Clemente Lisi

Executive Editor at Religion Unplugged

Husband, father, editor and writer

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Articles

Clemente’s Corner: Fanatics Fest NYC has Become a Place for Hockey Fans

5 days ago | puckjunk.com | Clemente Lisi

Fanatics Fest NYC is over and done with for this year. While some may be wondering if we even need another big card and memorabilia show, I’m here to tell you that we do. The reason? Aside from the fact that the second edition of FFNYC, which took place at the Jacob Javits Center in New York this past weekend, has modeled itself after Comic Con (over 500 athletes and celebrities were there), it’s also proven to be a show worth the time of hockey collectors.
Tragedy in Algeria, USMNT beats Haiti and 'Gianni Cup'

5 days ago | planetsoccer.substack.com | Clemente Lisi

Soccer has had its share of tragedies over the years. This past weekend, a new one was added to that long list. Three fans in Algeria died when a stand collapsed, leaving another 81 injured. The tragedy marred what would have otherwise been a wonderful celebration. At the Gold Cup, the United States got past Haiti 2-1 to finish first in Group D. Meanwhile, the FIFA Club World Cup continues to generate lots of buzz — and not all of it good.
Brady, LeBron, John Cena and more big names make Fanatics Fest NYC ‘bigger, better, bolder’

5 days ago | sportscollectorsdigest.com | Clemente Lisi

AutographsTom Brady, LeBron James, John Cena and a $500K rookie cards helped make the second Fanatics Fest show in NYC bigger, bolder and better. ⋅JUN 22, 2025NEW YORK, N.Y.—The second edition of Fanatics Fest NYC promised to be “better, bigger, bolder.”It turned out to be all three.
USMNT beats Saudi Arabia, advances to Gold Cup quarterfinals

1 week ago | planetsoccer.substack.com | Clemente Lisi

Chris Richards scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Saudi Arabia. U.S. Soccer photo On a humid night at Austin’s Q2 Stadium, the United States defeated a determined Saudi Arabia 1-0 on Thursday night in the second match of Group D play at the Gold Cup. The win — coupled with Haiti’s draw against Trinidad and Tobago — before 11,727 fans secur…
Opinion: Passionate Brazilians attending Club World Cup make up for empty stadiums

1 week ago | planetsoccer.substack.com | Clemente Lisi

Brazilian soccer fans are celebrated around the world for their unparalleled passion, creativity and deep cultural connection to the game. What sets them apart isn't just their numbers or loyalty — though both are immense — but the way soccer is embedded into the fabric of Brazilian daily life. For Brazilians, this isn’t just a sport; it’s an identity, a shared national language and often a source of great joy and hope.
Top Prospect Matthew Schaefer Signs with Upper Deck Ahead of NHL Draft

1 week ago | si.com | Clemente Lisi

Upper Deck announced on Thursday that it has secured an exclusive multi-year agreement with top NHL draft prospect Matthew Schaefer, expanding its elite roster of athletes ahead of the 2025 NHL Draft. Under the partnership, Upper Deck will be the sole producer of Schaefer’s trading cards, collectibles and autographed memorabilia as he prepares to enter the NHL. Schaefer said the partnership with Upper Deck was a “full-circle moment,” recalling collecting hockey cards with his family as a child.
Opinion: Reyna stuck in club and country limbo a year out from the World Cup

1 week ago | planetsoccer.substack.com | Clemente Lisi

Where is Gio Reyna? That’s the question many U.S. soccer fans have been asking this week as both the FIFA Club World Cup and Gold Cup continue to occupy our time amid an endless marathon of matches. Reyna was actually in New Jersey on Tuesday afternoon. I spotted him kicking balls during pre-game warm-ups at MetLife Stadium ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Club World Cup game against Brazilian side Fluminense. The game ended scoreless.
American Churchgoers Report Deeper Faith Amid Growing Communities

1 week ago | ministrywatch.com | Clemente Lisi

NEW YORK — After a half-decade marked by upheaval, many Christian communities across the United States are showing signs not only of recovery but of renewed vitality, a new study released on Monday revealed. The 27-page report, put together by the Exploring the Pandemic Impact on Congregations project, looks at a large and diverse sample of American churchgoers. Many say their faith is stronger, their churches more vibrant and their involvement more consistent than at any point in recent memory.
Upper Deck Releases ‘Superman’ x NASCAR Card Set Ahead of Blockbuster Movie

1 week ago | si.com | Clemente Lisi

Upper Deck is bringing a high-octane crossover to collectors just in time for summer. In collaboration with Warner Bros., the company announced on Tuesday an exclusive trading card set that combines DC Studios’ highly anticipated film “Superman” with NASCAR’s 23XI Racing team. The partnership marks a first for Upper Deck, producing 23XI Racing collectibles through an official collaboration with NASCAR.
Opinion: FIFA Club World Cup rekindles Europe-South America rivalry

1 week ago | planetsoccer.substack.com | Clemente Lisi

The rivalry between European and South American teams is one of the most storied and intense in the history of the game. Rooted in decades of international competition, cultural pride and contrasting styles of play, this rivalry has played out across World Cups and international club championships.