have called Brookhattan their home, including Joe Gaetjens, who had a key role in a landmark moment for American soccer. Gaetjens scored the winning goal for the United States in a 1-0 victory over England at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, one of the most famous upsets in soccer history. Jack Hynes, George Barr, Teddy Glover, and many other pioneers of the sport in the US suited up for the club in its heyday. 

The club also managed to reflect the composition of this diverse, vibrant city. Pito Villanon, the 1952-53 American Soccer League MVP, was one of the first black athletes to play in a professional integrated league, and was possibly the first black player in the ASL. Vienna-born Rudy Kuntner, a Hall of Famer who won the treble with the Brooks in 1945, was a longtime stage manager of the Metropolitan Opera. 

RESURGENCE

A new generation of Brooks came together to revive the club and raise awareness for New York’s rich soccer history, all while celebrating the relationship between creativity and soccer in the city we love. The club culture is quintessentially and decidedly non-glamorous, championing grassroots and amateur soccer. Brookhattan currently fields a men's first team, as well as the coed Brookhattan Casuals. The club is inclusive - we welcome all fans of the game with open arms, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, or sexual orientation.

Through on-going historical research and activity both on and off the pitch, the club serves to honor those that have worn the kit in years gone by and strives to grow the game in the Five Boroughs.