Mike Jeffries – long-time head coach of USL League One’s Charlotte Independence – talks about his front-row seat to the dips and rises of the game in the United States from 1984 to the present day

Charlotte Independence with a big Cupset in 2024 against Rhode Island FC

That 1982 NCAA final, played on “one of those unbelievably muggy nights in Florida” is a good example of the differences Jeffries points out – from then to today. With the game tied 1-1 after 90, the refereeing team scratched their heads and came up with a plan, sort of. “Honestly, there was no organization at the time – so we played a couple of tens [minute-periods of over-time] and a couple fives,” said Jeffries. “They were just almost winging it as we went along.”

And along they went until, finally (and mercifully for the players) Thompson curled his free kick into the top corner to seal the win for Indiana. It was in the 159th minute of the game and the eighth period of improvised over-time. That was 44 years ago, folks.

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