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Almost Inform
I was excited to attend the release of Passing Pattern Vol. 3. I love what these guys are doing—it’s the perfect mix of local and international perspectives on the beautiful game. The event took place at the stunning Skyline Pitch and featured free matches organized by Wolcott FC, vintage apparel curated by Crossbar, and music from Guesst. It was a perfect display of the cohesion within Chicago’s soccer community. Read More >
New Videos
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tfCsN5QsAhg" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/layers.jpg" data-entity-uuid="a4f6bc70-5bab-435a-a646-acdf248c21ad" data-entity-type="file" width="750" height="1000">Layers Chicago Footy Rack Summer 2025</p></div></div></div><p>In this second and final installment of “Looking for a Chicago Fire FC Kit in Wicker Park,” I finally came across a great piece at Layers Vintage. I also wanted to highlight the impressive collection on display at Saturday’s Football, which they’ve been showcasing since the third kit event this past winter.</p>
Image Credit:
Layers Chicago
Chicago Fire FC (Kit Hunt Pt.2) - Wicker Park
In this second and final installment of “Kit Hunt” I finally came across a great piece at Layers Vintage. I also wanted to highlight the impressive collection on display at Saturday’s Football, which they’ve been showcasing since the third kit event this past winter. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5g_v32t6E6w" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img data-entity-uuid="489ad3bb-fcce-448a-a684-2afbf1664205" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/homie-wp2.jpg" width="1100" height="1019">Italia @ Wicker Park Fest 2025</p></div></div></div><p>Wicker Park has some of Chicago’s best vintage shops. In June, I organized a vintage market for my non-profit group, the Wicker Park Committee. While recruiting vendors for that event, I was fortunate to connect with so many people in the neighborhood who contribute to the independent business ecosystem—and I learned that many of them also have some incredible footy kits. </p><p>My personal goal was to track down a nice used Fire kit that I could wear to the <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-fire-fc-vs-minnesota-utd-fc-us-open-semis">U.S. Open Cup match I was attending</a> in Minneapolis, as a new member of the Bridgeport Pilsen Firm. The first part of this video takes you through Primarie’s and Bodega Vintage—two of the businesses I worked with for my market, and two great friendships that came out of the process—along with my friends at Urban Jungle, and finally Wanna Vintage, another fantastic spot that houses multiple vendors under its umbrella. </p><p>I’ve come to see “umbrella” as the perfect way to describe a lot of these places. For example, the kits on display at Primarie’s come from Chris Thrift’s collection—an independent seller who can shift inventory from an event to a studio, and then pop back up in a shop like Primarie’s, which also doubles as an incubator for smaller vintage fashion collections. </p><p>Bodega Vintage and Wanna Vintage run a similar model, serving as home bases for many of the resellers you may have seen this summer at street festivals or markets like the one I organized. A couple of folks laughed when I suggested they form a union—but in some ways, they already have one. </p><p>So please take a second to check out the interesting and rare footy kits I found in the first part of my hunt. I apologize for the lateness of this drop - it’s been a busy summer - but maybe that just means everyone’s had more time to re-up their inventory!</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago Fire FC (Kit Hunt Pt.1) - Wicker Park
Wicker Park has some of Chicago’s best vintage shops. In June, I organized a vintage market for my non-profit group, the Wicker Park Committee. While recruiting vendors for that event, I was fortunate to connect with so many people in the neighborhood who contribute to the independent business ecosystem—and I learned that many of them also have some incredible footy kits. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1ffqBYr4988" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/socologonew.png" data-entity-uuid="b7570ba3-fd5c-4965-86e3-52f79849b417" data-entity-type="file" width="524" height="463">SoCo Expo</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2890.JPG" data-entity-uuid="8d4a9b87-46c0-42ab-ae94-7d84b0e2caf6" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Pittsburg Kit</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2913.JPG" data-entity-uuid="1ea89db1-dcbf-4d81-b01f-93974e17c391" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Juvi</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2926.JPG" data-entity-uuid="44a50981-0e73-4bb4-b34b-f4cb246fec8e" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">JVC</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2940.JPG" data-entity-uuid="38622d29-37ba-4f8b-ba37-8cdc3ce97206" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Park</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2965.JPG" data-entity-uuid="357eabd1-4ed5-40a1-9c50-de82aa1c9e75" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Hops FC</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2971.JPG" data-entity-uuid="7aa4c5c1-4be5-4946-be3f-65f116931fcf" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Dirty Leeds</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A3054.JPG" data-entity-uuid="a8d10d0e-2ab2-4d29-bb4c-0b1a5f2fed71" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">,93 Colombia</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A3103.JPG" data-entity-uuid="157a3b9e-5254-46b4-bada-3468302c3bdb" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">'94 LA Times</p></div></div></div><p>The SoCo Expo in Chicago is one of the largest soccer sports card and memorabilia conventions in the U.S. I knew the collectors there would have some truly unique and interesting football kits, given their passion for collectibles culture and the event’s international scope.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago: Top Kit - SoCo Expo
