.The American Outlaws Blog

US v Mexico Scouting Report @ Mexico 08/11/09

2009-08-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

Fasten your seatbelts AO, it's as big as it gets in CONCACAF Qualifying. What used to be a rivalry that involved back and forth wins... is still a rivalry. But the Mexican's have seen a '0' next to their point total all too often lately. With the exception of the Gold Cup Final, the Americans were 8-0-1 in their last 9 games versus their always-classy neighbors. Keep in mind that none of the starting 11 that faced Mexico in the GC Final will likely feature against them Wednesday. Mexico will likely play at least 5 of their starting 11, and will have to show their worth to get anything from this game.

The US visits Estadio Azteca on Wednesday hoping to secure their first win on Mexican soil. The Americans are 0-18-1 in WCQ in Mexico, but many US fans feel that this can be our year. Playing in front of 105,000 of Mexico's most elegant and tasteful supporters, Bob Bradley will have to show some his team still possess' that the composure that took them to the Confederation Cup final in South Africa two months ago. Bradley has named a very similar squad to that team that faced Brazil, with a few minor exceptions.

GK: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard
DEF: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathan Bornstein, Steve Cherundolo, Jay DeMerit, Chad Marshall, Oguchi Onyewu, Jonathan Spector
MID: Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Clint Dempsey, Benny Feilhaber, Stuart Holden , José Francisco Torres
FOR: Jozy Altidore, Conor Casey, Brian Ching, Charlie Davies, Landon Donovan

Javier Aguirre, Mexico's new skipper, simply defines the word " grace," leading by example on and off the pitch. One may wander what will happen when Landon Donovan goes racing down the wing in front of the Mexican bench. Will he swipe a leg? Perhaps toss a Dos Equis bottle. Or maybe throw a blood/urine-filled Ziploc? One thing is certain, this bandit will do what it takes to win. He is without the services of Rafael Marquez, the Barcelona defender missing through injury.

Can the American's prove their worth on this stage and grind out a result? That is the question. Altitude, heat, dangerous atmosphere... No excuses. We need to get points. A loss here will leave our dirty neighbors just 1 point behind us in qualifying, however, a win will all but secure our participation in 2010.

Let's get 3 points! This is what we have been waiting for. Get your drinks at your watch parties, tip your bartender, and raise your American flag after the victory.

This is our day. Come on boys!

US Team Roster for 2009 Gold Cup

2009-06-30T22:31:00.001-07:00

2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup Roster Facts and Figures

Four players have appeared in a CONCACAF final round qualifying match.
Eight of 23 players have appeared in a qualifying match for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Eight players have made at least one appearance in 2009.
Seven players are seeking their first appearance for the U.S.
16 players have five or fewer caps.
15 of the 23 players ply their trade in Major League Soccer.
The roster averages eight caps per player. By contrast, in the other two Gold Cups with 23-man rosters, the U.S. team averaged 26 caps/player (2007) and 28 caps/player (2005).
Ching leads the roster with nine goals. All other players on the roster have scored a combined nine goals.
Two players, Cherundolo and Conrad, have appeared in a FIFA World Cup match.
Two players, Parkhurst and Ching, were on the 2007 Gold Cup champion team.
Three players, Cherundolo, Conrad and Quaranta, were on the 2005 Gold Cup champion team.
Five players were on the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team for the Beijing Games.
The average age on the roster is 26, 1.2 years older than the U.S. squad at the FIFA Confederations Cup.

U.S. Men’s National Team Roster
2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup
July 3-26, 2009

No.	Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Birthdate	Hometown	Club	Caps/G
1	Perkins, Troy	GK	6-2	190	07/20/81	Worthington, Ohio	Valerenga IF (Norway)	1/0
2	Pearce, Heath	D	5-10	175	08/13/84	Modesto, Calif.	Hansa Rostock (Germany)	23/0
3	Goodson, Clarence	D	6-4	170	05/17/82	Alexandria, Va.	IK Start (Norway)	2/0
4	Marshall, Chad	D	6-4	190	08/22/84	Riverside, Calif.	Columbus Crew	4/1
5	Beckerman, Kyle	M	5-10	165	04/23/82	Crofton, Md.	Real Salt Lake	3/0
6	Cherundolo, Steve	D	5-6	145	02/19/79	San Diego, Calif.	Hannover 96 (Germany)	51/2
7	Rogers, Robbie	M	5-10	165	05/12/87	Huntington Beach, Calif.	Columbus Crew	1/0
8	Pause, Logan	M	5-10	155	08/22/81	Hillsborough, N.C.	Chicago Fire	0/0
9	Davies, Charlie	F	5-10	160	06/25/86	Manchester, N.H.	Hammarby IF (Sweden)	9/2
10	Holden, Stuart	M	5-10	160	08/01/85	Houston, Texas	Houston Dynamo	0/0
11	Ching, Brian	F	6-1	195	05/24/78	Haleiwa, Hawaii	Houston Dynamo	36/9
12	Conrad, Jimmy	D	6-2	185	02/12/77	Temple City, Calif.	Kansas City Wizards	24/1
13	Clark, Colin	M	5-11	161	04/11/84	Ft. Collins, Colo.	Colorado Rapids	0/0
14	Parkhurst, Michael	D	5-11	155	01/24/84	Providence, R.I.	FC Nordsjaelland (Denmark)	5/0
15	Cronin, Sam	M	5-10	165	12/12/86	Winston-Salem, N.C.	Toronto FC	0/0
16	Heaps, Jay	D	5-9	155	08/02/76	Longmeadow, Mass.	New England Revolution	0/0
17	Cooper, Kenny	F	6-3	210	10/21/84	Dallas, Texas	FC Dallas	4/2
18	Robles, Luis	GK	6-1	180	05/11/84	Fort Huachuca, Ariz.	FC Kaiserslautern (Germany)	0/0
19	Adu, Freddy	F	5-8	140	06/02/89	Potomac, Md.	AS Monaco (France)	13/1
20	Quaranta, Santino	F	6-1	185	10/14/84	Baltimore, Md.	D.C. United	11/0
21	Evans, Brad	M	6-1	160	04/20/85	Phoenix, Ariz.	Seattle Sounders	0/0
22	Arnaud, Davy	M	6-0	165	06/22/80	Nederland, Texas	Kansas City Wizards	2/0
23	Busch, Jon	GK	5-10	165	08/18/76	Albany, N.Y.	Chicago Fire	1/0

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3): Jon Busch (Chicago Fire), Troy Perkins (IK Start), Luis Robles (FC Kaiserslautern)
DEFENDERS (7): Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Jay Heaps (New England Revolution), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaellands), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Davy Arnaud (Kansas City Wizards), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Colin Clark (Colorado Rapids), Sam Cronin (Toronto FC), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders), Stuart Holden (Houston Dynamo), Logan Pause (Chicago Fire), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)
FORWARDS (5): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Charlie Davies (Hammarby IF), Santino Quaranta (D.C. United)

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM STAFF
Head Coach: Bob Bradley (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
Assistant Coach: Mike Sorber (St. Louis)
Assistant Coach: John Hackworth (Bradenton, Fla.)
Goalkeeper Coach: Zak Abdel (Laverne, Calif.)
Fitness Coach: Pierre Barrieu (Redondo Beach, Calif.)
General Manager: Pam Perkins (Redondo Beach, Calif.)
Trainers: Ivan Pierra (Los Angeles), Dave Andrews (Seattle), Jim Bollinger (Philadephia), Kevin Sells (Los Angeles)
Doctors: Mike Morris (Seattle), Arthur Bartolozzi (Philadephia), Adam Bennett (Chicago)
Chiropractor: George Billauer (Los Angeles)
Equipment Manager: Tim Cook (Hermosa Beach, Calif.)
Videographer: Alejandro Becker (Hollywood, Calif.)
Video Coordinator: Mark Liskevych (Chicago)
Press Officer: Michael Kammarman (Chicago)

Confed Cup Scouting Report

2009-06-14T21:43:00.001-07:00

Confederation Cup 2009
South Africa

Bob Bradley will get his chance to flex his muscles against a set of top teams on the international stage when the US prepares to face Italy, Brazil, and Egypt in the upcoming 2 weeks. Coming off an impressive come-from-behind victory against Honduras last weekend at Soldier Field, the Nats will see what they are truly made of against the worlds' best.

We were headed towards a repeat of Costa Rica on Saturday when Carlos Costly scored inside the first 10 minutes. But the boys rallied with goals from Landon Donovan and Carlos Bocanegra to secure 3 points and another priceless qualifying win. Sloppy? Maybe. But, then again many CONCACAF Qualifiers tend to migrate in that direction. We dominated play after the opening moments, and stunned the largely Honduran crowd to put us in the driving seat of our own fate in qualifying. But, the focus has turned from qualifying for next summers' biggest stage to a Confederation Cup that lets teams set the tone for the World Cup in June. Bradley selected a side that you have to think will be very close to that team that will travel a year from now.

GK: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa, England), Tim Howard (Everton, England), Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern, Germany)
DEF: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes, France), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (Midtjylland, Denmark), Jay DeMerit (Watford, England), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard Liege, Belgium), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock, Germany), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United, England), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MID: Freddy Adu (AS Monaco, France), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers, Scotland), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach, Germany), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus, Denmark), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Jose Francisco Torres (Pachuca, Mexico)
FOR: Jozy Altidore (Xerez, Spain), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Charlie Davies (Hammarby, Sweden), Clint Dempsey (Fulham, England), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

First, Bradley & Co. face the overwhelming test against the defending World Cup Champions, Italy. Any American fan will surely recall our last meeting in Germany, where we came from behind to draw 1-1 with 9 men, truly a fantastic moment in US Soccer. We also couldn't forget the nasty, nasty behavior of the Azurri in Kaiserslautern. Danielle De Rossi's vicious elbow on McBride's precious eye has forever stamped a place in the mind of US fans, and we will be looking to show that 1-1 is just a taste of what we can produce. Diving, spitting, shit-talking, and various other outlandish behavior is to be expected from the dirty Europeans. The strong line-up suggests that Lippi will not be in a generous mood.

GK: Amelia (Palermo), Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Galatasaray).
DEF: Cannavaro (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Lione), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Santon (Inter), Zambrotta (Milan).
MID: Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan).
FOR: Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Pepe (Udinese), Quagliarella (Napoli), Rossi (Villarreal), Toni (Bayern Monaco).

Next, the Americans face the most decorated club in this event, along with the World Cup, Brazil. Obviously, Brazil could be labeled as the World's best team, but recent results show otherwise. Consistency is the major issue with the South American's, who seem to be struggling themselves in qualification. But, coming off a 4-0 win against Uruguay, the Brazilian's will not be lacking confidence. With names like Robinho, Gilberto Silva, Luis Fabiano on your team sheet, you can't rightfully say that they aren't talented. Considering the competition that this club has for squad, expect them to come out with an attacking mentality.

GK: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Gomes (Tottenham Hotspur), Victor (Gremio)
DEF: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Alex (Chelsea), Juan (AS Roma), Lucio (Bayern Munich), Luisao (Benfica), Kleber (Internacional), Andre Santos (Corinthians).
MID: Anderson (Manchester United), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (VfL Wolfsburg), Ramires (Cruzeiro), Elano (Manchester City), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Julio Baptista (AS Roma), Kaka (AC Milan)
FOR: Alexandre Pato (AC Milan), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Internacional), Robinho (Manchester City)

Lastly, with perhaps our best chance for 3 points, we face Egypt. People seem to be count out the Egyptians, but make no mistake that this team has excellent attacking options. One name that is surely to make an impact, is that of Mohamed Zidan. The Borussia Dortmund striker has put in some impressive performances in the Bundesliga. This tricky fixture will, figures crosses, will not be a consolation for the US.

