It is now almost a year since I had my favorite experience as a supporter of the U.S. National Team, the 2007 Gold Cup final. The day was packed full of unforgettable moments; chanting off with Mexicans at the tailgate, being kissed by a girl in red, white and blue as my friend and I walked through a horde of hostile Mexicans, randomly recognizing and meeting Chris Armas, and of course, jumping nearly out of my skin when Benny Feilhaber unexpectedly volleyed a ball from outside the box past one very dirty Oswaldo Sanchez. These moments are what made the experience so rewarding; however, they are not the reason I take pride in having attended the match. It is knowing that I and my fellow supporters proudly displayed our nations colors and supported our team in the midst of vicious, sometimes violent opposition from Mexican fans. This viciousness culminated, for me, at halftime.
With the U.S. down 1-0, my friend and I went to the bathroom behind the U.S. supporters section. We found it full of Mexican fans who, needless to say, were very happy to have just witnessed their team score a goal against us on U.S. soil for the first time in years. They yelled and chanted at us and we chanted back. It was a relatively stable situation until, as my friend was urinating, two Mexicans tried to pull the American flag off his back.
One of the things that has attracted many, including myself, to the American Outlaws is their younger, edgier image. Though the ranks of Sam’s Army are filled with all sorts of people from all walks of life, the organization has always been stigmatized as being a group for old hippies. “The pony tail brigade” is an unfortunate, though common nickname found on BigSoccer.com. Though I believe this stigma to be fallacious, I do believe it is important, in the interest of growing support for soccer in this country, that an alternative be provided for those who may shy away from a group whose image is somewhat… soft, for lack of a better word. This is why I continue to support both Sam’s Army and the American Outlaws.
However, this harder, edgier image is one that has and will foster harder, edgier action. Many of those drawn to the American Outlaws are males between the ages of 18 and 35 who have a thirst for alcohol. I myself am included in this demographic, and I am the first to admit that we are less likely to shy away from violence. It is important, therefore, that we keep cool heads at matches. After the U.S. conceded a goal in extra time at U-23 final in Nashville, some of the younger Outlaws threw not only streamers, but other projectiles that I was not able to identify, onto the field and at Honduran fans. At the Mexico friendly in Houston I saw beers lobbed by Mexican fans at our tailgate; I must admit that, in my anger, I lobbed my own beer in their direction. I am not proud of this, as I am more likely to have hit a woman or child than anyone throwing beers at us.
At halftime of the Gold Cup final, however, I believe I did the right thing. When I saw two Mexicans nearly snatch the American flag off my friend’s back, I rushed them and shoved them away. I stood in front of the flag with my hands behind my back and told them, loudly, to back off. There was more shoving and shouting, and I believed for a moment that I may have been in for a beating at the hands of at least 20 opposing fans. Thankfully, one very large member of Sam’s Army, I believe he was from D.C., came between me and the Mexicans and told everyone to calm down; and we did. No one got hurt, and the American flag remained intact.
So here is my advice to the members of the American Outlaws. Remember that we represent our country as well as our team, and that showing our class is just as important as showing our passion. Remember that passion must always be tempered by reason. Be loud, be proud, and be respectful. Let everyone know who we support, but don’t taunt people who don’t taunt us. Stand by your fellow supporters, be they Outlaws, Sammers, or any other fan of the U.S. National Team, and never let one of our own be left to fend for himself or herself. If you must resort to violence, be not afraid to do so; HOWEVER, make sure that you have no other option and remember that other options almost always exist (even if you have had a beer or two too many). Never provoke. We go to matches to support our National Team, and violence for the sake of violence helps that cause in no way, shape or form. Make sure they don’t tread on us, but make sure you don’t go treading on them without due cause.
-Ben Girard (aka BMGSouthCity)
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