The SoCo Expo in Chicago is one of the largest soccer sports card and memorabilia conventions in the U.S. I knew the collectors there would have some truly unique and interesting football kits, given their passion for collectibles culture and the event’s international scope. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TlyvUSOCKgY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2647.JPG" data-entity-uuid="16606c69-79a3-4ad8-9828-6380a1f52849" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Open Table</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2648.JPG" data-entity-uuid="f6ca2357-7706-4ce7-b7a0-110abc8ec8c7" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Hugo - Verve!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2654.JPG" data-entity-uuid="29df0afc-311e-416c-a35a-ee5520634a21" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Bomber</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2661.JPG" data-entity-uuid="09dbef7d-cd92-4462-9680-0f8b1ac55bb0" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Danny & Sergio</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2686.JPG" data-entity-uuid="d1fbadd0-2afd-4f77-83a3-5b8baa1aa202" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Musiala!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2687.JPG" data-entity-uuid="98fdccb8-7917-4adf-a9a5-b3fac55d532b" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">The Leverkusen Unbeaten</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2688.JPG" data-entity-uuid="0f88dc40-2224-460e-8d1c-c3b3ac4aa9ed" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">St Pauli Jack</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2690.JPG" data-entity-uuid="e5391f7a-1e62-4cc8-b7e3-208ed2d69cff" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Der Kaiser!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2720.JPG" data-entity-uuid="0784c638-8b48-4026-9318-b7df3b88252e" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Danny & Keenan</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2789.JPG" data-entity-uuid="8169664a-aee0-40e4-984d-a3868d5ac27c" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Matt (Middy) & Tom</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2817.JPG" data-entity-uuid="443925d0-d867-4576-8797-3da378dfe1e7" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800"> Zor Zor Zor!!!</p></div></div></div><p>Topps, Bundesliga, and <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-saturdays-football-store">Saturday's Football Chicago</a> teamed up for an event celebrating art, cards, and footy culture! Sergio (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/farfanart">@farfanart</a>) customized a Bayern Munich kit, while Zor (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/zzzalwayz">@zzzalwayz</a>) live-painted an Eintracht Frankfurt goalie kit from the ’90s in her signature style. DJ Kraze (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/krazemusic_/">@krazemusic_</a>) kept the music fresh as always and repped Dortmund with a signed kit. Danny Williams, former USMNT and Hoffenheim player among other squads, was in attendance, and the <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-fire-fc">Chicago Fire’s</a> own Kellan Acosta was also on hand.</p><p data-start="102" data-end="385">The event centered around the concept of giving fans the chance to rip open a black sealed T-shirt pack containing one of eight exclusively designed items inside. All the shirts were pretty cool—but I was hoping to get the Franz Beckenbauer–Exclusive Topps Chrome Card graphic one.</p><p data-start="387" data-end="786">The night had a great atmosphere, and several current and former professional players stopped by to check out the store. I got to meet Danny Williams, a former international and USMNT standout who was also featured on a Topps Player card hanging on the newly decorated Saturday’s Football walls. Danny has since transitioned into the fashion and art world, and his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chilliams23/">social media</a> is always exciting.</p><p data-start="788" data-end="1172">Kellen Acosta was also in attendance, and I got the chance to tell him how much I enjoyed the interview he did earlier this year on the Edgewater Castle Podcast <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uesyeJj7Y7I"><em data-start="949" data-end="965">Stone by Stone</em>.</a> During my <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-fire-fc-banda-roja-support-group-interview">interview</a> with Fire FC supporter group Banda Roja, Flako told me he thinks Acosta is his favorite player, and I truly admire Acosta’s recent work with his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kellynacostafoundation/">foundation</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chicago_amputee_soccer/">Chicago Amputee Soccer</a>.