GK: Essam Al Hadari (Sion, Switzerland), Abdul Wahed Al Sayed (El Zamalek), Mohamed Sobhi (Ismaily), Al Hani Soliman (El-Ittihad Alexandria)
DEF: Hani Said (El Zamalek), Mahmoud Fathallah (El Zamalek), Wael Gomaa (Al-Ahly), Sherif Abdul Fadhil (Ismaily), Ahmed Said (Haras El Hodood), Ahmed Al Muhammadi (ENPPI), Sayed Moawad (Al Ahly), Hazem Emam (El Zamalek), Ahmed Samir Farag (Ismaily)
MID: Ahmed Fathi (Al Ahly), Mohamed Shawki (Middlesbrough, England), Hosni Abd Rabu (Al Ahli Dubai, United Arab Emirates), Ahmed Khairy (Ismaily), Mohamed Soliman (Ismaily), Abdul Aziz Tawfiq (ENPPI), Ahmed Hassan (Al Ahly), Mohamed Aboutrika (Al Ahly)
FOR: Ahmed Eid (Haras El Hodood), Mohamed Zidan (Boroussia Dortmund, Germany), Mohamed Abougreisha (Ismaily), Ahmed Abdul Ghani (Haras El Hodood), Ahmed Raouf (ENPPI), Ihab Al Masri (Arab Contractors), Mohamed Mohsen Abou-Grisha (Ismaily)

This, for much of the US squad, is the chance for the US to stamp their places in the side. Obviously names like Onyewu, Bocanegra, Donovan, Dempsey, and Howard have their spots all but secured. Other names like Feilhaber, Bornstein, Beasley, and Clark will have something to prove. We realistically should expect 3 points against Egypt, and a result from the other 2 matches would be an uplift. This is a true test of Bradley's willingness to experiment and establish the best team possible. We have done well against these teams in years past, and with the whole world watching, should be up for these games.

Drink to ease your nerves if you must, that's what we do. That's the way we like it.

Come on US. Let's do this shit!

US Roster for Confederations Cup

2009-06-09T08:35:00.001-07:00

U.S. Men's National Team Roster
2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
June 14-28, 2009 - South Africa

No.	Player Name	Pos.	Ht.	Wt.	Birthdate	Hometown	Club	Caps/G
1	Howard, Tim	GK	6-3	210	03/06/1979	North Brunswick, N.J.	Everton FC (England)	39/0
2	Bornstein, Jonathan	D	5-9	145	11/07/1984	Los Alamitos, Calif.	Chivas USA	15/1
3	Bocanegra, Carlos	D	6-0	170	05/25/1979	Alta Loma, Calif.	Stade Rennais (France)	67/11
4	Casey, Conor	F	6-1	170	07/25/1981	Denver, Colo.	Colorado Rapids (MLS)	10/0
5	Onyewu, Oguchi	D	6-4	210	05/13/1982	Olney, Md.	Standard de Liege (Belgium)	42/5
6	Pearce, Heath	D	5-10	175	08/13/1984	Modesto, Calif.	Hansa Rostock (Germany)	23/0
7	Beasley, DaMarcus	M	5-8	145	05/24/1982	Ft. Wayne, Ind.	Glasgow Rangers (Scotland)	87/17
8	Dempsey, Clint	F	6-1	170	03/09/1983	Nacogdoches, Texas	Fulham FC (England)	51/13
9	Davies, Charlie	F	5-10	160	06/25/1986	Manchester, N.H.	Hammarby IF (Sweden)	6/1
10	Donovan, Landon	F	5-8	150	03/04/1982	Redlands, Calif.	Los Angeles Galaxy	110/39
11	Wynne, Marvell	D	5-9	170	05/08/1986	Poway, Calif.	Toronto FC	3/0
12	Bradley, Michael	M	6-2	175	07/31/1987	Manhattan Beach, Calif.	Borussia M'gladbach (Germany)	29/5
13	Clark, Ricardo	M	5-10	150	05/10/1983	Jonesboro, Ga.	Houston Dynamo (MLS)	19/1
14	Califf, Danny	D	6-1	175	03/17/1980	Orange, Calif	FC Midtjylland (Denmark)	23/1
15	DeMerit, Jay	D	6-0	185	12/04/1979	Green Bay, Wis.	Watford FC (England)	10/0
16	Kljestan, Sacha	M	6-1	150	09/09/1985	Huntington Beach, Calif.	Chivas USA	17/3
17	Altidore, Jozy	F	6-1	175	11/06/1989	Boca Raton, Fla.	Xerez C.D. (Spain)	11/6
18	Guzan, Brad	GK	6-4	210	09/09/1984	Homer Glen, Ill.	Aston Villa FC (England)	12/0
19	Adu, Freddy	M	5-8	140	06/02/1989	Potomac, Md.	AS Monaco (France)	13/1
20	Torres, José Francisco	M	5-7	135	10/29/1987	Longview, Texas	C.D. Pachuca (Mexico)	5/0
21	Spector, Jonathan	D	6-0	180	03/01/1986	Arlington Heights, Ill.	West Ham United (England)	13/0
22	Feilhaber, Benny	M	5-9	150	01/19/1985	Irvine, Calif.	AGF Aarhus (Denmark)	17/2
23	Robles, Luis	GK	6-1	180	05/11/1984	Fort Huachuca, Ariz.	FC Kaiserslautern (Germany)	0/0

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Luis Robles (Kaiserslautern)
DEFENDERS (8): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Danny Califf (Midtjylland ), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Freddy Adu (AS Monaco), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca)
FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez), Conor Casey (Colorado Rapids), Charlie Davies (Hammarby), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy)

U.S. MEN’S NATIONAL TEAM STAFF
Head Coach: Bob Bradley (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
Assistant Coach: Mike Sorber (St. Louis)
Assistant Coach: John Hackworth (Bradenton, Fla.)
Goalkeeper Coach: Zak Abdel (Laverne, Calif.)
Fitness Coach: Pierre Barrieu (Redondo Beach, Calif.)
General Manager: Pam Perkins (Redondo Beach, Calif.)
Trainers: Ivan Pierra (Los Angeles), Jim Bollinger (Philadelphia)
Doctor: Michael Gerhardt (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
Chiropractor: George Billauer (Los Angeles)
Equipment Manager: Tim Cook (Hermosa Beach, Calif.)
Video/Content Coordinator: Mark Liskevych (Chicago)
Videographer: Alejandro Becker (Hollywood, Calif.)
Press Officer: Michael Kammarman (Chicago)

U.S. Men’s National Team 2009 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Time / Result	TV / U.S. Goal Scorer(s)	Venue; City
Jan. 24	Sweden	3-2 W	Kljestan (3)	The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
Feb. 11	Mexico*	2-0 W	Bradley (2)	Columbus Crew Stadium; Columbus, Ohio
March 28	El Salvador*	2-2 T	Altidore, Hejduk	Estadio Cuscatlán; San Salvador, El Salvador
April 1	Trinidad & Tobago*	3-0 W	Altidore (3)	LP Field; Nashville, Tenn.
June 3	Costa Rica*	1-3 L	Donovan	Estadio Ricardo Saprissa; San Jose, Costa Rica
June 6	Honduras*	2-1 W	Donovan, Bocanegra	Soldier Field; Chicago, Ill.
June 15	Italy #	8:30 p.m. / 2:30 p.m. ET	ESPN	Loftus Versfeld; Tshwane/Pretoria
June 18	Brazil #	4 p.m. / 10 a.m. ET	ESPN2	Loftus Versfeld; Tshwane/Pretoria
June 21	Egypt #	8:30 p.m. / 2:30 p.m. ET	ESPN2	Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace; Rustenburg
July 4	Grenada ^	6 p.m. PT	TBD	Qwest Field; Seattle, Wash.
July 8	Honduras ^	9 p.m. ET	TBD	RFK Stadium; Washingon, D.C.
July 11	Haiti ^	7 p.m. ET	TBD	Gillette Stadium; Foxborough, Mass.
Aug. 12	Mexico*	TBD	TBD	Away (Venue TBD)
Sept. 5	El Salvador*	5:30 p.m. MT	ESPN Classic/Galavision	Rio Tinto Stadium; Sandy, Utah
Sept. 9	Trinidad & Tobago*	7 p.m. ET	ESPN Classic/Galavision	Away (Venue TBD)
Oct. 10	Honduras*	TBD	TBD	Away (Venue TBD)
Oct. 14	Costa Rica*	TBD	ESPN2/Galavision	RFK Stadium; Washington, D.C.

US v Honduras Scouting Report 6/6/09

2009-06-04T20:38:00.001-07:00

US v Honduras
6.6.09
Soldier Field - Chicago, IL

Bob Bradley and company faces its' 2nd WCQ in 4 days when Honduras travels to the 'Windy City' on Saturday. The US got it all wrong in San Jose on Wednesday night, falling with embarrassment to a less-than-stellar Costa Rican side 3-1. American fans had little to cheer for as Landon Donovan slotted home a questionable penalty in stoppage time. His goal got little more than a few sarcastic cheers from both home and away fans, as the US never looked likely to get a result.

Bob Bradley will surely be under the microscope after such a dismal performance. We were lacking in all aspects of the park, from our dreadful back-line to our non-existent attack that yielded 2 shots on goal for 90 minutes. "Pathetic" seemed to be the word coming from the mouths of every supporter across the board, and who can blame them? We lacked formation, drive to go forward, creativity, and conformity. Simply put, we must do better in Chicago if we are to reclaim our position atop the CONCACAF qualifying group.

Beasley was again very shaky at left back, Wynne repeatedly gave acres of space to Alvaro Saborio, and Mastroeni looked lost. Torres didn't play horribly, but then again didn't show a lot. Michael Bradley had difficulty distributing the cluttered midfield, and Donovan was again ineffective. We can't have any excuses, we just didn't perform. Every American was left looking at each other after each goal with the blank, stunned look on their face.

Team Sheet:
GK: Guzan, Howard
DEF: Bocanegra, Bornstein, Califf, DeMerit, Onyewu, Pearce, Spector, Wynne
MID: Adu, Beasley, Clark, Edu, Feilhaber, Mastroeni, Kljestan, Torres
FOR: Altidore, Ching, Davies, Dempsey, Donovan, Casey

The surprise inclusion of Conor Casey will not affect the team here. The US boss must look to his bench for a player to fill the huge void that Michael Bradley has left, after receiving a booking in 2 successive matches leaves him unavailable through suspension. Kljestan will surely be his replacement, but one wonders if the Sacha/Pablo partnership is really ready for this stage. Whatever the lineup, Bob better lick his wounds and get a result here. Anything less than 3 points, and Bob could be counting his days with the badge on his sleeve.

The US' fantastic record in home qualifying matches is no accident, and a weakened Honduras squad should pose minor problems. Roger Espinoza has great attacking ability as a left-footed winger, but should be dealt with. David Suazo, Amado Guevara, and Ramon Nunez are all gifted players. However, Boca and Gooch should regain their partnership after the drubbing in Costa Rica, and lead us to another home shutout (both of our home WCQ's have been clean sheets).

Come on boys.

Scouting Report writing by Chris Donahoo, to contact him about feedback email chris@theamericanoutlaws.com

3-1 drubbing from Costa Rica at Home

2009-06-04T18:11:00.000-07:00

Supporters,

As I write today I am pretty humbled. Last nights match had an eerie feel to it, we were out-matched out-hustled and out-coached in my opinion. I really haven't been more dejected, disgusted with effort, or felt more helpless since the opening game of Germany 06 against the smelly Czechs. Every step we took was wrong, every ball we played was weak. We were in front of a hostile crowd and didn't even make it 80 seconds into the match, in all honesty, we simply panicked. That was not the US side that I know and follow all over the world. THESE THINGS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED AND FIXED BEFORE AFRICA, not to throw a wrench into your travel plans but if we don't address and figure some of this shit out immediately, you will need to change your flights to South Africa June 09, not June 2010.

