Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
"Winning championships is the greatest feeling in the world.” Most people know Eric Braeden as the iconic Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless. Long before becoming one of television's most recognizable actors, Braeden found another home on the soccer field.
In this interview from SoCal Soccer: The Origin Story, Braeden reflects on growing up in postwar Germany, arriving in Southern California as a young immigrant, and discovering the Holocaust only after leaving his homeland. That experience profoundly shaped his decision to join Macabee Los Angeles, a predominantly Jewish club competing in the Greater Los Angeles Soccer League.
Braeden discusses the emotional impact of wearing the Star of David on his jersey while simultaneously portraying German soldiers on television, the friendships he formed with Holocaust survivors, and the pride he felt helping Macabee rise to national prominence. He also reflects on the remarkable level of play in Southern California during the league's golden era, sharing stories of competing alongside and against some of the world's greatest players including Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, and Johan Cruyff and witnessing the early growth of AYSO.
Watch the full documentary "SoCal Soccer: The Origin Story" at youtu.be/yB2-CsoWLWs
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#EricBraeden #MacabeeLosAngeles #GreaterLosAngelesSoccerLeague #GLSL #TheYoungAndTheRestless #Holocaust #Immigration #AYSO #USOpenCup #SoccerHistory #LosAngelesSoccer #SoCalSoccer
"Winning championships is the greatest feeling in the world.” Most people know Eric Braeden as the iconic Victor Newman on The Young and the Restless. Long before becoming one of television's most recognizable actors, Braeden found another home on the soccer field.
In this interview from SoCal Soccer: The Origin Story, Braeden reflects on growing up in postwar Germany, arriving in Southern California as a young immigrant, and discovering the Holocaust only after leaving his homeland. That experience profoundly shaped his decision to join Macabee Los Angeles, a predominantly Jewish club competing in the Greater Los Angeles Soccer League.
Braeden discusses the emotional impact of wearing the Star of David on his jersey while simultaneously portraying German soldiers on television, the friendships he formed with Holocaust survivors, and the pride he felt helping Macabee rise to national prominence. He also reflects on the remarkable level of play in Southern California during the league's golden era, sharing stories of competing alongside and against some of the world's greatest players including Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, and Johan Cruyff and witnessing the early growth of AYSO.
Watch the full documentary "SoCal Soccer: The Origin Story" at youtu.be/yB2-CsoWLWs
Love PBS SoCal? Your support keeps the programs you love alive.
Donate today: bit.ly/you-tube-donation
~~~~~~
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: bit.ly/3wiFfZ2
Follow us:
Instagram: instagram.com/pbssocal
TikTok: tiktok.com/@pbssocal
Facebook: facebook.com/pbssocal
Sign-up for our Newsletter: pbssocal.org/newsletter
#EricBraeden #MacabeeLosAngeles #GreaterLosAngelesSoccerLeague #GLSL #TheYoungAndTheRestless #Holocaust #Immigration #AYSO #USOpenCup #SoccerHistory #LosAngelesSoccer #SoCalSoccer