</p><p data-start="1174" data-end="1691">The Saturday’s team did great as always, and there were some other interesting folks in attendance—in particular, FIFA video creators <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomandmatt1/">Tom and Matt</a>, and Rizz from the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chicagofifaleague/">Chicago FIFA League</a>. I opened more packs of cards than I can remember ever doing in my life, and my biggest takeaway is how elevated and beautiful the artwork and design have become in 2025. And this wasn’t even the only card-related event I’d attend this weekend—because the perfect follow-up was coming tomorrow: the Soco Expo in the west suburbs.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago: Saturdays Football - Topps + Bundesliga
Topps, Bundesliga, and Saturday's Football Chicago teamed up for an event celebrating art, cards, and footy culture! Sergio (@farfanart) customized a Bayern Munich kit, while Zor (@zzzalwayz) live-painted an Eintracht Frankfurt goalie kit from the ’90s in her signature style. DJ Kraze (@krazemusic_) kept the music fresh as always and repped Dortmund with a signed kit. Danny Williams, former USMNT and Hoffenheim player among other squads, was in attendance, and the Chicago Fire’s own Kellan Acosta was also on hand. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9uAtBthYFkU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img>Loons 4 Freedom</p></div></div></div><p>I met with Flako from Banda Roja to discuss his history with Chicago Fire FC, his group's history with Sector Latino, his connection to the club, and the current climate amongst the Fire’s Latino fanbase—this video is a snippet from the full interview.</p>
Image Credit:
AIFC
Chicago Fire FC - Banda Roja Support Group Interview
I met with Flako from Banda Roja to discuss his history with Chicago Fire FC, his group's history with Sector Latino, his connection to the club, and the current climate amongst the Fire’s Latino fanbase—this video is a snippet from the full interview. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe width="315" height="560" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/U9-wHHytiIM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/gv-sf.jpg" data-entity-uuid="e0e01be4-ec2d-4c4f-a24d-cce3c4fb886a" data-entity-type="file" alt="Epic Group Pic!" width="1200" height="800">Epic Group Pic!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2262%20copy.JPG" data-entity-uuid="48b326a5-2a07-4142-8501-83c90e1f7381" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Mural in the works</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2266.JPG" data-entity-uuid="bc5e18df-73b9-4686-9692-0761c7ebfbd7" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">'89 style</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2273.JPG" data-entity-uuid="7c9aa3a0-3db8-489e-84e8-529f82a401b3" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Epic KRAZE Pic!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2324.JPG" data-entity-uuid="3f2f98a2-63d3-42f0-a036-4ee265a9e704" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Some Good Vibes!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2327.JPG" data-entity-uuid="3ea08aa3-959d-4ac3-83be-d4c15fe7a9a6" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">More Good Vibes!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2335.JPG" data-entity-uuid="c950844c-ad50-4354-9f21-97263e0104f4" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Need that Fisheye Footage!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2339.JPG" data-entity-uuid="01820e77-3eb3-48c2-a528-eb8d323cbd20" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Greetings from Alaska!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2365.JPG" data-entity-uuid="88bac0de-98a0-4fe5-906e-795e3288a2ac" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Supports in from Columbus</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2435.JPG" data-entity-uuid="35cb7bbb-0705-44a6-b847-c0fafa350c3d" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">A hospitable supporter</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img data-entity-uuid="30a8d8c9-7a56-4aac-b1c0-6c899c43a798" data-entity-type="file" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2364.JPG" width="533" height="800">The beautiful bad luck kit.. google the record wearing it</p></div></div></div><p>I went to the recent Manchester United Kitted UP party hosted by Good Vibes John at <a href="https://almostinform.com/chicago-saturdays-football-store">Saturday's Football Chicago</a>. The event brought out several other MUFC social media personalities as well. It was fun to see the variety of kits the supporters wore. I think the general consensus was that the reversible 2001 van Nistelrooy kit was the best in show, though the 1995 grey kit was also high on my list. All in all, a great night in Chicago to celebrate the Devils—and Umbro!</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago: Saturdays Football + Good Vibes John - MUFC Kitted Up Party