With this said, I (as a US supporter till the day I die) will assume that we needed this. The passion, grit, and heart that we played with after the Czechs against the Italians was magnificent, quite frankly it was one of the best nights of my life. I suspect that we will bounce back and run the home table on the way to Africa 2010. I love our yanks, they will not let us down like that again. They have too much spirit, too much pride for our country, too much dedication to the true fans out there . I will see all of the outlaws in Chicago tomorrow night to begin the festivities. Anyone not making the trip for the Honduras game, I wish you were there, we will be extra fucking loud for those that aren't, and chances are I will have way too many beers and will be celebrating late in Saturday.

Cheers outlaws,

Zach Stivrins

US v Costa Rica Scouting Report

2009-06-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

US v Costa Rica
6.3.09
Estadio Ricardo Saprissa - San Jose, Costa Rica

The United States faces a stern challenge on Wednesday night in San Jose, Costa Rica. Unlike the Earthquakes, this team holds a fantastic home record in competitive matches, and no visiting team will be assured of three points here. The US is 0-6-1 facing Costa Rica away, and will be looking to avenge their 3-0 drubbing in the corresponding fixture last time out. The monsoon rain climate in the middle of their rainy season, in combination with crappy Astroturf will create an unusual obstacle for our boys, not to mention the insane atmosphere with the fans just a few feet off each endline. Boca and company have their work cut out for them.

Costa Rica a few notable players to look out for. The always-aging Walter Centeno has been impressive in years past, but does he still have that flare? Freddy Fernandez has also put some quality performances in for the Ticos alongside Centeno. Andy Furtado has scored 2 goals thus far in qualifying. Young talents Brian Ruiz and Celso Borges shouldn't pose too much of a problem for the US, but then again neither should El Salvador.

On the other side, Bob Bradley faces some of the most difficult selection challenges he has been presented with since being named boss in 2007. Some of the US squad is nearing fitness, and with many players arriving in the camp late, it will be a difficult deed to name his team. In fact, 5 key players are carrying yellow cards into this game; Onyewu, Hejduk, Dempey, Altidore, and Bradley will all be looking to avoid another booking which will bench them for Saturday's encounter with Honduras in Chicago. Hejduk is ruled out and Altidore is coming off a toe surgery that could limit his contribution.

Team Sheet:
GK: Guzan, Howard
DEF: Bocanegra, Bornstein, Califf, DeMerit, Onyewu, Pearce, Spector, Wynne
MID: Adu, Beasley, Bradley, Clark, Feilhaber, Mastroeni, Kljestan, Torres
FOR: Altidore, Ching, Davies, Dempsey, Donovan, Johnson

American fans will surely be feeling a sense of anxiety before this fixture. Much like El Salvador and Guatemala, the stadium will contain tense surroundings. Many fans would be happy with a point from this game, considering the circumstances . Although they are ranked 41st currently in FIFA rankings(26 behind the US), they are clearly a huge test for any team at home. Hopefully the distraction of Peter Nowak leaving his post as assistant coach will not affect this game. Really Pete? Just couldn't put off that Philly job for one more week?

Whatever the result, whoever plays, we love any man who puts on that jersey. Aside from the drunken comments made by an anonymous AO podcaster (Chris Donahoo of Overland Park, KS), we love this team with everything we have. Grab your beers, smuggle your champagne into your watch parties, and prepare your taxi rides home, for this will surely be a nerve-racking evening.

COME ON YOU F'in YANKS

Scouting Report is written by Chris Donahoo, if you have any questions or feedback contact him at chris@theamericanoutlaws.com.

American Outlaws Podcast Series - Episode 1

2009-05-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

The American Outlaws Podcast, with passionate fans, regular fans, ranting about US Soccer, and anything related to US Soccer.

theamericanoutlaws.com/AO%20Podcast%20Series/American%20Outlaws%20Podcast%20-%20May%202009.m4a

Korey Donahoo & Chris Donahoo
Hosted by: Zach Stivrins
Produced by: Brunken

American Outlaws Podcast Series will be available for download on Itunes soon. Make sure to subscribe when it gets up on Itunes.
(We will let you know)

Previously Recorded May 9th, 2009
--Bear with us on this podcast, quality of sound will improve and music will be added for future AO podcasts.

Bradley's 24 Man Roster for June Qualifiers

2009-05-25T08:42:00.000-07:00

U.S. Men's National Team Roster vs. Costa Rica and Honduras
May 26-June 6, 2009

Players Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthdate Hometown Club Caps/Goals
Adu, Freddy M 5-8 140 06/02/89 Potomac, Md. AS Monaco (France) 12/1
Altidore, Jozy F 6-1 175 11/06/89 Boca Raton, Fla. Xerez C.D. (Spain) 9/6
Beasley, DaMarcus M 5-8 145 05/24/82 Ft. Wayne, Ind. Glasgow Rangers (Scotland) 85/17
Bocanegra, Carlos D 6-0 170 05/25/79 Alta Loma, Calif. Stade Rennais (France) 65/10
Bornstein, Jonathan D 5-9 145 11/07/84 Los Alamitos, Calif. Chivas USA 14/1
Bradley, Michael M 6-2 175 07/31/87 Manhattan Beach, Calif. Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germany) 28/5
Califf, Danny D 6-1 175 03/17/80 Orange, Calif FC Midtjylland (Denmark) 23/1
Ching, Brian F 6-1 195 05/24/78 Haleiwa, Hawaii Houston Dynamo 36/9
Davies, Charlie F 5-10 160 06/25/86 Manchester, N.H. Hammarby IF (Sweden) 5/1
DeMerit, Jay D 6-0 185 12/04/79 Green Bay, Wis. Watford FC (England) 9/1
Dempsey, Clint F 6-1 170 03/09/83 Nacogdoches, Texas Fulham FC (England) 49/13
Donovan, Landon F 5-8 150 03/04/82 Redlands, Calif. Los Angeles Galaxy 108/37
Edu, Maurice M 6-0 170 04/18/86 Fontana, Calif. Glasgow Rangers (Scotland) 11/1
Feilhaber, Benny M 5-9 150 01/19/85 Irvine, Calif. AGF Aarhus (Denmark) 16/2
Guzan, Brad GK 6-4 210 09/09/84 Homer Glen, Ill. Aston Villa FC (England) 12/1
Hejduk, Frankie D 5-8 155 08/05/74 Cardiff, Calif. Columbus Crew 84/7
Howard, Tim GK 6-3 210 03/06/79 North Brunswick, N.J. Everton FC (England) 37/0
Mastroeni, Pablo M 5-10 170 8/26/1976 Phoenix, Ariz. Colorado Rapids 63/0
Kljestan, Sacha M 6-1 150 09/09/85 Huntington Beach, Calif. Chivas USA 16/3
Onyewu, Oguchi D 6-4 210 05/13/82 Olney, Md. Standard de Liege (Belgium) 40/5
Pearce, Heath D 5-10 175 08/13/84 Modesto, Calif. Hansa Rostock (Germany) 23/0
Spector, Jonathan D 6-0 180 03/01/86 Arlington Heights, Ill. West Ham United (England) 12/1
Torres, José Francisco M 5-7 135 10/29/87 Longview, Texas C.D. Pachuca (Mexico) 4/1
Wynne, Marvell D 5-9 170 05/08/86 Poway, Calif. Toronto FC 2/1

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION
GOALKEEPERS (2): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa: 5/3 SO), Tim Howard (Everton: 9/7 SO)
DEFENDERS (9): Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes: 19/2), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA: 1/0), Danny Califf (Midtjylland: 4/0), Jay DeMerit (Watford: 1/0), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew: 17/2), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege: 14/1), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock: 9/0), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United: 2/1), Marvell Wynne (Toronto FC: 0/0)
MIDFIELDERS (8): Freddy Adu (Monaco: 5/1), DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers: 24/6), Michael Bradley (Borussia Mönchengladbach: 9/4), Maurice Edu (Rangers: 4/0), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus: 0/0), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA: 9/0), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids: 13/0), José Francisco Torres (Pachuca: 4/0)
FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (Xerez: 6/5), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo: 15/6), Charlie Davies (Hammarby: 1/1), Clint Dempsey (Fulham: 15/4), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy: 28/9)
*numbers indicate all-time World Cup Qualifying caps/goals

Head Coach: Bob Bradley (Manhattan Beach, Calif.)
All-time Record: 24-8-4
World Cup Qualifying: 9-1-1

Interesting Article on World Cup Tickets

2009-05-07T21:37:00.000-07:00

Interesting was the number of applications for TST for England. If they give out, say, 20,000 TSTs to England fans, that’s about a 1 in 11 shot, and England was the most heavily sought after team. I assume we weren’t in much demand, so you would think 1 in 2 people wanting USA TSTs would get them.

----------------------------------------------------------

Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System
Date: 04 May 2009
Title: Second phase of 2010 tickets kicks off
--------------------

Johannesburg - The second round of ticket sales for the 2010 FIFA World Cup has started, with approximately 100 000 tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis.

As of noon (Central European Time) on 4 May 2009, ticket applications can be made via www.fifa.com or at any First National Bank (FNB) branch in South Africa.

South Africans who apply at FNB branches must present a valid form of identification, while foreigners who apply at FNB branches must show their passports, reports SouthAfrica.info.

Those who apply on behalf of friends or family must provide their names, nationalities, dates of birth and identity numbers.

Each applicant can apply for up to four tickets per match and up to seven matches in total. Ticket prices start at US$20 (R140).

Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their application within 10 working days, and tickets will be available for collection from FIFA's venue ticketing centres from April 2010 onwards.

For more information the public can go to www.fifa.com.

The second round of ticket sales runs until 16 November 2009 - or until tickets made available for the second round run out.

Two more sales phases - a random selection followed again by a first-come, first-served phase - will follow the World Cup Final Draw, in which the 32 participating teams will be drawn into eight groups for the tournament.

The first of these will run from 5 December 2009 to 22 January 2010, and the second from 9 February to 7 April 2010.

Finally, if there are still any tickets left over, these will be sold in a "last minute" round of sales running from 15 April to 11 July 2010.

In the first round of ticket sales, over 1.8-million ticket applications from 205 countries were received. Of these, a total of 555 871 tickets were successfully drawn.

South Africans accounted for 245 948 or 44 percent of these ticket sales, followed by the United States (69 208 tickets), United Kingdom (39 421 tickets) and Germany (29 330 tickets).

From the applications received, the most popular team was England, with 228 822 team-specific tickets requested and 8 895 successfully awarded.

Not surprisingly, the World Cup final was the most heavily oversubscribed match, by a factor of 3 000 percent. - BuaNews

Gold Cup Announced & AO Interview

2009-04-04T16:42:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone that went to nashville game and our events and enjoyed the 3-0 domination of T&T by The US and the Hat Trick Hero Altidore. Let us know what you thought: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/60206/american-outlaws-game-day-experience

--------------------------------------

Gold Cup Games Announced:

July 4
US vs. Grenada
Qwest Field, Seattle, WA

July 8
US vs. Honduras
RFK Stadium, Washington DC

July 11
US vs. Haiti
Gillette Stadium; Foxborough, Mass.

