In this episode of Pitchside Perspective, we sit down with Werner Roth — US Soccer Hall of Famer, former New York Cosmos captain, NASL trailblazer, and co-star in Escape to Victory — to explore one of the most remarkable chapters in U.S. soccer history. ⚽🎬

From playing alongside Pelé to leading one of the most star-studded teams the sport has ever seen, Werner shares firsthand stories about the rise of the Cosmos, the transformation of American soccer, and what it took to navigate a locker room full of global icons. This is a rare look behind the scenes of a league that helped shape the modern game in the United States.

Werner also reflects on leadership, culture, and the importance of humility when guiding superstars — and reveals how an unexpected opportunity led him from the pitch to Hollywood.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Pelé’s impact on American soccer and the NASL

✅ What made the Cosmos a cultural phenomenon

✅ Leadership lessons from captaining a team of legends

✅ How the NASL changed the trajectory of U.S. soccer

✅ The evolution of soccer ownership and the modern game

✅ Werner’s journey into acting & filming Escape to Victory

✅ The future of U.S. soccer — and the case for promotion & relegation

Whether you’re passionate about soccer history, fascinated by Pelé’s legacy, or simply love hearing stories from the pioneers who built the game in America, this episode delivers insight, nostalgia, and inspiration in equal measure.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations that explore the past, present, and future of the beautiful game.

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