I went to the recent Manchester United Kitted UP party hosted by Good Vibes John at Saturday's Football. The event brought out several other MUFC social media personalities as well. It was fun to see the variety of kits the supporters wore. I think the general consensus was that the reversible 2001 van Nistelrooy kit was the best in show, though the 1995 grey kit was also high on my list. All in all, a great night in Chicago to celebrate the Devils—and Umbro! See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide slide_1 default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/whyxG4wq6wM" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/c-shay.jpg" data-entity-uuid="baacc3e6-8cc0-495c-b414-bd38354864bf" data-entity-type="file" alt="Coach Shay" width="1200" height="800">Coach Shay</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1659.JPG" data-entity-uuid="13a8e2e0-fdab-46dc-8395-62d7ffeef850" data-entity-type="file" alt="Try the "Tiger Blood" one ..." width="1200" height="800">Try the "Tiger Blood" one ...</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1676.JPG" data-entity-uuid="6106e0e1-b06b-456f-8765-8fe045769af5" data-entity-type="file" alt="Fan Fest friends" width="1200" height="800">Fan Fest friends</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1757.JPG" data-entity-uuid="da020859-ec5a-46f6-b453-8ea3920a35cc" data-entity-type="file" alt="House AC friendly staff" width="1200" height="1800">House AC friendly staff</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1928.JPG" data-entity-uuid="e12ca272-1a49-4f78-80a4-fc441201812f" data-entity-type="file" alt="House DJ's!" width="1200" height="800">House DJ's!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1931.JPG" data-entity-uuid="9e94de43-ae58-4884-b08a-0c1afce7ce69" data-entity-type="file" alt="Andrew on the Mic!" width="1200" height="800">Andrew on the Mic!</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1942.JPG" data-entity-uuid="d38d3b75-be5e-4637-8e14-0faf479fa0be" data-entity-type="file" alt="MoMo and Nicole" width="1200" height="800">MoMo and Nicole</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1953.JPG" data-entity-uuid="a4978b92-f3e8-4de5-a444-21f5851cc4c6" data-entity-type="file" alt="Ballboy #1" width="1200" height="800">Ballboy #1</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2065.JPG" data-entity-uuid="50427510-5531-4c2e-95e5-3429f904a2d5" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Give & Go Scholars </p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2069.JPG" data-entity-uuid="63186ba3-5931-408e-b639-7754cd91da31" data-entity-type="file" alt="House AC leadership" width="1200" height="800">House AC leadership</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1915.JPG" data-entity-uuid="592c48e2-6226-4d6e-8c46-a9c89a88e903" data-entity-type="file" alt="Anton in goal for AFC Rosco" width="1200" height="1800">Anton in goal for AFC Rosco</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2112.JPG" data-entity-uuid="89eac9a4-21de-42b1-a951-467a4fb7fbeb" data-entity-type="file" alt="House AC - Post Match" width="1200" height="800">House AC - Post Match</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2128.JPG" data-entity-uuid="3b3c9d4a-7be3-4988-bd4d-e53dcfaabb95" data-entity-type="file" alt="House AC - Pre-Post Match " width="1200" height="800">House AC - Pre-Post Match </p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2145.JPG" data-entity-uuid="f578bc10-04b2-46b6-93dc-6a1f1001211f" data-entity-type="file" alt="House AC - Def Post Match / Tommy here ya go ..." width="1200" height="800">House AC - Def Post Match / Tommy here ya go ...</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A2149.JPG" data-entity-uuid="da17679a-3443-43b9-992d-1148a747f76d" data-entity-type="file" alt="Dylan - Hope you like" width="1200" height="800">Dylan - Hope you like! </p></div></div></div><p>With the season closer and Fan Festival approaching, I wanted to show up early and try to capture the staff preparing for the final match. The folks in the booth were a great team, and the production level reflected the excitement I experienced on the sidelines. </p><p>The crew on the field did an excellent job creating engaging digital media and passionately documenting the team’s journey. Nicole Hack and Vee Sanders—the digital media and creative directors—gave me the opportunity to tag along for part of that journey, and I had the chance to meet Momo and Fabio, two talented photographers. </p><p>Soon, it was time for the final lineup at Langhorst Field. The sun shone brightly overhead as the procession began. House controlled possession from the outset and had several chances that were brilliantly defended by Roscoe. In the 35’, an absolute banger capped off a brilliant run of possession. </p><p>The Fan Fest continued into halftime with relay races and the awarding of scholarships from the Give and Go Foundation. The second half kicked off with House continuing to apply pressure on Roscoe. The match went back and forth late into the half, until House secured a three-point result with an 86’ strike from Makowiecki. </p><p>As the sun set, I tried to capture a few final images on the sidelines of various players and staff. I was excited about the win but also took a moment to reflect on the approaching end of the season. Everyone has been so generous and welcoming - I feel privileged to contribute to their mission, and I will continue to #UpTheHouse!</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
Chicago House AC - Home Closer / Fan Fest
With the season closer and Fan Festival approaching, I wanted to show up early and try to capture the staff preparing for the final match. The folks in the booth were a great team, and the production level reflected the excitement I experienced on the sidelines. See More >