---------------------------------------

Also check out Korey and our Houston Chapter head Whisky Sam talk about The American Outlaws on The Game Radio show in Houston: http://thegame.podbean.com/2009/03/30/soccer-show-3-30-2009-2nd-seg/

Thanks,
Justin Brunken

American Outlaws T-Shirt Gets Published

2009-03-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

American Outlaws T-Shirt Design by Jeremie Memming, gets published: http://www.zeixs.com/books_logo2.php, look at bottom right square.
Thanks Jeremie,
Granted it is in a German Publication, but that's ok. That just means we are taking over the world, not just the US.

This also reminds me to thank all of our talented friends who have helped us through out the last 2 years, we wouldn't be where we are with out you guys.

If you would like to wear this piece of history, visit: http://www.theamericanoutlaws.com/content/view/50/45/

US Game Venues for Gold Cup Predictions

2009-03-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

Hey American Outlaws,

Gold Cup Venues for this summer were announced, with a record number 13 cities going to be involved. Check all of them out here:

http://www.concacaf.com/competitions/goldcup/2009/venues.aspx

The teams have already qualified, but what teams are in what groups, and who is playing in what cities hasn't been announced, but that doesn't mean there aren't any predictions going around.

I seems to look like US will be in Group B, which will be playing Seattle on July 4th, DC on July 8th, and in Boston on July 11th. Winner of Group B, likely to play in Philadelphia, and then semis in Chicago, and final in New York.

This isn't a guarantee, but it looks very possible. Not sure what type of team we will be bringing to the Gold Cup, since we are playing for nothing, but it will be a good chance for more people to see our boys play. We might be playing some young players for Bob Bradley to get a feel for some players on the bubble of being on the World Cup Team.

We will let you know when it gets announced.

Look forward to another US v Mexico match, which might be the only really important game, which would be important only for pride sack.

Here continues an amazing year of US Soccer.

Brunken

Random Points from the Mexico Game

2009-02-12T21:49:00.000-08:00

Like a lot of US fans, I am coming down after an engrossing couple of days in Columbus. Here are some random things that come to mind from the game:

-I was excited by our quick, one-touch passing for large stretches of the game. It was a little worrisome, though, that it wasn't coming from some of our younger players, such as Jozy and Rico, although you could argue they weren't given much time to do anything.

-Heath Pearce did the job defensively but was very wasteful with the ball.

-This was the largest U.S. supporters section ever to witness a home game.

-It would be hard to find someone I dislike more than Rafa Marquez.

-It would be hard to find anyone I love more than Frankie Hejduk or Michael Bradley.

-It was a wonderful feeling walking out winners 2-0, but I will likely first think of the march from the bar into the ensuing hail monsoon first when I think back on this game.

-Had a chance to say hi to a few of the players at the hotel after the game. We support a bunch of descent, friendly guys.

-Much props to US Soccer, who treated us very well through the ticketing process.

I'm gonna hit the sack feeling very fulfilled. Many thanks to everyone who contributed to such a glorious night.
Korey

2009-02-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

USA v Mexico (World Cup Qualifier)
02/11/09 Columbus Crew Stadium, Columbus, OH

AO SCOUTING REPORT

The Big One

Put on your seatbelts, kids. It’s the match we’ve all been waiting for, US v Mexico WCQ in Columbus. Last time out, the mighty
yanks qualified for Germany with a sound 2-0 performance with goals from Steve Ralston and Damarcus Beasley. The US will expect
a similar result against a Mexican squad looking to avenge their lackluster pre-qualifying campaign. Mexican boss Sven Goran-Erikson
has done little right since joining with “El Tri” last year, and will need a miracle to bring down a US team brimming with confidence.
It has been said that if Sven can’t beat the US here, he will be out of a job. The US is coming off an 8-0-2 record against the Mexicans
on home soil since 2001, and the Mexicans will need something amazing to break down the US defense that has been brilliant in
recent outings.

The US has come off a solid qualifying campaign. Clearly, the Bocanegra-Onyewu backline has left little to the imagination, but will
surely be tested in Columbus. Dos Santos should get a run-out, and will put Gooch’s speed on trial. But who will start alongside
Michael Bradley in the heart of the midfield? Very likely Sacha Kljestan, after his hat-trick performance against Sweden, with Ching
and Dempsey up front. Bob Bradley clearly recognizes the magnitude of the match at hand, and has proved successful in the past.
No-one could forget Benny Feilhaber’s volley to seal the Gold Cup in 2006, and US fans will be looking to Bob Bradley to deliver once
again.

The US squad is as follows:

GK: Tim Howard, Brad Guzan
DEF: Carlos Bocanegra, Jonathon Bornstein, Danny Califf, Frankie Hejduk, Oguchi Onyewu, Heath Pearce
MID: Damarcus Beasley, Michael Bradley, Ricardo Clark, Sacha Kljestan, Robbie Rogers, Jose Francisco Torres, Marvel Wynne,
FOR: Josmer Altidore, Brian Ching, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan

Projected line-up:

T.Ho
Hejduk, Boca, Gooch, Pearce
Beasley, Bradley, Donovan, Kljestan
Dempsey, Ching

Make no mistake, this game has social, cultural, and political value along with the football. The US/Mexico rivalry surely ranks among
the top in the world. Therefore, expect an extremely tense atmosphere at Columbus Crew stadium on Wednesday. These 2
CONCACAF dominates have struggled to prove superiority for years, and will continue to forever. Anyone who is anyone will
appreciate what is at stake on Wednesday, bragging rights to the region that will content for 2010 in South Africa.

Expect a chilling occasion both on the pitch and off the pitch.

Full roster info below:
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Birthdate Caps/G Hometown Club
Altidore, Jozy F 6'1" 175 11/06/89 6/2 Boca Raton, Fla. Xerez C.D. (Spain)
Beasley, DaMarcus M 5'8" 145 05/24/82 82/17 Ft. Wayne, Ind. Glasgow Rangers (Scotland)
Bocanegra, Carlos D 6'0" 170 05/25/79 62/10 Alta Loma, Calif. Stade Rennais (France)
Bornstein, Jonathan D 5'9" 145 11/07/84 14/1 Los Alamitos, Calif. Chivas USA (MLS)
Bradley, Michael M 6'2" 175 07/31/87 25/3 Manhattan Beach, Calif. Borussia Mönchengladbach (Germ.)
Califf, Danny D 6'1" 175 03/17/80 22/1 Orange, Calif. FC Midtjylland (Denmark)
Ching, Brian F 6'1" 195 05/24/78 32/9 Haleiwa, Hawaii Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Clark, Ricardo M 5'10" 150 05/10/83 16/1 Jonesboro, Ga. Houston Dynamo (MLS)
Davies, Charlie F 5'10" 160 06/25/86 5/1 Manchester, N.H. Hammarby IF (Sweden)
Dempsey, Clint M 6'1" 170 03/09/83 46/13 Nacogdoches, Texas Fulham FC (England)
Donovan, Landon F 5'8" 150 03/04/82 105/37 Redlands, Calif. Bayern Munich (Germany)
Guzan, Brad GK 6'4" 210 09/09/84 11/0 Homer Glen, Ill. Aston Villa (England)
Hejduk, Frankie D 5'8" 155 08/05/74 81/6 Cardiff, Calif. Columbus Crew (MLS)
Howard, Tim GK 6'3" 210 03/06/79 35/0 North Brunswick, N.J. Everton FC (England)
Kljestan, Sacha M 6'1" 150 09/09/85 13/3 Huntington Beach, Calif. Chivas USA (MLS)
Onyewu, Oguchi D 6'4" 210 05/13/82 38/5 Olney, Md. Standard de Liege (Belgium)
Pearce, Heath D 5'10" 175 08/13/84 21/0 Modesto, Calif. Hansa Rostock (Germany)
Rogers, Robbie M 5'10" 165 05/12/87 1/0 Huntington Beach, Calif. Columbus Crew (MLS)
Torres, José Francisco M 5'7" 135 10/29/87 2/0 Longview, Texas Pachuca (Mexico)
Wynne, Marvell D 5'9" 170 05/08/86 2/0 Poway, Calif. Toronto FC (MLS)

US v Sweden & Sacha Show

2009-01-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

US - 3
Sweden - 2

A good win to start of the year and a good confidence booster before the all important Mexico Game February 11th. US won 3-2, from a hat trick from Sacha Kljestan, his first and the 11th of US Soccer. US dominated most of the game, which is a good sign from a young team, comprised of domestic players with most of them, less then 10 caps.

The games first goal, was the best. An amazing free kick from Sacha about 30 yards out. I didn't think Sacha had it in him, but it looks like he might be heading to Celtic, especially after that performance. Our offense looked good, but are young defense looked like they could have dominated a little more and not let in 2. I have to give Sweden credit for coming trying to come back, but it was never in doubt.

I hope everyone had a blast either at their respective viewing parties or at the game. We will see you in Columbus.

Below is the Match Report from ussoccer.com

Thanks and enjoy,
Brunken

Match: United States Men's National Team vs. Sweden
Date: January 24, 2009
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: The Home Depot Center; Carson, Calif.
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. PT
Attendance: 9,918
Weather: 59 degrees, mostly cloudy

Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
USA 2 1 3
SWE 0 2 2

USA – Sacha Kljestan 17th minute
USA – Kljestan (PK) 40
SWE – Daniel Nannskog (Alexander Farnerud) 73
USA – Kljestan (Brian Ching) 74
USA – Mikael Dahlberg (Farnerud) 89

Lineups:
USA: 1-Troy Perkins; 12-Marvell Wynne, 2-Danny Califf (capt.), 4-Michael Parkhurst (3-Ugo Ihemelu, 82), 6-Jonathan Bornstein (15-Chris Wingert, 79); 17-John Thorrington (20-Chris Rolfe, 61), 13-Ricardo Clark, 16-Sacha Kljestan, 30-Robbie Rogers (22-Brian Carroll, 69); 10-Charlie Davies (27-Kenny Cooper, 46), 11-Brian Ching (29-Eddie Gaven, 77)
Subs not used: 18-Jon Busch
Head Coach: Bob Bradley

SWE: 12-Johan Dahlin, 7-Markus Jonsson, 8-Marcus Lindberg, 9-Max von Schlebrügge, 5-Adam Johansson; 10-Andreas Dahl (14-Rasmus Elm, 62), 6-Daniel Andersson (capt.) (13-Martin Ericsson, 71), 20-Gustav Svensson, 16-Samuel Holmén (15-Alexander Farnerud, 62); 11-Mikael Dahlberg, 19-Daniel Nannskog
Subs not used: 1-John Alvbåge, 2-Patrik Anttonen, 3-Rasmus Bengtsson, 4-Mattias Bjärsmyr, , 17-Andreas Johannson, 18-Andreas Landgren, 21-Denni Avdic
Head Coach: Lars Lagerbäck

Stats Summary: USA / SWE
Shots: 13 / 9
Shots on Goal: 6 / 6
Saves: 3 / 3
Corner Kicks: 7 / 1
Fouls: 15 / 15
Offside: 2 / 5

Misconduct Summary:
SWE – Daniel Andersson (caution) 27th minute
USA – Danny Califf (caution) 59

Officials:
Referee: Silviu Petrescu (CAN)
Assistant Referee 1: Hector Vergara (CAN)
Assistant Referee 2: Darren Clark (CAN)
Fourth Official: Baldomero Toledo (USA)

ussoccer.com Man of the Match:
Sacha Kjestan

February 11th: Looking Forward

2008-12-03T06:04:00.000-08:00

On September 3rd, 2005 I attended my second U.S. National Team match, a World Cup qualifier against Mexico in Columbus, Ohio. My first was the friendly against England in May of the same year, during which I sat in the upper level of Soldier Field opposite Sam’s Army. The English fans impressed me with their songs and passion and I was able to hear little more from the U.S. supporters than the faint beat of a drum and the occasional “USA” chant. In Columbus my seats were again opposite Sam’s Army but, to my surprise, I saw in the home end a section of thousands of rabid U.S. fans who stood, jumped and chanted through the entire game, drowning out the Mexican fans and creating a true home atmosphere for the U.S. team. It was a perfect match in almost every way; the weather, the supporters and the result; qualification for the World Cup comes only once every four years and doing it against our fiercest rival to the tune of a familiar, 2-0 scoreline couldn’t have been sweeter. Once the fireworks had ended and the players had taken their victory lap, I had only one regret – that I hadn’t experienced the match with those supporters in the home end of the stadium. I had good seats and was able to hurl some newly-learned insults in Spanish at the Mexicans in my section but I wanted to be with people who, like me, took the support of a soccer team more seriously – and obviously had a lot more fun doing it.

