Five Things You Should Know Before Seeing Next Goal Wins

Thomas Rongen coached the Revs, plus four more things you should know.

I’ve long had an interest in American Samoa’s historic 2-1 win over Tonga that occurred in November 2011.

This all stems from watching a 2014 documentary entitled Next Goal Wins. Soon after, I was fortunate enough to interview directors Mike Brett and Steven Jamison, as well as coach Thomas Rongen.

My interest in American Samoa gets rekindled every now and then, which leads to me rewatching the documentary, reading the chapter from James Montague’s book about the team’s 31-0 loss to Australia, or searching for a new interview.

As you can imagine, I was excited to see that there would be a Hollywood adaptation of the tale coming out in 2023.

While the film directed by Taika Waititi does take artistic liberties, it is uplifting and fun. I believe that those who watch the film will become just as interested as I am in American Samoa’s underdog story.

Before you go to the theaters though, here are five things you should know:

1. The original documentary can be found on Amazon, Apple, Google, and Vud

I really love the documentary and frequently recommend it to those I come across.

I’m not sure if it’s best to watch the documentary before or after the Hollywood movie, but I would definitely see both because they complement each other well.

2. Rongen is quite the character

Rongen has been around the North American soccer scene for a long time. He was a player in various leagues, including the NASL and USL, then became a coach.

Before he led American Samoa to their second-ever win, Rongen won the MLS regular season with the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1996, lifted an MLS Cup with D.C. United in 1999, and served as the United States U-20 men’s national team coach from 2001-2005 and again from 2006-2011.

As such, Rongen has plenty of stories to tell.

I would highly recommend his appearance on Kickin’ It where he talks about Clint Dempsey’s rapping abilities. On Major League Journeymen, Rongen lists his top three journeymen.

3. Rongen coached the New England Revolution

Rongen was with the Revs in 1997 and 1998. The coach recounted his time in New England during a recent interview with Hayden Bird of Boston.com. The quote below was particularly interesting:

“He hired me at his place,” Rongen told Boston.com about meeting Revolution owner Robert Kraft. “He came in and said, ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Robert Kraft. You know I’m Jewish?’ I said, ‘Yes, Mr. Kraft.’ He said, ‘I also know that you are Dutch. The Dutch were very good to the Jews in the Second World War. I don’t know anything about soccer, but I’ve heard you’re a pretty decent coach and I’m going to hire you.’”

4. Jaiyah Saelua was the first transgender woman to compete in a World Cup qualifier

Jaiyah Saelua is a central figure for the American Samoa team that defeated Tonga. The defender is fa’afafine, which translates to “in the manner of a woman.”

While some outsiders had a hard time connecting with Saelua in the past, Rongen immediately showed her respect, which helped him gain the trust of the team.

In the documentary, Rongen explains, “You look at Jaiyah, and she encapsulates what I think American Samoa is all about: A culture and environment where everything is fairly pure and healthy. And the sport is really played for the joy and the love of it, and then gender, race doesn’t really matter.”

5. Nicky Salapu came out of retirement to help American Samoa win

Nicky Salapu was in the net when American Samoa suffered their 31-0 loss to Australia. The result happened after several players were unable to travel due to passport issues.

It was devastating for Salapu, who told The News Tribune, “It was sad. After the game, I cried and I was like, ‘I’m never gonna play soccer again.’”

Although it took some convincing from Rongen, Salapu ultimately agreed to suit up for his national team again. To be there for American Samoa’s first win in 17 years was a joyous occasion.

Salapu, who now lives in Seattle, still travels back to the island to play the game he loves. In fact, he’s slated to make the trek with his son Dylan in September to play in a World Cup qualifier.

Dylan notes, “His last time and my first.”

Sounds like the makings of a Next Goal Wins sequel, if you ask me.