<div id="slideshow"><div id="slide-container"><div class="slide default"><p><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B8FpYZ-g6wU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1278.JPG" data-entity-uuid="fc4a5d23-d4f3-489d-93a8-be2ae926031c" data-entity-type="file" alt="Passing Pattern - Vol. 3, Alex & Rohan @ vending" width="1200" height="800">Passing Pattern - Vol. 3, Alex & Rohan good @ vending</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1298.JPG" data-entity-uuid="c90cf531-4014-4eae-83d7-624bbf0380c0" data-entity-type="file" alt="The Vending Continues" width="1200" height="800">The Vending Continues</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1306.JPG" data-entity-uuid="3149dc8a-0549-4b3e-a819-892a7cef610c" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Ernesto, The Co-Author of Passing Pattern Vol 3, and Maja who is featured</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1303.JPG" data-entity-uuid="3219aef9-b5e2-4f1a-8dce-c7a19d363177" data-entity-type="file" alt="Will @ Sector Latino / Ezra @tekkerz" width="1200" height="800">Will @ Sector Latino / Ezra @tekkerz</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1316.JPG" data-entity-uuid="f7d036a3-d1e0-4342-bb7d-b8ecec9988fd" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">Freddy from Crossbar and Stay True and Tatiana</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1445.JPG" data-entity-uuid="72a2f249-d1cc-4f29-9d0a-eca71b69982b" data-entity-type="file" alt="Tom @ Dolt F.C. and Projeet @giveandgogames .... Features Forthcoming on Almost Inform.com" width="1200" height="800">Tom @ Dolt F.C. and Projeet @giveandgogames .... Features Forthcoming on Almost Inform.com</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1309.JPG" data-entity-uuid="d87f41f3-dce5-48a2-be87-3f8614e68e6b" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Thad @ CrossbarSyndicate</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1461.JPG" data-entity-uuid="8a8b5797-ce83-4655-89d8-3df740b25e9d" data-entity-type="file" width="533" height="800">Ivaylo @ WolcottFC</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1382.JPG" data-entity-uuid="e6b64459-adbe-4b40-8eac-0c62b62d0a7c" data-entity-type="file" width="1200" height="800">@ Guesst</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1279.JPG" data-entity-uuid="f5f18bfe-a44b-4052-9d9c-07ed4288703d" data-entity-type="file" alt="The only footy I'm safe playing..." width="1200" height="800">The only footy I'm safe playing...</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1302.JPG" data-entity-uuid="8e0172f9-c459-43b2-9fe3-7389d23f9a55" data-entity-type="file" alt="parenting tips" width="1200" height="800">The Vol.3 release also featured a complementary child-care area</p></div><div class="slide"><p><img src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/0I3A1414.JPG" data-entity-uuid="7715f468-dfdd-4cd2-a383-94605b56ccd4" data-entity-type="file" alt="Ahmad, here is your photo - sorry took so long, and I made you traffic my website from social media" width="1200" height="800">Ahmad, here is your photo - sorry took so long, and I made you traffic my website from social media, and then scroll past every photo - thx</p></div></div></div><p>I was excited to attend the release of Passing Pattern Vol. 3. <a href="https://almostinform.com/passing-pattern-10-questions">I love what these guys are doing</a>—it’s the perfect mix of local and international perspectives on the beautiful game. The event took place at the stunning Skyline Pitch and featured free matches organized by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/wolcottfootballclub">Wolcott FC</a>, vintage apparel curated by <a href="https://almostinform.com/crossbar-sweet-dink">Crossbar</a>, and music from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/guesstaccount/">Guesst</a>. It was a perfect example of the cohesion within Chicago’s soccer community. </p><p>I’ve been following Alex and Rohan’s work ever since I saw the Brandi Chastain Sports Bra poster for the Vol. 2 release on an electric box in my neighborhood. This time around, they’ve added a new contributor, Ernesto, rounding out the group of football narrators. Passing Pattern has been a consistent champion of inclusion and diversity—not only in football but also in writing about football. </p><p>I asked Alex what he was most excited about in this volume, “What I'm most proud of is being able to realize my ambition of growing Passing Pattern into a proper magazine. This latest issue represents the ambitions of the project. We're building a strong team and a passionate community, which makes me excited for the future!” </p><p>Ernesto also shared, “I’m pretty excited about the cábalas piece... because when I wrote it, my intention was to connect people to those multicultural traditions that hide in plain sight—especially today, when you’ve got folks policing other cultures.” I loved that too—though I had to look it up. Cábalas is Spanish for superstitions or rituals; for example, Cruyff used to spit his gum onto the opposition’s side before kickoff. I digress—but the graphics in that section would render incredible Passing Pattern sticky's.</p><p>This new volume is a great example of the work and passion Alex, Rohan, and Ernesto have invested. I’ve always been impressed by how they weave together so many different aspects of football—connecting Chicago to the wider world, past to present, and, if you open the first article in Vol. 3, even into the future.</p>
Image Credit:
Almost Inform