Roughly three-and-a-half years later, it is once again time to get ready for the home qualifier against Mexico. I’ve been to ten U.S. matches since then, standing for all of them in the U.S. supporter’s section. I’ve seen the birth and success of the American Outlaws, a supporter’s group that shares not only my passion for U.S. Soccer but my attitude as well. Although it’s not yet official, we can optimistically assume that the match will again be at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. The weather won’t be perfect, at least not by neutral standards, but we can make sure that the atmosphere and support will. And this time, barring an act of God, I will be there, standing and singing in the U.S. supporter’s section.

It’s been a while since I last took the time to post a blog entry. I’d like to blame it on my busy schedule and it’s true; it’s hard to find the time between work, my band, school, my soccer team and my slightly excessive drinking habit to sit down and come up with anything more interesting or thoughtful to say than, “Thank god Guatemala’s not in the hex.” But I’ll be honest, the real reason for my lack of posting (other than the fact that the head haunchos at American Outlaws haven’t asked us to) is pure laziness. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve spent many hours driving to work every day coming up with intriguing – no, brilliant! – things to say and write about, only to have them die slow, painful deaths through the course of my day. Seeing as the MLS season has ended and we’re less than three months away from the hex and the most important match in two-and-a-half years, now seemed to be a good time to fire up Microsoft Word and see if I remember how to type. At least I can get it out of the way before I add “plan trip to see Mexicans freeze their chalupas off” and “buy presents for people I see twice-a-year” to my schedule.

I was ecstatic to learn that we’d be playing Mexico in February. I’ve always wished I had been to the cold war in Columbus in 2001, the match that ushered in the “dos a cero” era. This is a great chance for newer fans like us to experience the same kind of game in the same atmosphere and hopefully, see a similar result. After seeing the advantages of heat, altitude and smog used by Mexico at Azteca, I find it satisfying to know they’ll have to play the game outside of their own element in unfavorable conditions.

I have to point out that the date of the match presents the U.S. team with an interesting set of issues. We look solid in the back and I don’t see any reason to change the lineup here. Howard, Cherundolo, Onyewu, Bocanegra and Pearce are all playing in colder environments in Europe, with the slight exception of Bocanegra in France; they are all getting consistent playing time and look to be in good to great form. Pearce is the exception in this case, but his consistent performances for the national team clearly make him our best choice at left back.

The question is more difficult to answer in the center of midfield. Whether or not Mastroeni would be the right choice for this match is a moot point, given his suspension due to yellow card accumulation. Here more than anywhere, the MLS off season becomes an issue. Ricardo Clark (yes, Ricardo Clark) has been our most consistent CM against Mexico since Bradley took over as coach (full 90 in the friendly in Arizona, subbed in for Mastroeni at halftime of the Gold Cup final, 79 minutes in the friendly in Houston). His off season fitness, however, makes him a questionable pick. A lot will depend on his performance in the January camp and friendly.

Michael Bradley has started the most consistently of late and he is getting a decent amount of playing time for his club in a cold environment, but his experience against Mexico is limited to the friendly in Houston in which he was subbed off in the 63rd minute after a poor performance. His replacement, Benny Feilhaber, taught us an important lesson: When playing the 4-4-2 “empty bucket” formation against quality oppostion, we need a playmaker in the midfield. Despite his lack of form, Feilhaber’s attack-minded presence kept the Mexicans honest and put a stop, at least momentarily, to their domination of the run of play.

It’s been said that Sacha Kljestan is the new Benny Feilhaber, and that probably isn’t too far off the mark. Sacha has been that playmaker as of late and has put in some solid performances for the full national team late in the year. He has to be considered an option, though fitness in the MLS off season again raises questions. He’s not the most consistent of players and being out of form could make him a defensive liability. My hope is that he’ll be transferred during the January window to a club in Europe where he can train and, hopefully, get some starts under his belt.

Maurice Edu is training with a good club in a cold environment but is getting precious little playing time. I believe his future is bright and that he is likely to be an outstanding, 1st-team defensive midfielder for the U.S. but, unless he starts getting real playing time for Rangers in the next couple months, he is not the best choice to start.

Of course, the necessity for a central midfield playmaker in the 4-4-2 is a moot point if we don’t play a 4-4-2, which is a solution Bob Bradley has discovered in some of the qualifiers in the second half of the year. In the 4-5-1 Donovan becomes the playmaker as an attacking midfielder and the central midfielders focus more on defense; although even in this case, Bradley has chosen Kljestan as one of those CM’s, adding more weight to our attack. I think the 4-5-1 is our best option against Mexico, as Donovan gets to play his preferred position and we have two players who can focus on stopping Mexico’s attack and also have the option to get forward. Playing Bradley and Clark didn’t work in the friendly in Houston; but if Donovan is used as an attacking midfielder, the game changes. Unless Kljestan can maintain form or Edu can find it, I think it’s what we’ll see.

As for the rest of the midfield, Beasley seems to have the left side locked up. Training and playing, though inconsistently, in a cold environment, his partnership with Donovan and his successful performance against Mexico in Columbus in 2005 make him a pretty clear choice. Donovan is also a sure thing, barring injury, either on the right or, as I hope, as an attacking midfielder. Skipping the MLS off season to join Bayern Munich was a great decision, in my opinion, and one that should keep him in form and get him used to the cold. Who knows if he’ll be successful or get a tremendous amount of playing time, but sitting around watching his wife suck at acting in the Los Angeles weather could easily have left him unprepared to play the most important match of the year in the Ohio winter. Sorry Bianca.

In a 4-5-1 with Donovan as the AM, the right side presents a question. All of our options, including Donovan, lack strong defensive capabilities but offer a good amount of speed and punch in the attack. Dempsey is getting some playing time in a somewhat colder environment and is the most likely candidate. He’s looked good in the past and, when it comes to the national team, has performed solidly this past year. Kljestan is another option and it remains to be seen if he’ll stay with MLS or go this winter; yet another option is (surprise surprise!) Freddy Adu. The only thing more unexpected than seeing Kljestan start on the left and Adu on the right against Guatemala, was how well it worked. I guess that’s why I’m not the coach. As interesting as either of these options would be, I expect to see Dempsey on the right and it’s probably the pick I would make.

And finally, the forwards. The important thing to remember here is that Bradley loves Ching. It’s not a completely unjustified love, either, as Brian Ching has both a great ability to hold up the ball (essential in the 4-4-2) and a great partnership with Landon Donovan. His weakness, as we all know, is his ability to finish with any part of his body other than his head or his ass. It should also be noted that the Dynamo will begin the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League in late February and may begin training in late January or early February – they certainly should and will if they have any memory of how MLS teams, including themselves, have performed in later stages of past competitions. This could make Ricardo Clark and Brian Ching at least slightly more viable options. In a 4-5-1 I’m less a fan of Ching but I just don’t think we’ll see Coach Bob deviate from the past. I would be excited to see Altidore or Cooper up top, but I just don’t see anyone taking Ching’s spot when the most important game of the year is played at the beginning of the year before we’ve had a chance to give anyone else a serious look in a truly competitive match.

So, in case I don’t get around to posting again before the 25th or the American Outlaws top brass tells me my services are no longer desired, I’d like to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Joyous Kwanza, or (insert your well-intentioned, seasonal greeting of choice) to all the Outlaws out there; may your stockings be stuffed with jerseys, scarves, calendars, airline miles and match tickets. It’s a jungle out there this time of year, drive safely and don’t get trampled to death in any Wal-Marts – you’re no good to us dead! We’ve got the most important match of qualification coming up in February, make sure you get there in one piece… well, make sure you get there.

- Ben Girard

You should read this

2008-06-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

"US Allen 23" came up with this

I feel that we can use this.

Unassociated Supporters of US Soccer (USUSS)

We will:
Attend every possible game (especially against Mexico).
Stand in the Supporters end of the stadium.
Sing and chant for as long as we possibly can.
Watch every game that we cannot attend on TV.
Bring new people to every game we attend.
Wear red, white or blue, as long as it is in support of the Nats.
Befriend anyone wearing the US Soccer crest.
Assist SA and OA when the US plays in our hometown.
Meet and after before games at Pubs and/or Tailgates.

We Will Not:
Wear our club colors, while supporting the US.
Throw any object on the field, other than streamers.
Perform any act that embarrasses the US or our fellow supporters.
Tolerate racial comments or acts.
Have an issue with SA, OA or any other group who supports the US.

Membership:
No fees or actual membership will be accepted.
Is open to anyone who loves our team and our country
Members are encouraged to join any or none of the other supporters groups.
Meetings and coordination will be held on BigSoccer.com.

Goals:
Support our boys, while they represent us.
Finally establish a “Home field advantage” when we play on US soil
Broaden the awareness of the US National Team

Like I said I did not write this

But This is what we should be about

Coachgi

What Really Matters

2008-06-06T16:05:00.000-07:00

Up to this date, I've had to do at least a small amount of thinking in order to decide upon topics for each of my blog entries. I've considered what others were writing about, what was relevent at the time, and what I wanted to say. However, when I read that my next entry was due on June 6th, I needed no further suggestions. Since every member of the American Outlaws is, by default, American; and presumably proud to be so, this is a good day to step back from the world of soccer and remember what really matters - and who we have to thank for this country of ours.

On the morning of June 6th, 1944, more than 70,000 Americans prepared to participate in the largest sea-land invasion in history, the invasion of Nazi-controlled Normandy, France. On a day that would become known to history simply as "D-Day," approximately 6,600 of those Americans were killed, wounded or taken prisoner as the Allied forces fought to gain a foothold on continental Europe. American airborne soldiers, dropped behind enemy lines in the pre-dawn hours and tasked with securing exit routes for forces landing on the beaches only a few hours later, found themselves scattered, lost, and in many cases, alone. On the beach codenamed "Omaha," the first waves of infantry units came ashore in the face of stiff, immediate German resistance. Hundreds were killed before exiting their landing craft or shortly thereafter. Many drowned in the English Channel, having been rendered unable to swim by their heavy equipment, or by their wounds. With the sea behind them and German fortified machine guns in front of them, the soldiers who made it ashore on Omaha Beach in those first hours found themselves hopelessly pinned and unabled to communicate, their leaders often lost or killed. General Omar Bradley, in charge of the assault, considered abandoning the beach.

The late historian Stephen E. Ambrose believed it was the uniquely American determination and initiative of these soldiers that saved the operation from failure. The men of the 101st and 82nd Airborne divisions banded together in ad-hoc, intermingled groups and marched on to their objectives, often tens of miles away. They fought in hastily constructed units, often with men whom they had never met, and secured the all-important areas behind the beaches. Men came together in a similar fashion on Omaha Beach, slowly forming units on their own initiative and fighting their way over the seawall, often up steep cliffs, and off the beach before attacking and defeating German units from the rear. Though very little about D-Day went according to plan, by the end of the day the allies had secured their beachhead and begun the fight to liberate Europe and defeat Nazi Germany.

