Before world-renowned players like Pelé and Franz Beckenbauer made high-profile moves to the United States, Kansas City caught its first glimpses of professional soccer.

The Kansas City Spurs were charter members of the National American Soccer League (NASL) that began play in 1968.

One of the many tenants that had used Municipal Stadium over the years, the Spurs played three seasons until folding after the 1970 season.

The Spurs came flying out of the gates in 1968, leading the NASL in attendance with an average of 8,510. The team also won the Gulf Division with 16 wins, 11 losses and five ties before losing in double overtime to the San Diego Toros in the conference finals.

The Spurs delivered Kansas City its first soccer championship in 1969. A 2-0 win over the Baltimore Bays secured the championship as the Spurs ended the regular season with a record of 10-2-4. Jorge Benitez led the team with 15 goals and five assists in 14 games.

Spurs coach Janos Bedl was named NASL Coach of the Year while Pepe Fernandez was named MVP. Though attendance was cut in half, the Spurs still led the league.

In an effort to save money, the Spurs moved to Pembroke Hill in 1969. KC dropped to 8-10-6 and missed the playoffs in their final season.

The Spurs also tested themselves against a number of international teams, including Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Hertha Berlin (Germany), Dunfermline (Scotland), Coventry City (England) and Santos (Brazil).

In 1968, over 10,000 fans watched the Spurs tie Dunfermline 1-1, which reportedly included a brawl between the two teams. Pelé made his way to Kansas City that same year as nearly 20,000 fans watched the Brazilian legend score one and assist two for Santos in a 4-1 win over the Spurs.

Over five decades later, the Spurs only began a tremendous history of soccer in Kansas City.