Though the anniversary of D-Day has little to do with soccer, it is important for us as Americans to remember the men and women of the armed forces, both past and present, who have defended our country and made it possible for us to enjoy its freedoms; including the freedom to travel to a soccer match and support our team. And it is because of these Americans that we should be proud to live in a nation for whom so many have been willing to fight, and to die. When we support our team and our country, we should always remember those whose sacrifices have made it possible to do so. They are the reason our team can be proud to wear the red, white and blue, and they are the reason we can be proud to sing and cheer in their support.

-Ben Girard

Sam's Army vs American Outlaws?

2008-05-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Let me say this......It dose not matter.

For those of you who don't know what I am talking about,

There has been a debate on Bigsoccer about this topic,

And believe me, It dose not matter.

The only thing that dose matters is do you support US SOCCER.

Thats it.

Thats all that matters.

I am proud to say I am a card holding member of Sam's Army.

And a proud member of The American Outlaws.

Also The SoCal Brigade.

The only thing I do care About is this,

Getting people to the game and root for the US,

And as long as these groups do this,

I am ALL IN.

Note

June 15

HDC

I will see you there

Came up and say Hi

Coachgi

Player Pool Breakdown

2008-05-16T07:33:00.001-07:00

Bob Bradley released his 33 man player pool for the upcoming friendlies last night. While the usual suspects made the list there are certainly some surprising inclusions. By position:

(note: I went ahead and put players where they likely will play i.e. Donovan in the midfield)

GOALKEEPERS: Dominic Cervi (Out of Contract), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Tim Howard (Everton FC), Troy Perkins (Valerenga IF), Chris Seitz (Real Salt Lake)

Bradley has gone away from the experienced keepers for now but I don't read too much into that. If we needed a win in a qualifier and Howard wasn't available I'm pretty sure he'd still call in Keller or Hahnemann. The only two from this group I think see the field are Howard and Guzan.

DEFENDERS: Carlos Bocanegra (Fulham FC), Dan Califf (FC Midtjylland), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Jay DeMerit (Watford FC), Frankie Hejduk (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (Standard de Liege), Michael Orozco (San Luis), Heath Pearce (Hansa Rostock), Jonathan Spector (West Ham United)

I'm ecstatic that Frankie Hejduk got the call-up here, especially as he was arguably our best defender in the Gold Cup and has played consistently well for the Crew. It's also nice to see Orozco get the call-in after his very impressive Olympic qualifying performance. Other than these two there are not any huge surprises. Cory Gibbs evidently didn't show Bradley much in the Poland camp to warrant playing time or a call back for the friendlies, which is too bad as he seemed poised to make his MNT comeback.

MIDFIELDERS: Freddy Adu (SL Benfica), DaMarcus Beasley (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Bradley (SC Heerenveen), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham FC), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Toronto FC), Benny Feilhaber (Derby County), Eddie Gaven (Columbus Crew), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Eddie Lewis (Derby County), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew)

Great to see Beasley back with the Nats after having to watch Bobby Convey vs. Mexico. It's somewhat surprising to see Feilhaber called in after his long, strange season with Derby and omission from the Olympic qualifiers. As an experiment, Bob Bradley should give Edu, Feilhaber, and Clark the start in one game each alongside Michael Bradley. This may be the best way to determine who our two center mids are going into WC qualifying. The only major surprise to me from this group is Eddie Gaven. Not sure he brings anything to the table whatsoever. The player who I'm most ready to see out of this group is Robbie Rogers. With Beasley coming back from injury and Eddie Lewis being so old, I'm really hoping Rogers sees some playing time on the left wing. Too bad Stuart Holden didn't get the call-up but his time will definitely come.

FORWARDS: Jozy Altidore (New York Red Bulls), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Nate Jaqua (Out of Contract), Eddie Johnson (Fulham FC), Josh Wolff (1860 Munich)

Pretty average group of forwards but it's what we've got. I think our best option is probably Adu-Altidore or Dempsey-Altidore but we'll see how it plays out.

Overall I am happy with this group. Some players seem to have been called in just to get a closer look for the Olympics (Cervi, Seitz, Gaven, Kljestan) but nonetheless should benefit from any full national team experience. The roster for the England game, which will include approximately 22 players, is due out next week. Here is my best guess (what I think Bradley will actually do):

----------------Howard-----------------
Dolo-------Boca-------Gooch-----Pearce
------------Bradley----Edu-------------
Dempsey------------------------Donovan
------------Altidore----Ching------------

Bench: Guzan, Hejduk, DeMerit, Spector, Beasley, Adu, Clark, Mastroeni, Lewis, Feilhaber, Wolff

-Believe me, I cringe when I look at this line-up too. Same back line as the Poland friendly, and same outside mid combination due to Beasley not being 100%. I think Bradley has enough confidence in Jozy to start him up top but I don't think he is as willing to start Freddy. Altidore replaces EJ from the Poland line-up and Edu replaces Clark (two changes that I feel he will make). I'm hoping for something a little different (see my last blog "Daydreaming") but we'll see what happens. Regardless of who plays I don't think I've ever been this pumped for a friendly, and I really think we can pull it off in London. Only 12 more days!
--Outlaw Veteran

Cool Heads, Clenched Fists

2008-05-02T12:53:00.000-07:00

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)

O when the yanks!

2008-04-28T19:09:00.001-07:00

Outlaws!! The time is now!

With International Competitions in sight and World Cup Qualifiers around the corner it is time for Outlaws to unite, plan, and save up to support our NATs in their pursuit for the cup! Before you know it the US Men's National Team will be battleing for a spot in the 2010 FIFA World Cup which will be held in South Africa. At this time there is nothing more important on an Outlaws list of things to do then to set plans with fellow outlaws, future outlaws, family and friends on supporting our nations team in their pursuit of qualification. The video above depicts the support the US had in Nurnberg, Germany before their hard fought loss to Ghana. The March of us supporters and the original outlaw crew, (I remember seeing the guys from Nebraska my group and I found the pre party pub with them). The march was longer then the camera can see and it that lasted for probably twenty plus minutes growing every block. Us Yanks marched from the pub, through the streets, into the subway, onto the subway, out of the subway, and into the stadium. O when the yanks go marching in... how I want each and every one of you to be in that number supporting our team all the way to South Africa.

It is now time to discuss, organize, and plan how you will support the NATS on their long and hard fought road to South Africa. Everything from putting together a chapter, joining the outlaws, organizing a public viewing at your local pub, or simply telling your friends that they should save up some money to go to a game "it has to start somewhere, it has to start sometime, what better place then here, what better time then now" -Rage Against the Machine

-OUTLAW AJACK

"the shirtless guy"

When we roll into town

2008-04-21T18:29:00.000-07:00

Anytime that we roll into town for a US game, I always feel that no one knows we are here.

Its time we change that.

1. The local group

You must rally the troops in your home town.

From the Pub Crawl, To the Tailgate, the march to the game, and yes the victor party.

Please make it easy to find everything and bring a lot of people.

2 Bring people

If your in town or out of town, Bring people. It dose not matter if they are fans or not, because once they came to a game, they will want to come back.

3 Wear your Gear

Wear your Red, White and Blue the whole time your in town.

4 Talk the game up

When your out and about

Tell people why your here,

Tell them about the Outlaws,

Tell them to go to the game.

5 Sign and Flag

Bring US Flags and signs.

The Signs need to be about your chapter, your town or just rooting on the US.

OK and how we always beat mexico.

Dress up our section.

6 Drums and Voices

Look there is nothing that I F&*^ hate more then when our section is Quite.

We need to Put as many Drums In the middle of the section and hit those damn thing from the warm ups until the end of the game.

The rest of us need to sing, chant, and yell. If you don't lose your voice your doing something wrong.

Share the PASSION,

Bring it to every GAME,

Because if we dont,

Who will?

Coachgi

Daydreaming

2008-04-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

For starters, I'd like to apologize for including Eddie Johnson in the honorable mention section of my top 10. Won't happen again. That being said, I will be the biggest EJ fan tomorrow for Fulham assuming he plays. The game against Reading is essentially Fulham's last gasp to avoid relegation so they need whatever help they can get. We have reached a dead period of sorts in the national team schedule, so I figure now would be the best time to examine the future of the team and some possible line-ups for the upcoming friendlies and qualifying. Here is my ideal line-up with an eye towards the future:

----------------Howard-----------------
Dolo-------Boca-------Gooch-----Pearce
------------Bradley----Edu-------------
Donovan-------------------------Beasley
------------------Adu-------------------
----------------Altidore-----------------

-To me, the only question about this line-up is Left Back. Pearce has played pretty well in the past couple friendlies and I think he'd get the nod over Bradley's boy Jonathan Bornstein. You may be asking yourself where is Clint Dempsey. As much as I love Deuce I think he may be the odd man out in the future especially as Freddy and Jozy continue to develop. This is a very young and dangerous line-up, one I feel is capable of beating England. Howard is a monster in goal and the backline is solid. In the midfield you have two very good Defensive Mids in Bradley and Edu and plenty of speed on the outside with Donovan and Beasley. Up top, we just let Freddy go to work and allow him to connect with Jozy as they did in the U-20 World Cup. If nothing else, it would make for some exciting, fast-paced soccer. Let me know what you guys think about this line-up and post your ideal line-ups in the comments section.
--Outlaw Veteran

2008-04-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

USA 3: Poland 0

My time in Poland was pretty much defined by this. I had orginally heard about the game and decided that I needed to get there by any means possible. It really wasn't too hard for me after all since I am living in the middle of Slovakia until July (I teach English at a high school here). I met up with a group of 4 other Americans through contacts on the bigsoccer.com forum section. One of our group members had secured tickets from the federation since the ticket process was all in Polish and quite a debaucle. There had been reports that it had sold out, and there was people telling us that there would be seats available. US Soccer pointed us to the Polish federation and they directed us right back. Needless to say, we scored 7th row tickets near the half line. We met up before the game to get some dinner and have a few drinks (I usually feel loosened up and ready to sing after a few brews). I knew I was going to have to be on my A game if we were to be heard at all. From the reports I heard, we were pretty much going to be the only American contingent. We walked to the stadium decked out in our US gear and started singing some songs. I have never felt so singled out in my life. I had also heard rumors that the Polish fans were a pretty rough crowd. So I had to keep my eyes out for trouble so I wouldn't end up under a few thousand Polish boots. We made it to the stadium with no altercations. Just Poles trying to outsing us. We were so out of place it was crazy. We were in a sea of Red and White. No blue in sight. We, on the other hand opted for more of a Blue, Red, and White look. Really outlining the odd color out of Polands Red and White duo. The national anthems were played (although the US anthem was played rather quickly) and the game got underway. Everytime the US did something good apparently we were on tv (as reported to me by prime US soccer supporters watching the game in Minnesota). The Polish photographers were also snapping pictures of us throughout the game since the 5 of us were louder than our section. That wasn't true for the rest of the stadium though. We had to pick when they weren't screaming to counter-attack. For the most part we had some very well-placed cheers and chants. After the game I switched game scarves with a Polish fan that asked me to. We left the stadium and decided to have a victory beer, then go to the USA team's hotel and see if we could catch a glimpse of them. We ended up seeing almost all of them and I got to get pictures with most and talk to some of them. I asked Heath Pearce how his situation was going at Rostock. He gave the classic "my coach doesn't believe in me so I am working hard to stick it to him" answer. It was nice to hear that. I hope he finds his way to a team that appreciates his services.

As for the game itself, I thought it was an excellent result given the current state of the Polish team. They qualified top of their group over Portugal taking 4 points off of them. Maybe they underestimated us, who knows. Many people were saying that Leo Beenhaker was going to blow Bob Bradley out of the water with his superior tactics. Others argue that we only scored on set plays. This may be true, but a goal is a goal. A converted opportunity is a converted opportunity. The object of the game is to score, no matter how it goes in. Say what you will, this was an excellent result that will hopefully give the US some confidence to take on true world super powers in Spain and England. A result from even one of these games will surely turn some more heads. Spain is sure to bring a nearly full squad to prime themselves for the Euros this June. England, on the other hand, will just have to saddle up and play for pride since their arrogance has kept them out of the Euros. I am not belittling Croatia at all because they deserved to get in. But I digress...The Poland win was a great result on Euro soil. End of story.

Until next time...

Qualifying for the Olympics

2008-03-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

In the summer of 1996 I was twelve years old. I was an honor student and loyal boyscout, as well as one of the finest 1st year trumpet players at my school. My favorite foods were pizza and cookies n’ cream ice cream and my favorite band, I’m still ashamed to say, was Hootie and the Blowfish. I had been raised to be unquestioningly proud of my country, my family and my school. I was sure to attend an illustrious college where I would meet and marry the girl of my dreams, before beginning my career as America’s next great author. The life I lived was unrealistically simple, and my mind was utterly unquestioning. It was exactly one year before punk rock would tear through my life like a rabid gorilla on experimental steroids.

For a young, simple, unquestioningly patriotic mind like mine, the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia were the most fascinating, glorious, awe-inspiring spectacles fathomable. I had looked forward to them for years. I made sure to see the torch when it passed through St. Louis. Once the games started I watched NBC’s coverage religiously, taping what I couldn’t see live. I whistled the Olympic theme song in summer day camp until the counselors forbade it. I remember watching Michael Johnson win gold medals in the 200 and 400 and Amy Van Dyken win four gold medals in swimming. I practically bounced off the walls of my family’s living room when Kari Strug landed a dismount on a broken leg to secure a gold medal for U.S. Women’s team gymnastics; and yes, I cheered for the U.S. when we won the first Olympic gold medal for women’s soccer.

As puberty and punk rock took a collective stranglehold on my life the Olympics, along with patriotism, pride and hope, fell off my radar. The trumpet was replaced by the electric guitar, honor grades were replaced by an apathetic 2.3 grade point average, sports were replaced by vandalism and punk rock shows, and Hootie and the Blowfish were replaced by the Ramones and the Stiff Little Fingers... okay it wasn’t all bad. It wasn’t until after the 2002 World Cup thatI began to take an interest in U.S. Soccer, although even this has to be attributed in some measure to punk rock, as it is the goal of many American punk rockers to emulate the British as much as possible.

Almost 12 years after the 1996 Olympic Games, I found myself in Nashville, Tennessee, again rooting for potential American Olympians. This of course was last week, at the CONCACAF U-23 Championship semi-final against Canada. The three of us who drove the five hours from St. Louis to Nashville were myself; Justin, in my mind one of the best drummers you’ll find in a U.S. Supporter’s section; and our friend Johnny, the self-proclaimed U.S. Soccer cowboy. We met at a bar across the river from LP Field with other supporters, who included four more from St. Louis, about ten from New York, several from Nashville and at lest one each from Chicago and Atlanta. I apologize to anyone whom I’ve left out, as I know there were more. The New Yorkers, I believe, knew each other as Red Bull fans, and many of them had traveled to Montreal to support the U-20's in the World Cup last year. There is no doubt that these NewYorkers brought the noise, and much of the fantastic support you could hear on Fox Soccer Channel’s broadcast is credible to them. They came up with many of the songs, provided a strong base of voices and clapping, and generally kept the supporter’s section riled up. The fantastic drumming was that of Justin, and the smoke bombs... well let’s just say they were from St. Louis, too.

My life isn’t what I thought it would be 12 years ago. In some ways worse, in some ways better, but all-around more realistic. My patriotism has been back for a few years now; someone once told me that you have to hate the country before you can truly love it. I allow myself to take quiet pride in certain elements of my life, and believe that there is hope for myself, my country, and yes, for U.S. Soccer. In the 90th minute of last Thursday’s game, with the U.S. up 3-0 and having virtually secured a place in this summer’s Olympics, the New Yorkers led us in the singing of the Olympic theme song. As I belted it out with them, it was impossible not to be reminded of the summer of ‘96. Though I can’t be sure where my life is going, I have as good an idea as I've had since that summer twelve years ago. And I can say honestly that, for the first time since that summer of 1996, I am looking forward to the Olympics.

Ben Girard (aka BMGSouthCity)

what have we done?

2008-03-19T10:26:00.000-07:00

I ask you this, US soccer Fan,

What have we done to unite us.

A simply question,

With a simply answer.

We have to work together.

Yes, it would be helpful if the US Soccer Federation would help,

But this is not going to happen.

The American Outlaws have on there myspace page

"Unite & Strengthen..."

And thats what you need to do.

There are far to many support groups in this country not do this.

From to Screaming Eagle to Section8

and new Groups Like the Sons Of Ben.

We need to find the time and Unite all.

I know this will not be easy.

But it has to be done.

By Coachgi

Ajack

2008-03-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Soccer is my life, i've been apart of the sport since I could walk...

MN Thunder supporter

5 US Nats caps

Germany 06' 3 caps

my other two caps came in Chi-town with Chicago Mexico and Brazil

I meet some of the outlaws in Germany and meet up with them again in Chicago... Then at the Brazil game became an outlaw til i die. I like the organization of the supporters and am proud to contribute to it's growth.

Favorite players are Twellman, Gooch, and Dempsey... But most of all my favorite team is the US Men's national team.

Favorite Cheer "AMERICA!! _____ Yeah!" it's just so much fun to yell randomly at the tailgate.

Ginger Kid

2008-03-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

My name is Eric Gunderson. I have been involved in soccer for as long as I can remember, but it was not really followed by anyone in the family so I really had no connection to anyone with soccer heritage until I got to high school. It was the summer between my junior and senior years in high school when the "middle of the night" World Cup was held. I begged my parents to get cable so I could watch it, and after brokering a deal had one of the most memorable summers of my life watching nearly every minute of the World Cup and absolutely every second of the United Stateˇs historic run. It is all history after that, I knew my destiny. I also figured out that no one would really know about the Nats if I did not turn them on to it. The big five sports really have a strangle hold on sports in America and our grassroots movement will hopefully bring football mainstream. We create so much buzz at the games. Let us create more. Let us be frightful. Let us be Outlaws.

Caps: 3 (WC 2006)

Relegated to Insignificance?

2008-03-09T06:09:00.000-07:00

If it is not for the World Cup hype or Olympic drama every 4 years, MLS soccer news, or the acknowledgement of Americans playing soccer abroad, I think many of our oblivious compatriots would not even know how to spell "soccer." I know that through this forum, we collectively hope to enlighten this cohort, at least just a little bit. It does not mean they have to be as passionate as I am or we are, but at least APPRECIATE "The Beautiful Game," just like we appreciate other American "mainstream" sports. Although, our self-imposed challenge becomes more daunting in the face of a curious trend . . . the relegation threat of top flight teams with significant American contributors on their roster.

While we must endure the cyclical nature of the "soccer buzz" with the "seasonal" World Cup, Olympics, and MLS, Americans are playing soccer all year long around, especially around the globe. However, nobody would necessarily know that . . . except us, of course. Besides the blatant ignorance that plagues our beloved sport in America, there is something more disconcerting to me.

During the last 5 years or so, even the complete "soccer ignoramus" could recite the names: Landon Donovan, Clint Mathis, Tony Meola, etc. With the USA still reeling from its disappointment in Germany, it seems that we do not hear as much about our boys abroad anymore. The one "Posh Boy Toy" we are hearing about is David Beckham. Now, do not get me wrong, I respect Beckham, and I like what he is doing for THE LEAGUE. Yes, there is a "bigger picture" here, which I think a lot of people do ignore. It is not all about results on the pitch, but WORLDWIDE EXPOSURE FOR THE LEAGUE! Has anyone noticed the difference between the LA Galaxy pre-season and the rest of MLS? The LA Galaxy's pre-season has been TELEVISED (albeit at lousy times for North Americans) during Pan-Pacific and China tours.

This is a global game with a global player market. If the MLS wants to be considered "a player" in this global soccer market, then MLS must think and appeal globally, along with a worthy domestic complement. Do you think the EPL, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, La Liga, etc are comprised purely of English, German, Italian, French, and Spanish nationals on their club rosters?! C'mon!!

Admittedly, I am most familiar with the EPL, as it is granted comparatively superior exposure here in the USA on stations like Fox Soccer Channel. If you refer to the linked list of American players abroad, you will see the majority are in the English leagues, with a handful of them in the EPL. The Bundesliga is a close second. So, these two leagues are good examples for the point I am FINALLY going to explain . . .

According to the linked list of American soccer players abroad, a significant 62% (13) of the players in the English leagues are currently representing in the EPL. Of the teams currently in the EPL (arguably the most popular foreign top-flight soccer league), Bolton, Fulham, and Derby are currently in descending order of rank, occupying the 18th, 19th, and 20th spots respectively in the EPL table as of the date and time of this blog entry. These three teams comprise 6 of these 13 players (46%) abroad. Remember the ol' "80/20" cliche? Bristol City, Stoke, and Watford occupy the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd spots respectively in the Championship division, with only one American (Jay DeMerit) represented at Watford.

IF relegation and promotion were decided at this instant, according to the linked list, we would have a net loss of five (5) Americans from the EPL, resulting in a drop from 62% to 38%. If you apply the same logic to the Bundesliga, we begin with only 22% of all Americans in the German leagues playing in the Bundesliga. Immediate relegation and promotion in this league would not change anything as there are no Americans on the rosters for German clubs currently in danger of relegation.

What happens to the exposure of American talent in the aftermath of sharp declines in the numbers of Americans representing in the top flight leagues abroad? You think we have a recognition problem now?!?? If the players doing good things are not getting the exposure, then the fans doing bad things will (and unfortunately, are).

WCQ begins for South Africa this summer. Despite the disappointment in 2006, have we not progressed along the "talent curve" enough? Is MLS not pulling its weight in terms of generating talent in this country? This is just not good timing to be doubting our global competitiveness in soccer.

Please do not misinterpret me. I love and support our boys abroad. I really do. Like it or not, they are looked upon as our representatives in their respective top-flight leagues. Consequently, they have been conferred the responsibility of STAYING THERE to help enhance the image and credibility of US Soccer worldwide. It might not be written in their contract, but it is the "unwritten rule" that binds.

It is no secret that America represents the greatest market potential for FIFA and The Beautiful Game. However, how effectively can we cultivate the market with declining American representation in top-flight leagues abroad. I also respect those representing in the lower leagues abroad, but it comes down to media buzz and exposure, and those leagues just do not get it right now.

I cannot blame players for wanting to jump The Pond for a different perspective on the game or a better chance at marketing themselves and honing their craft. The upside of this is that no matter where they are playing abroad, they will bring the experience, work ethic, and skill to the US Soccer talent pool. Regardless of club status, I hope that is worth something as we try to redeem our reputation a little in South Africa. As of this posting, the USA is a respectable 26th in the new FIFA rankings . . . yet Mexico is 16???? How does that work?! :-)

Food for thought . . . GO USA!!

TBY

PS

Do not forget to follow the U23s as qualifying for the Olympics in Beijing will come down to their match against Honduras at 7:00 PM EST on Fox Soccer Channel tomorrow (Saturday), March 15!! We must represent this summer!!!

Top 10

2008-03-07T14:05:00.000-08:00

What up Outlaws? Let me start by saying this is an exciting time to be a U.S. Soccer fan. Between Olympic qualifying next week, alluring spring friendlies, and summer World Cup qualifying, we have plenty to look forward to. This is my first blog so I’ll keep it basic. This is simply a list of my top 10 active Americans. Leave some comments and let me know what you think and what you’d like to see in future blogs. Peace!

1. Tim Howard
-Clear number 1 keeper for a country known for producing world class keepers. Consistently produces for both club and country. Hasn’t reached Brad Friedel status yet but anytime he’s in goal the yanks have a chance.

2. Landon Donovan
-Takes a lot of heat for staying in MLS, but when he is missing from the national team line-up the attacking sorely lacks (see Switzerland and South Africa friendlies).

3. Clint Dempsey
-Just exudes confidence; doesn’t hesitate to go at defenders and seems to have developed a much better feel for the game. Could improve on his finishing.

4. Steve Cherundolo
-Easily the United States best and most consistent defender. Great attacking option making overlapping runs. What he lacks in height he makes up for in technical skill and savvy.

5. DaMarcus Beasley
-Provides plenty of pace on the left wing and is always solid on defense. Could have really used him against Mexico. Here’s to hoping he makes a full and speedy recovery.

6. Carlos Bocanegra
-Has been very solid since his shaky World Cup performance (granted he was playing out of position). Great on free kick situations and one of the team leaders.

7. Oguchi Onyewu
-Gooch also had a rough World Cup and some of that carried over to 2007 in the Gold Cup. His most recent performances have been much better though and he and Bocanegra seem to have the two center-back spots on lock.

8. Michael Bradley
-Wouldn’t mind seeing the Heerenveen version make an appearance for the Nats but Bob Bradley may not allow for that. A potentially great defensive mid though who will only continue to get better with more experience and by cutting down on the bad fouls.

9. Jozy Altidore
-Probably the best young prospect the U.S. has to offer. Reportedly turned down an offer from Real Madrid and nearly made a January switch to Reading. Has a great chance to prove himself in Olympic qualifying and the upcoming spring friendlies. I’d look for him to make a switch in the summer transfer window.

10. Freddy Adu
-After doing some serious work in the u-20 World Cup and transferring to Benfica, Freddy has quieted down a bit. The Olympic qualifying comes at a good time for him to again make a name for himself and hopefully finish the season strong at Benfica.

Honorable mention: Eddie Johnson, Brian Ching, Benny Feilhaber, Brad Guzan

--Outlaw Veteran

Outlaw Veteran Bio

2008-03-01T09:16:00.000-08:00

Outlaw Veteran

Played soccer growing up in Louisiana. The 2002 World Cup is what really got me into the sport and my love for the game has only grown since then. Favorite national team player is Frankie Hejduk. Favorite MLS team is the Houston Dynamo. Attended the past two USA-Mexico games (Gold Cup final in Chicago and friendly in Houston). Currently a student at LSU and an intern for the Baton Rouge Capitals of the USL’s Premier Development League.

Coachgi Bio

2008-03-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

Coachgi
Age 36
From San Diego
Caps 15

We are the reason that US Soccer fan base will grow.
We will give the US a home field that they have never had before.
With Are voices and are passion,
We Will make The American outlaws a true Force.
All I hope when write in my blog is ideas and thoughts that can make the group
better.

Ben Girard Bio

2008-03-01T09:14:00.001-08:00

Ben Girard
Born: May 16, 1984 in St. Louis, MO
Caps: 12

plus 1 MLS All-Star Game and 1 U.S. Women’s National Team match

Played little league soccer from ages 10-13
High school graduate and current college student
Currently playing indoor soccer at Vetta Sports in St. Louis County

I was first turned on to soccer, like many American kids at the time, by the 1994 World Cup. I can remember my father telling me, “Don’t get involved in that game. It’s boring. And the U.S. isn’t even any good.” A year later I was playing on a little league team with my friends from school and regularly attending St. Louis Ambush indoor soccer games.

By the age of 12, however, puberty was turning me into an attitude-laden, mindlessly rebellious little snot; I found no room for soccer in the middle of writing angst-inspired poetry and listening to punk rock music. I was aware of a disappointing World Cup in 1998, but not emotionally invested.

In the summer of 2002 I was 18 and starting to see life as less of a battle. One night, having lost a minor struggle with insomnia, I turned on the television and saw the following score: USA 3, POR 0. Two weeks later I was jumping up and down in the middle of summer school because the idiots calling the USA-Germany match over my radio thought that Tony Sanneh’s header had hit the back of the net, rather than the side of it.

I kept up with U.S. Soccer over the internet, and found myself taking an interest in World Cup Qualifying in 2004 and 2005. The England friendly in May, 2005 was my first match; my second was the USA-Mexico qualifier in Columbus that sealed our place in the 2006 World Cup. That game also endeared me to Sam’s Army, who I joined in 2006 for the friendly against Morocco in Nashville. I have been a member ever since.

I met the American Outlaws at their first game, vs. Brazil in Chicago. I was immediately struck by their dedication, energy and organization; I officially joined them shortly thereafter. I believe they are doing a great service for U.S. Soccer, and I will continue to support them whenever and however I can. The future is bright, my friends.

TrueBlueYank Bio

2008-03-01T09:07:00.000-08:00

TrueBlueYank

When I hear the term “Yank,” referring to us soccer fans “across the pond,” it has special meaning for me. A product of modest upbringing and excellent schooling in New England within an hour’s drive to Beantown, I can “Pahk the cah in Hahvud Yahd,” order “chowdah,” or simply proclaim, “That’s a wicked riot!” I was born the year the United Soccer Association and the North American Soccer League merged to form the modern (but now defunct) NASL.

Eight years later in 1976 (yes, the patriotic Bicentennial year . . . do you remember the special “Spirit of 76” flags?), I began cultivating my passion for the Beautiful Game in the Nashua Youth Soccer League sponsored by the local YMCA. Yes, thanks to my parents, I was also was exposed to sports Americana with tee-ball, town recreational basketball, but never Pop Warner (Hey! My parents were not stupid!). I guess soccer was and still is literally in my blood . . . so is patriotism, and I am not ashamed of that!

To make a long story less long, after several relocations around the East coast, a knee injury, basking in the glow of the 1994 World Cup (and 1998, 2002, and 2006), and even spending some time on the other side of the whistle as a USSF referee, I now find myself south of the Mason-Dixon in Virginia STILL playing competitively . . . and effectively (Thanks to God!). Interestingly, despite my barely detectable dialect now, I am referred to as a “Damn Yank” around these parts, because I am here to stay. So be it! As the saying goes, “ Virginia is for Lovers,” and I love Virginia ! J

I am not some All-American with a glittering soccer resume, BUT I still buy two full season-tickets to the New York Red Bulls (f.k.a. Metrostars). Beginning in 2001, I had a 5-year stint in northern New Jersey . I get up to as many matches as I can, and if I cannot, I try to encourage others to attend, compliments of me. I have been doing this since the 2001 MLS season, but had been following MLS since its inaugural season in 1996. Not to mention, in 2005, I was one of the founding “Charter Citizens” of MetroNation, a supporters club for the Metrostars, who were acquired by Red Bull in 2006. Consequently, we morphed to RagingBullNation (www.RagingBullNation.net), where I contribute as “Chief Toro” in my “BULLog.”

You might be asking yourself, “Why are you so dedicated?” To reference a post by “bmgsouthcity” in this blog forum, there is no other sport in the world that can unite and divide us like soccer. We take the good with the bad, but I for one focus on the positive aspects of the World’s Game. I get chills when I see the starting eleven parade out to midfield, SINGING our national anthem, the camaraderie, the celebration and fanfare, the passion, THE PATRIOTISM. I also respect such elements when respectfully personified by fans of other national teams. I am not ashamed to say I am an American, and I stand and will fight for those spiritual and secular ideals that make this country so great . . . but not perfect. I apologize for digressing. This is my bio, not my presidential speech.

In some ways, I view my generation of players and enthusiasts today’s pioneers and ambassadors of The Beautiful Game. Tony Meola, Jeff Agoos, Eddie Pope, Alexi Lalas, John Harkes, Claudio Reyna, Hugo Perez, and Eric Wynalda et al are all approaching their 40s, now. SHEESH! Through the decades of my involvement in soccer at various levels and in various roles (have never coached, and I am not sure I have the patience to do so), my passion for the Beautiful Game (in all its shapes, sizes, and colors) grew exponentially with my increasing understanding, awareness, and appreciation for soccer worldwide.

While this “growth” has arguably culminated in my unequivocal allegiance to the Boys of the Stars and Stripes, I believe that this forum is perfect for sharing what I have learned and what I do not know with other sports enthusiasts worldwide, with the hopes of continually cultivating my understanding, awareness, and appreciation; and subsequently my passion for The Beautiful Game; and recruiting NEW fans for the Home of the Free, Land of the Brave, and Pitch of the Outlaws! >:-)

I Wants ideas

2008-02-24T11:29:00.000-08:00

Before I start write my blog.

I want to know what people think a American outlaws as a Supports section should be.

What should be the goals and what can we do to make it better?

Why Do You Care?

2008-02-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

We’ve all been asked why we love U.S. Soccer the way we do. Why we are so passionate about a sport we are not supposed to like; why we are so patriotic in a popular culture whose attitude toward patriotism can be described as uncomfortable indifference at best. Why we spend hundreds of dollars to travel the country, to travel abroad, to see a team regarded by much of the world as mediocre-and by some of our countrymen as downright awful. Why we enter a stadium full of our opponent’s fans, knowing we will be the target of curses and random projectiles and that we may be spat upon or assaulted.
Here is your answer.
We love U.S. Soccer because we love this country even if it is socially awkward to do so. We appreciate the freedom to find our own destiny, won by the blood of our forefathers; and a modern economy that makes that destiny exceptional. We support the representatives and defenders of this nation, be they soldiers who risk their lives or soccer players who display our nation’s colors to crowds of hostile foreigners. Players like Paul Caligiuri, Earnie Stewart, Tim Howard and Michael Bradley have worn the red, white and blue with pride, and so do we. We have taken it upon ourselves to ensure that no matter where the representatives of our nation and our game may walk, they will never walk alone.
We love U.S. Soccer because we, like the Americans who have made this country great, are endowed with a uniquely tenacious will to overcome adversity and the strong determination that no achievement is unreachable. This American determination has seen our Founding Fathers risk their lives to stand against tyranny, it has seen the Wright Brothers take to the skies, it has seen Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon and Martin Luther King, Jr. free a people; and it is strong in our hearts and minds as we stand and sing for our soccer team. It is because of this determination that we and the players of the United States Men’s National Soccer team love our game, and why we believe that the USA’s greatest days on the soccer pitch are soon to come. Call us foolish, call us naive, call us out of touch. We are still Americans and we still believe that nothing is impossible.
We love U.S. Soccer because we know that no matter how we follow our team, by car, RV or 737, we will find those who share our passion and our determination; those who will stand with us in the face of a hostile foreign crowd, and who won’t let us down if we are threatened. Whether the person next to me wears a suit to work or an apron is irrelevant, so long as he or she wears the colors of the United States on matchday. These are the people we want to see, the people with whom we wait for months to share a drink and raise our voice in song. For we know that these are the people who, like us, have been so inspired by the spirit and determination of our team in the face of adversity that they risk the bewilderment of their peers in its support.
This is why we love U.S. Soccer, and why we will continue to support our National Team. This is why there are more of us now than there were ten years ago, and why there will be more of us in ten year’s time. We dwell not on a disappointing past, but on today’s potential for a triumphant future. We do it for our team, for our country, and for each other. We are brothers, sisters, countrymen; we are the supporters of the United Sates Men’s National Soccer Team, and we are here to stay.

bmgsouthcity